28 NJSL | FEBRUARY 2009 NJSL 29

1. Make a reservationNothing impresses a gal more than a “man with a

plan.” Be that man and reserve a table for two at one

of New Jersey’s many romantic restaurants. All you have to

do is pick up the phone. Do not say to her, “Whatever you

want to do is fine.” It is not fine; she wants you to plan the

evening.

2. Make a reservationThere’s a reason it’s number one AND number two. It’s im-

portant. Do it. And don’t forget, if you have kids, book the

babysitter too — even if it’s her mother and they talk five

times a day. Make the call yourself.

3. ChocolateThis is tricky; if you buy it, will she be mad at you for

tempting her? If you don’t buy it, will she be mad because

you’re implying she shouldn’t have it? I don’t know. She’s

your lady, not mine. Recommendation: a small amount of

high caliber chocolate is a good choice — do not go to CVS

The Savvy Guy’s Guide to

Valentine’s DaySeven tips to make yourlady love’s day perfect!

and buy a 15-pound heart shaped box and think

you’re a prince for buying the biggest one in the

store. In this case size doesn’t matter, quality does.

For those who plan ahead, order online. Procras-

tinators can pick up the chocolate in person.

Suggestions: ENJOU CHOCOLAT, Morristown,

offers a milk chocolate cherub with red foil hearts,

www.enjouchocolat.com; ROSE CITY CHOCOLATES,

Boonton, has rich Belgium chocolate (including

assortments for vegans), www.rosecity

chocolates.com; chef CRAIG SHELTON’S

GASTRONOMIE CHOCOLAT COLLECTION

features six hand-crafted chocolate delights,

including the classic French bonbon and

truffles with green tea, wasabi, lemongrass and

mango. www.chefscoffee.com, and OLIVER KITA

has dark Valrhona chocolate shoes with sprays of sugar

gum paste roses, www.oliverkita.com.

4. FlowersIt’s hard to justify roses on Valentine’s Day when the price skyrockets

on the 14th (NOTE: VALENTINE’S DAY IS FEBRUARY 14.) Instead,send them a week or two ahead with a note inviting her to dinner

(you know, the place where you made the reservation). The price

will be lower and you’ll be seen as romantic, not chintzy. Extra points:

Send them to the office so all her co-workers will see what a swell guy

you are.

5. A GiftNot necessary but always appreciated. At a loss? THE GREY DOVE in

Livingston will help you navigate through jewelry, handbags and

accessories to find the perfect gift. And they’ll wrap it for you in spec-

tacular fashion. Presentation is everything! Or take her to ROSEMARIEETCETERA in Flemington and let her choose an outfit for your date.

(Rosemarie will do all the work while you sit in a comfy chair. Just

nod approvingly and cheerfully proffer your credit card.)

6. A cardIt doesn’t have to be poetic or insanely mushy — humor is good too.

Just be sure to read it, sign it, and put her name on the envelope

(yes, some people do have to be told).

7. Empty the dishwasherLoad the dishwasher. Empty the dishwasher. Do it as many times as

you have to, so your kitchen will be clean when you return

from your romantic dinner. Nothing kills the mood

like a pile of dirty dishes. This is called foreplay

and it really works. Feel free to use this tip

year-round.

What about him?Does he really want a tie or cologne? We asked afew NJSL male readers what they’d like for Valen-tine’s Day. Here’s what they said:

“Some serious champagne, like Dom Pérignon, mywife and three hours alone.” — Bruce K.

“A limousine picking my wife and I up at home (afterbringing a babysitter to us) and taking us to a smallromantic restaurant where, naturally our favoritecocktails are waiting for us… our song, "I Only HaveEyes for You" is playing. We have a wonderful gour-met meal. The limo takes us home to find our kidsasleep as we crawl in to our preheated bed…If thatisn't possible, then a night at home without any kidswould do just fine.” — Burt S.

“…a gift certificate to Borders” — Bill I.

“…the 15 pound heart shaped box of chocolate fromCVS. More is always better.” — Dan T.

“…my wife to like what I get her!” — Rick R.

Far left, from the Anasta-sia Lace collection, an 18karat gold necklace withgarnets and rubies, around$3,000 at www.katrinakellyjewelry.com.

Left, wrapped gifts fromThe Grey Dove.

Below, chocolate shoefrom Oliver Kita.Ci

ndyStern

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