by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: February 03, 2009

Whatever the occasion may be, Valentine's Day, a birthday surprise, or simply an intimate meal together for no reason other than having it, we all like to go somewhere a little bit special at such times. There are certain requirements for such meals, such as intimate surroundings, a little bit of privacy, as well of course as quality food and wine. Santa Rosa has a number of suitable establishments for just such an occasion. Here we will examine five quite distinctly different options.

La Gare French Restaurant, 208 Wilson Street, Santa Rosa

The French are known throughout the world for their romantic qualities and tendencies so where else could we possibly start than with Santa Rosa's top French restaurant? For thirty years, this family run restaurant has been serving top quality French cuisine to romancing couples of all ages and on all occasions. Choose from such as Escargots de Bourgogne (snails) as an appetiser, followed by the La Gare speciality, Carre d'Agneau Persille (rack of lamb with herb and mustard sauce,) as an entre, then perhaps Meringues Glacees Chantilly (baked meringue shells with ice cream and whipped cream) for dessert. Naturally, being a French restaurant, La Gare also has an extensive wine list from which to choose that special vintage to accompany your quiet and romantic dinner.

Italian Affair Restaurante, 1055 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa

The Italians too are of course known for the emphasis which they place on romance and on food. This quality Tuscan restaurant is therefore another excellent potential choice for your romantic evening. Located in Santa Rosa's historic old town, in a beautifully restored Victorian building, Italian Affair is famed for its seafood, in true Mediterranean style, but offers a wide range of alternatives. Menu options include Calamari Fritti (calamari deep fried and served with marinara sauce,) Tortellini Supreme (pasta stuffed with veal and chicken in a sherry cream sauce,) the Seafood Pasta (a chef's special which varies daily) and Crema di Brule (light custard with a caramelised topping.) Italian Affair has a wine list of more than sixty alternatives for you to make your personal selection.

Zazu, 3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa

It may be that you fancy something a little bit out of the ordinary for your romantic evening. Zazu is an Italian influenced roadhouse restaurant with a difference. Many of the vegetables served up in this restaurant are actually grown in the garden adjoining the building and the owners

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