My Valentine's was a blast - a blind date that could turn into a second date and then some more, a breathtaking dinner by the bay, and some seriously delectable Japanese food.
Yes, you read that right - Japanese food on Valentine's Day! I know, you may already be raising your eyebrows and wonder - why Japanese food? Isn't the day of hearts an ideal time for some good 'ole chocolates and champagne? Perhaps, why not a perfect opportunity for a romantic dinner at a French bistro where reservations need to be done months in advance? Or better yet, isn't Valentine's perfect for a candlelit pasta dinner with pasta, like that romantic movie about two dogs falling in love amidst chewing the same very long strand of spaghetti?
But believe me when I say that romance can be had with Japanese cuisine! I actually didn't believe it at first, when my best friend's boyfriend said that he is setting me up with his best friend, who was also single and ready to mingle this Valentine's. So, he was supposed to pick me up from work on Valentine's Day (much to the chagrin of those old maids in the office) and have dinner.
At 5 on the dot, a guy was waiting for me in the office's reception area. Average looking, I thought. He definitely needs to charm the pants off me or bring me somewhere spectacular; otherwise, based on looks alone, I don’t see a next time.
As we drove off to dinner, I have to say he did start to earn some credit. He was a good conversationalist, was great in avoiding awkward pauses, and revealed impressive academic and career credentials without sounding like he was bragging. And then, we reached Pier 39. Nice, I thought, this was going to be a beautiful dinner at the water front. Then we walked towards Hana Zen Restaurant. My mind was racing. Wait, a Japanese resto for a Valentine’s Day date? Where is the romance in that? It’s too… cultural, too… exotic, too… raw! Well, it’s kind of too late to run back to the car, right?
So, we went inside Hana Zen and I was pleased with the tasteful interiors. We were seated somewhere with a panoramic view of the bay, which just added a thousand points to this guy! Never mind that he’s no Hollywood looker, I like him already, thanks to the breathtaking view of this restaurant!
Then, we were given the menu. I don’t know about you ladies, but I met the gentleman order in these instances, just to see if he knows his way around these things. He ordered ramu yaki yakitori, a name sushi combination, and uni tempura with kaiso salad. Wow, someone who wants to see his date eat a lot.
And so, we conversed and ate, and I fell for it. The food was just so delicious with sake-infused cocktails that I just enjoyed the evening. I can’t judge him or the date anymore. Hana Zen was just too fun for me to remember I needed to size up this guy.
So there, I admit – my Valentine’s date was all kinds of wonderful, thanks to Hana Zen Restaurant, its amazing ambiance and food! If I were in downtown SF, I could go to Hana Zen’s store in Union Square for some good casual dining. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll do exactly that with that Valentine’s guy tomorrow! Well, casual as it may be, I still need to pick what I’m wearing!
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