For everyone who loves love, Valentine’s Day is a time to pull out all the stops. We’re talking thoughtful gifts, romantic dinners, mood-enhancing music, and, of course, scintillating company.
Need a game plan? We’ve got your back, from what to give to where to go.
Our first stop: East Dallas’ go-to lifestyle boutique, Talulah & Hess. We asked charismatic owner Elizabeth Mast what makes a great gift.
“Things that make people feel good, that will bring them happiness,” she said. “When I’m buying for the store, I choose things that speak to me. And if they have a local flair, even better.”
Mast is a huge fan of BuDhaGIrl bracelets. “We were the first retailer to carry them. I love that the company is about mindfulness and intention. In our world, it’s important to take a breath and slow down.”
Other favorites include BuDhaGirl champagne, Estelle glassware, Eberjay lingerie, Hanky Panky panties, GeoCube jewelry, and Lakewood Chocolates. “You want something that appeals to all the senses – sight, touch, smell, taste,” she added.
Mast’s top pick? An annual fresh flower subscription. “Who wouldn’t love a big bouquet delivered every month? Our white hydrangeas are the best in town.”
Q: What do savvy spouses make for Valentine’s Day? A: Reservations.
And if you haven’t already made them, you better get on it (stat!).
As for where to go, we knew hospitality industry pro Lisa Lavender would steer us in the right direction. Her impressive CV includes stints with Dallas’ crème de la crème of restaurateurs — think Stephan Pyles, Dean Fearing, John Tesar, and Tiffany Derry, to name just a few.
Our first question: What makes a restaurant romantic?
“Lots of things factor in,” said Lavender. “The food, naturally, but really great restaurateurs get the details right every time.”
Case in point: lighting. “You want it to be ambient, but not so dark that you can’t read the menu.”
The same principle applies to service. “Great waiters are attentive, knowledgeable, and instinctively, they’re there when you need them. But they also know when not to intrude or interrupt the conversation.”
Decide what kind of experience you’re looking for, she added. Some of Lavender’s personal favorites include the bar at Barsotti’s, a table by the fireplace at Pappas Bros; Mot Hai Ba, 6047 Lewis in Lakewood for its chef-driven cuisine, and the curated cocktails at West Village’s Bar Colette, 3699 McKinney.
“When it comes to dining out, Valentine’s Day is a lot like New Year’s Eve,” said Lavender. “My best advice is to go somewhere you know, where the food is always good, and you leave thinking ‘Man, we’ve got to come here more often.’”
If you can snag a reservation, other hot tickets include:
- A bar booth at Mister Charles, 3219 Knox. The décor is spot-on, and you can’t beat the people-watching.
- The five-course “Bubbles and Pearls” oyster and champagne menu at Hotel Swexan’s Isabelle’s.
- The couples cocktail course at Akai, 1740 Crockett, featuring light bites from Musume.
- Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band at the Perot, with sips from Dallas’ Community Beer Co.
