These 10 restaurants just drip romance for Valentine's Day.

I admit that taking your lady out for dinner on Valentine's Day might sound a bit cliche, but not if you choose the appropriate restaurant. Because I've been married going on 42 years, and I'm still madly in love with my wife, I consider myself an expert in the ways of love.

I can't guarantee you'll get some "sweet, sweet action" after dinner, but I'm pretty sure you'll get at least a "definite maybe" if you make reservations at one of these ten restaurants which are ideal for setting the mood.

  • 1

    The Arch - $$$$

    The Arch on Route 22 in Brewster is one of the best fine dining restaurants in the area. The service is impeccable and the place is classy. It's also on the expensive side but she's worth it, right?

  • 2

    Cafe On The Green - $$$

    Located at the Richter Park Golf Course on Aunt Hack Rd. in Danbury, Cafe On The Green is an authentic gourmet Italian restaurant which consistently receives excellent reviews. My recommendation, the Filet Mignon cooked medium rare! Magnifico!

  • 3

    G.W. Tavern - $$

    The G.W is a great choice for casual dining on Valentine's Day. Prices are more reasonable than The Arch and Cafe On The Green but the food is still outstanding. My favorites are their 'Fish & Chips' and their magnificent 'Chicken Pot Pie.'

  • 4

    The Hopkins Inn - $$$

    The Hopkins Inn located on Lake Waramug in Warren, CT is a bit of a drive from Danbury, but worth every penny. You may have noticed the word, 'Inn' in the title. Accommodations could be reserved to get the biggest bang out of your VD. My recommendation - one of their signature dishes, the authentic Austrian 'Weiner Schnitzel.'

  • 5

    Castello Trattoria Italiana - $$$

    Castello, at the intersection of Padanaram Rd. and North Street is a family owned gourmet Italian eatery. Their service is attentive and their food is outstanding. My recommendation - I have never had a 'Shrimp Scampi' like Castello's.

  • 6

    The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant - $$$

    I love this restaurant! Mindy and I have been to the Whitehorse with friends a bunch of times. This is not a quiet restaurant but they do have two fireplaces and a large funky bar.

    The food is inventive and defines the term 'comfort food.' Some of my favorite dishes are the 'Pork Osso Bucco,' 'The Chestnut Beer Slow Braised Short Ribs,' and the 'Whitehorse Seafood Bake.'

  • 7

    Della Francesca - $$$

    Della Francesca is located on Mill Plain Rd. in Danbury and is perfect for a first date or a 10th anniversary. The setting is intimate and the food leans toward north Italian cuisine. My recommendation - 'Fettucini Alla Tarantina' which is fresh pasta with shrimp, scallops and lobster sauce.

  • 8

    Bernard's Restaurant - $$$$$

    One of the very best fine dining restaurants in Connecticut and located in Ridgefield is Bernard's. If your lady is a foodie, spend the money! Everything about this eatery is A+. My recommendation, the 'Long Island Slow Roasted Duck.'

  • 9

    The Schoolhouse at Cannondale - $$$$

    The Schoolhouse is located on Cannon Rd. in Wilton and is a small intimate farm to table restaurant. Because of their size, you should make your reservation early. My recommendation, 'Rack of Lamb.'

  • 10

    Pappadellas - $$$

    Pappadellas is an authentic intimate Italian restaurant which is perfect for Valentine's Day. They're located at the corner of Clapboard Ridge Rd. and Padanaram Rd. next to the Dairy & Energy Stop. Click this link for their special VD menu. My recommendation, no one makes a better chicken parm than Pappadellas!

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