Think Outside the (Heart-Shaped) Box

NOT JUST AN AFTERTHOUGHT: At the end of the meal, curb that sweet tooth for sure, but also think of what kind of take-aways you can give your customers.

If there’s any day to make a dinner reservation, it’s Valentine’s Day. Still, some of your potential guests think they’re going to skip it; boil up some frozen gnocchi and serve it with a side of candlelight and Netflix. But can we really blame them? Though a decadent meal out is a Vday treat that has become expected, so many establishments make the experience so trite, we see more eyerolls than longing gazes. This is the year to step up our game. Here are some best practices for a successful Valentine’s Day service.

FIXE THOSE MENUS

Curate a prix fixe coursed-out meal for two and take reservations well in advance. Not only does this take the pressure of serving an entire menu off your kitchen staff, you’ll have exact numbers which will save on food cost and prep time. If you choose this route, you also then have the option to offer gluten-free or vegan selections if they indicate restrictions with advance notice. Offer two-set seating blocks so courses are served to the entire dining room simultaneously. This helps staff stay more organized, and most importantly provides a more relaxed dining pace for the guests.

PANDER TO THE PROCRASTINATORS

You will have panicked walk-ins, or just groups and couples who prefer to keep it more casual and sit at your bar. Don’t turn anyone away, just keep your bar and lounge reservationfree and have separate service with a more quaint bar menu if your kitchen is able to steal a chef or two away from prix fixe efforts. By offering something limited — yet unique — for these folks, they won’t feel like an afterthought; they’ll feel just as special as the pre-planners in the dining room.

THINK OUTSIDE THE (HEART-SHAPED) BOX

Kick it off with a surprise gift from the chef — a playful amuse bouche to get the juices flowing. Follow with an appetizer the couple can pull apart or dig into together with their fingers. After all, sharing is caring, so squash the possibility of stuffiness and quell some of your dates’ nerves. This meal should be fun, so set the tone right off the bat. At the end of the meal, curb that sweet tooth for sure, but also think of what kind of take-aways you can give them: A handwritten note from the chef with some beautiful chocolates in a gift bag? A pretty invitation for 15% off their next meal? Possibilities are endless, so get creative.

DON’T ASSUME EVERYONE WANTS ALCOHOL

Even those who don’t pop Champagne want festive bubbles! Have your creative bar team come up with a couple options for festive NA cocktails that will look and taste celebratory. Serve in flutes or coupes and garnish appropriately for that special touch. If you’ve decided to do a drink pairing alongside your prix fixe meal, either have NA options for every course, or let guests opt out of the pairing in advance and pay less. More and more adults are abstaining from alcohol; it’s your job to make them feel just as included.