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!    

Enjoying Japanese Food With Hana Zen

I enjoy Japanese food. The freshness of the flavors, the authenticity of the ingredients, and the exotic preparations just make my mouth water every time I think of it. To think that it’s very healthy too!  I actually started my Japanese food obsession a few years ago, when I was trying to lose weight but still wanting to enjoy delicious food. A friend of mine told me to go Japanese, because it seems that Japanese women do not get fat! And it worked like a miracle! I was able to enjoy really great tasting food and also shed inches off my waist. It was a great deal, I tell you!

The thing is, I am a proud resident of San Francisco, where the best seafood can easily be had for anyone. But then, that also makes me a bit of a snob when it comes to Japanese cuisine. Japanese cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, with a lot of seafood dishes, and I have a keen sense of detecting whether a restaurant serves good Japanese fare or if I’m just wasting time and a lot of money. Well, some places that serve Japanese food just do not cut it in terms of authenticity, freshness of ingredients, and the overall dining experience.

It’s a good thing I found this place called Hana Zen Restaurant in Pier 39. Whether you would like to have a scenic dinner at the water front or a memorable romantic dinner, this place does a great job in providing a great Japanese dining experience. They also have a Union Square restaurant, which I have been to a couple of times for casual dining and I have to say both branches did not disappoint.
So, for those who would love to venture into the exotic world of Japanese cuisine, here are some things you need to try!

Yakitori (available in Hana Zen’s Union Square store only)
Not only does Middle Eastern cuisine have a monopoly of the meats being skewered and served in succulent goodness. Japanese cuisine also has that in the form of yakitori, where slices of meat are skewered and broiled like a barbecue. What makes Hana Zen’s yakitori special is the smoky yet flavourful taste of the meats. The marinating is perfection, and the ultimate trick: the special charcoal used. Its’ really no wonder Hana Zen Union Square customers can’t get enough of this meaty treat that’s juicy and tasty but well-cooked, too.

Sushi
Of course, any Japanese dining experience will be incomplete without having a taste of these rolls that should just melt on your mouth. So what makes good sushi? It is a balance between the nigiri pieces (the pieces of raw fish, maguro [tuna] and hirame [halibut] are my preferences) and the rice. The nigiri needs to be fresh, with the perfect symmetry of saltiness and sea-taste richness, while the rice has to be soft but not too sticky and warm. Good thing Hana Zen has perfected this!

Sake
Who would want to miss this distinctly Japanese liquor that goes really well with Japanese dishes? The great thing about Hana Zen is that they have infused sake into modern cocktails, giving everyone a chance to taste a heady combination of something old and something new. You can’t afford to miss sake-infused cocktails in Hana Zen.

So whether it’s a night with the girls or an intimate dinner by the bay, these Japanese treats are waiting for you at Hana Zen. I bet you’ll enjoy it like I do.

A Birthday Wish Fulfilled With HanaZen

Having a birthday dinner with your hubby is one thing, but having him (my husband) decide where to do it is another. My husband is a hamburger and fries fast food kind of guy, and when sophistication gets to him, some steak cooked from the backyard grill will do. So, when he told me he is planning my birthday dinner with just the two of us, I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive with his taste level. I mean, is it too much for a lady to expect a romantic dinner with her husband on her special day?

So, when he broached the topic to me a day before the actual day (so much for planning, and so much for a surprise, eh?), I did tell him I want something intimate, something that we would both remember for years to come. I would like to have some really good food and great views and sights wherever we may eat. A dinner at the water front certainly does not hurt. It would be nice to feel the soft breeze while enjoying delectable food and admiring the seascape. But then, with my husband’s pretty simple tastes, I highly doubted there would be a chance for us to have that kind of moment.
And so, the next day, I braced myself by lowering my expectations while he was driving me to our dinner date. He had a huge bouquet of flowers delivered to me at work, so I was already happy with that. If this birthday date turns out to be a disaster, the entire day wouldn’t be a huge disappointment. He drove to the direction of the Embarcadero, so my hopes for a nice dinner by the bay rose. I hope this will be something I will not be disappointed with.

So, we got to Pier 39, and he led me to this Japanese restaurant called Hana Zen. I was a little apprehensive with his choice. I mean, Japanese food was not exactly the first thing I would think of whenever the subject of romance and intimacy is being talked about. But then, I let him have a chance, and when we walked inside, I have to say I liked the interiors. Well, that’s actually an understatement. I fell in love with the place, with its panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the beautiful furniture and just the overall ambiance of the restaurant.

