V-Day

Should You Propose (Marriage or Divorce) at a Restaurant?

Photo: Gourmet

We’ve heard similar stories in our Ask a Waiter column, but this Gourmet piece about Valentine’s dining-room drama is still pretty juicy.

A surprising number of proposals are, in fact, turned down. At Gramercy Tavern, a woman once asked a man to marry her. When he didn’t accept the offer, the woman stood up, started cursing, and began throwing plates onto the floor. “Clearly, he made the right choice,” says the captain on duty at the time.




Nevertheless, if you’re determined to go through with this, Babbo will give you a suitably public table, and Union Square Café will give you a special menu that includes personalized “Will You Marry Me?” message. Aww. Meanwhile, we learn from Julian Niccolini of The Four Seasons that February 13 is a busy day (it’s when men dine with their mistresses). On the next day (Valentine’s), the dining room “loses its buzz.” Because it’s full of couples who have nothing left to say to each other? Because it isn’t as full of singles attempting to impress each other with banter? Anyway, interesting. Share your own Valentine’s stories/overheards in the comments.



Lovin’ Spoonfuls [Gourmet]

Should You Propose (Marriage or Divorce) at a Restaurant?