Gourmet magazine has an entertaining feature in February’s issue about marriage proposals in restaurants: what can go right (an engagement ring cleverly presented in dessert) and what can go so very wrong (the guest accidentally swallowing said ring).

If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, especially an ‘occasion’ or romantic restaurant, you undoubtedly have witnessed one of these events. I once waited on a couple who got engaged at the end of a seven course tasting menu and the guy was so nervous he couldn’t enjoy any of the six very expensive courses before dessert. I presented the dessert that had the ring tucked into it and then had to run away from the table while he got down on one knee, since I felt like a third wheel. The lady, who was slightly drunk and had a spectacular pair of fake breasts on display, cried and jumped up and down and everyone in the restaurant clapped. I found it to be cute and gross at the same time and then spent the rest of the night hoping they’d remember who really made the magic happen that night and leave her a big fat tip.

Most of the working industry folk I know are kind of horrified by these public proposals, although owners seem to think they’re good for business. For me, it’s a very intimate moment being made very public in front of a bunch of people you don’t know and will never see again, which is not really my cup of tea. Everyone’s idea of romance is different (see: “The Bachelor”).

Thoughts? Opinions? Has anyone proposed in a restaurant or is thinking of doing it? Would you even do it on Valentine’s Day? Which restaurant would be the best for a proposal?

Lovin’ Spoonfuls [Gourmet]

Last week, we asked you to tell us your tales of culinary betrayal and woe… you know, when your favorite restaurant or bar has made the mistake of removing a beloved or signature item from the menu?

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a menu of gourmet heartbreak based on your comments. Why shed tears over a lost love when you can cry your heart out over a long-gone Corn Muffin Delight?

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It’s Valentine’s Day and if you haven’t figured out what you’re doing yet, kiss that relationship goodbye and instead come out Johnny Goodtimes Lonely Hearts Club Quizzo. There will be questions regarding murder, divorce, bad love songs, and bitterness. He’s upstairs at the Good Dog at 8 and at the Bards at 10:30.

Could you love someone who eats meat if you’re a vegetarian? Would you forgive your man if he acts like a swine, but not if he eats it? Or what if you’re kosher and she’s not?

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the NY Times has an article on the role food plays in relationships:

No-holds-barred carnivores, for example, may share the view of Anthony Bourdain, who wrote in his book “Kitchen Confidential” that “vegetarians, and their Hezbollah-like splinter faction, the vegans … are the enemy of everything good and decent in the human spirit.”

Returning the compliment, many vegetarians say they cannot date anyone who eats meat. Vegans, who avoid eating not just animals but animal-derived products, take it further, shivering at the thought of kissing someone who has even sipped honey-sweetened tea.

Could you date someone who didn’t share your culinary leanings? Or marry them? It certainly makes picking a place to go out on Valentine’s Day more complicated.

Then again, if Mayor Nutter, who does not eat meat, can dine at Morton’s for the sake of bringing City Council together, then maybe vegans and carnivores can make sweet omnivorous love.

I Love You, but You Love Meat [NY Times]

We’ve recently updated the Foobooz Valentine’s Day Guide, look for the graphic next to updated entries.

Valentine’s Day Guide

It’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. No matter what you think of it, we’ve got you covered from the most romantic meals,the best deals and even events for the single.

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Couldn’t make it out for Valentine’s because of the snow? Bridget Foy’s and many other restaurants have extended their special menus through the weekend.Additionally Paper Street’s big blowout party set yesterday for North Bowl was postponed till Sunday.

See all the details in the Foobooz Valentine’s Guide.

Photo via the Metro.

Turning your nose up at all the Valentine’s Day expensive prix fixe menus and lack of reservations? Then Kirsten Henri has the guide for you, how to avoid Valentine’s Day.

Among the dead-on suggestions, Chinatown, the Grey Lodge and Flying Monkey Patisserie.

Heart of the Matter [Philadelphia Weekly]

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

Aroundphilly.com catches up with six area chefs and gets their thoughts on chocolate and advice on romance.

• Justin Rambo Garwood from Philadelphia Fish & Co.
• Chad Durkin, executive pastry chef at Water Works Restaurant and Lounge
• Mike Luongo, executive chef at Vesuvio
• Jemale Edwards, at Brulee: The Dessert Experience at The Quarter at Tropicana, in Atlantic City
• Ralph Pallarino, executive chef at Gypsy Saloon
• Joseph Frost, executive chef at George’s

Philly’s Hottie Chefs [aroundphilly.com]

Kevin Sbraga, chef de cuisine at the Ritz-Carlton’s Grill has created a special Valentine’s day menu where each course features chocolate. The chocolate dinner is available through February for $45 per person.

For Sbraga, that translated to using Equatoriale, a chocolate made from cocoa beans grown in Equador, to accent one of that country’s national dishes, scallop seviche.

Another unique offering: a sweet-and-sour broth of coconut milk and white chocolate served with black bass fillets.

More familiar to some might be the chipotle mole made with spiced Ibarra chocolate and served with grilled flank steak.

A classic chocolate souffle caps off the meal.

Haute cocoa: Chefs subtly raising the bar [Philadelphia Inquirer]