Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal; a romantic dinner with that special person makes for the perfect night out. It’s intimate and involves something everyone loves, food! Here are four ideas for that perfect dinner date.
Il Bistro Italiano
Casey Smith for The Criterion
Il Bistro Italiano is a love story within itself. Brunella Gualerzi was born in Northern Italy and grew up learning the tradition of cuisine. She brought with her those traditions when she moved to America and attended college at Mesa State. She would later open up Il Bistro and marry her husband, Ron Hall. Hall now works with Gualerzi at Il Bistro and they have been married for over twenty years.
“It’s probably the equivalent of 80 years in anyone else’s marriage. Most married couples see each other in the mornings and in the evenings maybe the weekends…. We see each other 16 [to] 20 hours a day, every day,” Gualerzi said.
Il Bistro is not just food full of love, but the restaurant itself is a testimony to the love that these two share together. For Valentine’s this year, Il Bistro will be featuring popular favorites such as the Rosetta and the Artichoke Parmesan Soup as well as Italian and Colorado wines. You’ll find Brunella and Hall working to care for their guests.
Spoons Bistro & Bakery
Casey Smith for The Criterion
This normal counter service lunch spot turns into a snazzy restaurant after 4 p.m. The downstairs location features beautiful grounds, patios, sculptures and is only about five minutes from the Colorado Mesa University campus. Its cozy menu items such as steak, pasta and burgers, are all reasonably priced. Spoons makes an ideal date spot any time, but particularly on Valentine’s Day.
This year Spoons will be featuring a four course culinary experience with a cheese and bread appetizer, a salad, a choice of four entrees and a red velvet cheesecake dessert. The dinner special will cost $45 for each person.
Spoons is unique in that they have not only been a proud Grand Junction business for twelve years, but that they also support HopeWest.
“It started as just a cafeteria for the families and the patients,” General Manager, Paula Owens, said.
Since then it has evolved into more of a dining experience, but still serves those who are in the care of HopeWest.
“All of the proceeds go back to HopeWest, hospice and hospital care,” Owens said.
Owens said that though the restaurant is completely booked for Valentine’s day, Spoons is doing a waitlist for reservations. But should you find yourself celebrating the holiday on a different day, Spoons can provide an enjoyable experience.
Le Rouge Restaurant
Casey Smith for The Criterion
Le Rouge is an upscale French restaurant on Main Street, with an atmosphere that matches the menu. Claire Mazoyer is the manager at Le Rouge. She is from France, and has only come to Grand Junction about five years ago.
“I lived in France since I was a little girl,” Mazoyer said. “I only moved here when I was 19.”
The menu of Le Rouge is something that cannot be found anywhere else in Grand Junction.
“Some of the dishes are authentic, some of the dishes are American and French,” Mozoyer said.
Her most loved part of Le Rouge is the food, followed closely by the people. The restaurant itself gives off a classic charm.
Le Rouge will transport you to France without leaving the valley. The art across the walls, swanky seating and gorgeous bar will give the experience a sense of luxury and ritz. Le Rouge is filling up for Valentine’s Day reservations, but some times are still available.
Rockslide Brewery and Pub
Casey Smith for The Criterion
The Rockslide is a long-standing business in the heart of Grand Junction. Rockslide is celebrating 26 years of business; the interior of the building features the exposed brick which has weathered more that 120 years on the corner of 4th and Main.
“In the 70’s and 80’s, [Grand Junction] was very downtown-dominated. When the malls came, all of that demographic shifted to one area. And now the swing back is coming back,” operations manager, Brian Oliver, said.
If you’re wanting something less formal but still a local restaurant, Rockslide is featuring a Valentine’s day special. They’ll be featuring some popular dishes and drinks such as the Asian Chicken Salad and, of course, their selections of house brews. The reputation of friendly staff, delicious drinks and excellent service gives the restaurant the atmosphere for any date, but without the stuffy formalities of the typical Valentines-venue.
“[The Rockslide] is about being more than what’s expected,” Oliver said. “We’re an upper casual dining experience, with a brewery included. It’s about taking it up a notch.”
Try something different this Valentine’s Day by checking out one of these unique restaurants. Show affection to a significant other by taking them out to have a nice dinner. It’s simple, but they’ll thank you.