So, we got seated and I read through the menu. There were just so many choices that I let my husband pick. From the mouthwatering Sushi Nigiri and Sushi Rolls to the saucy beef teriyaki, the selections were just so varied that I wanted to try all of them. Of course, we had to settle with what my husband chose, from the fresh Green Salad to the crisp Tempura Moriawase, because I wanted to order one of everything!  The clincher of the night were the sake-infused cocktails the restaurant served. The HanaZen Sunrise, which has organic cucumber vodka, lime juice, and Grenadine mixed with sake, had me wanting for more.

I have to say I was happy and impressed with my husband’s chopice of restaurant for my birthday dinner. Of course, I will definitely pay HanaZen’s other branch in Union Square for  some great casual dining and those delicious-to-the-last-drop cocktails and their talked about scrumptious Yakitori dishes!

A Solid First Valentine’s Date at Hana Zen

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!

The Perfect Place to Spend Your Valentine’s Day

Looking for a place to celebrate the month of love? It is one of those times that going the extra mile would be a good move if you aim to impress your loved one.  You sure do not want to miss out on this special occasion to show how much you appreciate the presence of your significant other in your life.  A bouquet of flowers, special chocolates, serenaded by music and a dinner by the bay is sure to leave a mark and make this date special and meaningful.

If your partner loves Japanese food, then Hana Zen should top your list of restaurants to check out. It is located at the Pier 39 area along M209 by the beach. A romantic dinner with a great view of the bay will make this or any other occasion special. What makes this place great? The ambiance and the quality of the food served make this place a hit among locals and tourists alike. You do not have to worry about blowing out your budget for this because this is one restaurant where you can enjoy high quality Japanese cuisine without spending too much.

Your casual dining experience can become truly memorable because of the view that this restaurant offers. The view it offers is downright spectacular and breathtaking.  Their location is perfect and romantic because you have an uninterrupted view of San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.  The view certainly adds that magic touch to a truly perfect evening.

Of course, the food in this restaurant is exceptional.  It is known that Japanese cuisine has set high standards when it comes to food preparation and presentation.  All ingredients should be fresh and perfect. This restaurant is no exception as they go to great lengths in making sure that it would be able to achieve the high standards that Japanese cuisine is known for. You and your loved one will surely enjoy your dinner as you feast on sushi, sashimi, Tempura, Teriyaki, Yakitori and all other Japanese dishes that have become a favorite among the crowd.

If you find yourself pressed for time and would rather have dinner in the city instead of having dinner at the waterfront, you need not fret because they also have a branch right at the heart of the city at Union Square along 115 Cyril Magnin Street.  You can expect the same high quality of the food that will be served to you be it during lunch and dinner at this branch. This is also a great place to have a few drinks with friends after a long day at work.  For sure, the stress of work will be forgotten as you and your friends enjoy the laid-back and relaxed ambiance that this place offers.

So, what are you waiting for? It is better to start your preparations early as you would not want to be having problems come Valentine ’s Day when all the other couples are also looking for a great place to dine.  Be sure to reserve a table by the window with a view of the bay to make your dinner more romantic and memorable.

An Education to Japanese Food With HanaZen Restuarant

I confess: I didn’t think the concepts of “Japanese cuisine” and “romantic dinner” are compatible at all. After all, when I think of romance, images of champagne, dinner by the bay, chocolates, and walks underneath the stars come to mind. I mean, romance and raw food? That is definitely a mismatch! What can be remotely romantic about food that has not been cooked, and seafood at that? Well, don’t get me wrong, but that is what Japanese food is all about, right? I was quite sure Japanese food is all about raw seafood, and there is just nothing romantic about it.

So, when my husband told me that we will be having an intimate and romantic dinner at the water front, I got quite excited. And then, he said we are eating at HanaZen, a Japanese restaurant in Pier 39. I have to admit, my excitement, plummeted to subterranean levels, just like that. This would be our first date in so many months, and I have looked forward for a nice, intimate evening of being somewhere with a cozy ambiance and delicious food. Thus, having raw Japanese food for this supposed romantic date was really bugging me.

But since my husband looked so excited about the date and seemed to have planned everything already, I had no choice but to say yes. Alas, we went to HanaZen in Pier 39 on a breezy Saturday night. I have to say, based on the look of the restaurant alone, my initial fears were assuaged very slightly. The furnishings and the views really made for a romantic setting. I have to say the stage has been set quite well, and I hope it would not go downhill after that.

