Hana Zen: A Unique San Francisco Romantic Treat

Throughout the history of mankind, there have been quite a number of ideas that people employ when it comes to staging a romantic event. Some of them have been tried and tested for years, like a simple romantic dinner and movie, others swear by a picnic under the stars, while some would only be contented with grand gestures just like the ones seen in romantic comedy films. Others can be very creative with their moves, which may increase the romantic angle of the effort. After all, what can be more romantic than an amplified element of surprise?

The idea of romantic efforts can also be reliant on where you are. For those in New York, an event to surely cap the night romantically would be to have that carriage ride around Central Park. For those in Durham, Raleigh, or Richmond, straddling the Virginia-North Carolina border like Landon and Jamie in the book "A Walk to Remember" would surely send hearts a-fluttering. But what about San Francisco? What thing about the Golden Gate City should make a date distinctly San Franciscan and definitely something romantic?

Cable cars can be pretty bumpy, not to mention noisy. A stroll in the bay can be romantic, but a bit crowded. A breathtaking view of the bridge and the serene seascape while having dinner by the bay? Now, you’re talking!

The pretty lights of the Golden Gate Bridge amidst the small sloping waves caressing the shores of the city’s docks at night time is really a sight to behold. There’s nothing more romantic in San Francisco than taking the view all in while being in great company and sumptuous food.

By this time, a lot of readers are already thinking, is that even possible?  The good news is, it actually is. The Bay area is full of charming restaurants with spectacular views of the bay. There are also those that serve simply delectable cuisine. Now, the best thing to do would be to find out those gems that would be ideal sites for an elegant dinner atthe water front and serve delicious cuisine.

Go to Hana Zen Restaurant on Pier 39 and you will have the perfect romantic date solution unique in San Francisco. You get the mesmerizing view of the bay, the charming lights of the bridge, the soft and tender sea breeze and of course, the delectable selection of Japanese food for you to choose from.

You may be thinking if Japanese food is the best thing to eat in a romantic meal. Well, if you’re wondering if Japanese food can be sexy, it definitely is. The intricately prepared Japanese seafood Hana Zen prepares complements the bay view and the beautiful outdoor air. The flavors definitely match the scintillating mood the date is going to be on. It will be indeed a beautiful treat to the senses, without as much as a full-on romantic assault.

Hana Zen also has a restaurant on Union Square perfect for business events and casualdining patrons. But for a memorable San Francisco romantic dining experience, the Pier 39 branch is one that should be considered. You won’t be sorry for embarking on this uniquely SF indulgence.

Hana Zen’s Top Tips for a Romantic Date

 

Are you still wondering how to stage a successful romantic date? Stop fretting and read on.

·                     You have to know what makes your partner tick (or not).

There is no really cookie cutter mold for what all couples the world over consider as romantic. The ideal scenario for one couple may be different from the ideal setup for another couple. A lot of this is riding from the fact that the individuals in a couple would be different; thus the individual's needs have to be considered first. If a partner has achluophobia, or fear of darkness, it wouldn't really be advisable to have a scary movie date. While that could give you lots of chances to get closer and cuddle, don't be surprised if your partner ends up with a look of shock once you get out of the theater.

That is not to say that you cannot employ any proven and tested method for a romantic date. There are always safe choices that have worked for years, like a romantic dinner or a picnic under the stars. But as mentioned earlier, you need to make sure that you've ironed out some details of the date, or you're bound for a disaster! A lot of times, it's all in the small stuff!

·                     Take time to smell the roses.

In most circumstances, there's nothing that could make a romantic date go south than something that destroys the mood. We have to admit, romance is 90% mood, so a mood spoiler can definitely turn a romantic date to an unforgettably regrettable one. Aside from knowing allergies and individual quirks as suggested earlier, you also have to make sure you have details that you have control with are indeed under control.

Just imagine, having an intimate dinner at the water front with the two of you really in a romantic mood when suddenly, the loud ringing of your phone pierced through the evening air. Turn that phone off! Spend time with your date and give undivided attention. Not only will this contribute to a romantic moment, this will also allow you to truly enjoy your evening.

Another guaranteed romantic mood killer is haste. Who, after all would feel romantic when you're still catching your breath and trying to forget your sweaty armpits from having to rush to the location because you were running late? Take the time to get ready and be on the site on time, whether you’ve staged a casual dining experience in a quiet diner to reminisce your high school days or a candlelight affair in a Michelin star restaurant. This way, you will feel comfortable, ready for a romantic mood, and actually be in the moment to feel romance.

·                     Conversation is romantic.

Two people on a date talking is certainly a romantic thing; two people on a date without talking is a sure sign of trouble. There is just too much silence a date can handle, and a date, no matter how romantic is it, can definitely benefit from two people actually conversing. There’s nothing romantic about long, awkward silences, nor is there room for romance is a bar with loud music playing that you’d need to shout at each other just to be heard. Stage your date somewhere you can hear each other and offers wonderful sights. Dinner by the bay at Hana Zen Restaurant in Pier 39 or people watching at Hana Zen in Union Square gives you the avenue to converse comfortably, without the noise and only the beautiful views and good food and drinks.

Get Your Japanese Food Fix Right With Hana Zen

 

When was the last time you ate at a Japanese restaurant? How was the experience? If you enjoyed it, then congratulations! Japanese cuisine is certainly one of the most enjoyable in the world. Cooked and presented properly, Japanese food provides an array of the most exciting and exotic flavors you can find anywhere in the world. On the other hand, if you did not like your Japanese sampling experience, then too bad. This could most definitely not be caused by the wrong food. Japanese food is too broad and too delicious that something would surely taste right for you. This may have been caused by wrong preparation or the wrong restaurant. Yes, it is definitely unforgivable to get a taste of Japanese cuisine from a Japanese place that does not know how to do it justice.

The thing with Japanese cuisine is that people who haven’t even tried it already have sweeping generalizations about it. Some people think that Japanese food is all about the freshest ingredients, which may not be that appetizing since that would mean eating food that goes uncooked. I mean, even if you are going for a casual dining atmosphere, would you really feel casual with raw food? In a related factor, a lot of people find Japanese food a bit too sophisticated, too exotic that it may not really be up to their basic food cravings. When all you really want is a hearty meal of steak and mashed potatoes, can your taste level take exquisitely formed salmon rolls and skewers filled with small cuts of meat cooked in special charcoal?

Actually, yes, you can. You just have to dispel all those perceptions, push them to the side, and find a great restaurant to introduce you to the sumptuous world of Japanese food. It really comes down to your first experience, you know. Just with a lot of things in life, a bad first try can scare (and scar) you for life. I still remember the time I swore off driving with a stick shift here in San Francisco because of the “amazing” terrain. That traumatized me to the point that I still go around the city through public transportation. No, you cannot let me drive in this city even using an automatic car, even though I love it very much.

So, it does take a great restaurant for you to be introduced to Japanese cuisine so that you won’t get the hives every time “sushi” or “teriyaki” is mentioned. That way, you won’t get traumatized for life! If you are in San Francisco, you’re in luck! You don’t only have one, but two options for really good Japanese food. If you want a perfect venue for a romantic dinner, then Hana Zen Restaurant at Pier 39 is the ideal place. The breathtaking scenery of the bay makes it your first option for an intimate dinnerat the water front. On the other hand, if you want somewhere close to the center of SF action, Hana Zen’s shop in Union Square should be your location for business meetings, a quick bite, or some quality time with the family.

What makes Hana Zen your ideal destination, however, whether you want dinner by thebay or a place where you can let your hair down after a hard day’s work is the food. The preparation, the ingredients, the cooking, and the plating result in Japanese food that’s just so good, you simply cannot miss it. Do yourself a favor and go to Hana Zen now, and get your fill of a truly memorable and trauma-free Japanese cuisine experience.

Three Tips on Having a Romantic Dinner

Do you know what it takes to have that memorable romantic dinner? A lot of people, especially the guys constantly wonder what ingredients should be on a dinner date to make it something that will be for the books, that he and his date will cherish for the rest of their relationship (and maybe even after that). The thing with these dates is that they really need to be thought of and planned, as lack of thought and planning usually results in wasted efforts, as the event might end up with a lot of twists and turns that would turn it into a disaster.

So, what would make a dinner date romantic and memorable? Here are some ideas to help those clueless people, especially the guys:

·                     The location doesn’t have to be an overly plush restaurant.

The idea of romance goes out of the window the moment any of the two parties realize they don’t have enough money to pay for their rather expensive feast. Even before that, you won’t necessarily feel romantic once you see a lot of figures on each item on the menu. Worse, if there are no prices on the menu, you will be met with exorbitant prices. The location should not scream expensive, but should exude cosiness and intimacy instead. A dinner at the water front with views of the bay and the feel of the soft breeze should make for something to remember for years.

·                     Conversation should be free-flowing and audible.

There have been many a boyfriend or husband that have earned the scorn of their girlfriends and wives because they had a date somewhere with rock bands and loud music blasting from speakers. How can you hear each other talk when you have to strain just to hear each other? Make sure you find a place that is not necessarily monastery quiet, but would allow you to converse without having to shout on top of whatever ambient noise there is. Shouting at each other in a supposedly romantic setting definitely breaks the mood.

·                     The food should be excellent.

Whether you prefer a more casual dining experience with a movie and dinner or a more intimate experience, you have to make sure the food is impeccable. Nothing else can be blamed if after a series of awkward moments, the food you share ends up tasteless, undercooked, or poorly seasoned. What memories can be had when you ended up not enjoying the food in your date? The thing is, with bad company, you can have a good number of excuses to get out of it, like having another commitment, or suddenly having a migraine that would require you to rest. What do you do when you ate bad food? Throw up? Take one bite and go hungry for the rest of the evening?

In all of these tips, Hana Zen Restaurant in Pier 39 and Union Square passes with flying colors. You get spectacular views while having dinner by the bay or right in the middle of the city, delectable authentic Japanese food prepared by expert chefs, and an ambiance that’s romantic and intimate, but isn’t too heavy on the pocket. Suddenly, having dinner that’s high on romance and low on hassle doesn’t seem to be so difficult anymore!