Then, as we sat down and looked through the menus, I could see from the corner of my eye, my hubby smirking while observing me. I know, he thinks of my culinary knowledge as very limited, something I myself have no trouble admitting. I mean, why exert the extra effort of finding exotic food when there’s always the trusty burger and fries?

But to my delight, the menu presented me with a good number of choices, and what added to my initial shock was that a lot of the items are actually cooked! So, Japanese cuisine is not all raw, uncooked seafood. Teriyaki, tempura, unagi don, soba – as I read on, I realized the number of raw dishes pale in comparison to cooked ones. So, Japanese food may have its share of raw fare, but there are definitely a lot of cooked items.

At last, when I saw the drinks menu to add a kick to the romantic evening, I got drawn immediately at the sake-infused cocktails HanaZen offers. I always had the impression local Asian wines like sake feel rural, because they are made of rather agricultural ingredients like rice. With various offerings like sake sangini and sake tsunami to the more standard fare of cosmopolitan and mojito, among others, with a unique kick of sake, I have to say I had a newfound appreciation for Japanese beverages. It also helped a lot that I made these discoveries in HanaZen’s picturesque location.
 I also discovered that HanaZen has a branch smack in the city center, in Union Square. That is definitely perfect for those who want to add a Japanese twist to their business lunches, or a more laid-back casual dining atmosphere for dinner.

After all said and done, I must thank my husband for bringing me to HanaZen. I have finally learned that Japanese food can be romantic, too, and how!

The HanaZen Confessions of a Cynic New Year’s Resolution-ist

The thing with celebrating New Year is that every year, without fail, everybody has an affinity for one thing – resolutions. As much as we have grown cynical, we cannot seem to help it. We try to examine what it is about ourselves that we can change, improve, or overcome for the rest of the year to make us better people. Even the most cynical among us cannot avoid entertaining the thought of debating whether we should have a resolution or not in the first place.

I, for one, am a poster girl for cynical people. And yes, I do entertain the thought of trying a resolution. Last year, by sheer luck, I somehow managed to fulfill my resolution. It was trying to love my work more. Although I did not consciously try to implement it, I happen to still be employed with the same company I started 2012 with. Does that mean I was kind of successful in following through with my “resolution?” I guess so!

This year, it’s all about health. I am on the path of becoming the healthiest version of me. How? I will go to the gym and exercise to lose weight and have me a banging physique. It just so happens that I have a lifetime membership at a fitness club. Good thing gym memberships do not incur cobwebs, or mine might look like a Halloween-perfect haunted house! But hey, it’s the New Year and I shall get my lazy behind in one of ‘em spinning classes. And take my dog for a neighborhood walk every evening. No more couch potato nights for yours truly!

Speaking of potatoes, I am reminded of my diet. The great thing about having a health-related resolution is that you can do a lot of things actually. Quit smoking, lead a more active lifestyle, and eat healthier, among others.

But alas, perhaps the biggest stumbling block looms in this eating healthier diet facet. To make the long story short, I do not know how to cook. Thus, greasy fast food take-outs and delivered meals are my trusted friends since I started living on my own.

Then, out of the blue, my office lunch partner threw a book at me on Christmas Eve. “Christmas present,” she quipped. She knew my weakness. I curled up with the book from the evening of December 24 to the early morning of December 26. The book: Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat. Amazing read, let me tell you. And yes, I admit, the book partly led to my New Year’s resolution.

The next day, I pulled her to the side and decided we will have lunch out. I needed to fulfil my Japanese food craving. I need to be like one of those Japanese ladies with porcelain skin and slender figures!

Officemate led me to HanaZen on Union Square, just a few buildings away from the office. With its casual dining atmosphere, I got comfortable right away. Mouth watering rolls, teriyaki, sashimi, ramen: name it, we ordered it. My, we had a feast. But somehow, all the veggies, seafood and meticulous cooking methods had me feeling so full yet not lethargic. It was just delicious, healthy food without the guilt. I just found my new favorite restaurant!

So, now I am pretty much on the way to a healthier me, surprisingly through my diet. And after knowing that HanaZen also has a restaurant on Pier 39, I could meet some guys on lovely dinner at the water front dates. Who would think that a romantic dinner can not only improve my social/romantic life, but also make me eat healthy as well? Color me pleasantly surprised!

There you have it - a cynic looking like she’s going to make her New Year’s resolution come true effortlessly. Thank you, HanaZen, with your location-perfect restaurants and your scrumptious food. For not only will I definitely be enjoying another nice dinner by the bay this weekend, I am easily acing my resolve to eat healthily this 2013!