By MONICA CANE
209 correspondent
When you think of a romantic spot to take that special someone to on Valentines what typically comes to mind is finding some sort of intimate restaurant with lit candles and a cozy corner table set near a bay window that has a perfect view of the beautiful moon.
At least that’s what I thought until I asked around. While most everyone I spoke with agreed that super fancy restaurants with pretty moonlight settings and cozy corner tables are nice, the real romantic spots in the 209 are actually much more casual with just a hint of romance about them. For example:
La Playa Taqueria located at 1247 E Louise Ave., in Manteca is typically a causal family environment but when two sweethearts sit at one of the tables which is placed under a bamboo type of covering and face the decorative wall that has a realistic mural of the ocean on a sunny day spread across it, suddenly the sweethearts are transported beachside, enjoying fresh chips and salsa while sipping on cool corona’s, watching the waves roll in. How romantic is that?
Then there is Angelano’s located at 1020 N. Main Street in Manteca. This romantic spot has an older, informal setting yet the dim lighting, cozy booths and warm, friendly environment make it perfect for lovebirds to nuzzle up while sharing pasta’s, soups, homemade fresh bread, and desserts together.
For a more outgoing romantic spot there is Yukimi’s Japanese Restaurant located at 1242 W Lathrop Road in Manteca where master chef’s prepare chicken, steak lobster, scallops, shrimp, garlic rice, sautéed vegetables and much more right where you are sitting. There’s just something very romantic about having a special meal prepared for a couple of sweethearts right in front of them.
Delicato Wine Tasting Room located at 12001 Highway 99 off the French Camp exit north of Manteca, offers a more traditional romantic spot for couples to sit together and sample red and white wines before visiting the gift shop filled with gourmet items and personalized gift baskets. It may not be a Valentines dinner but that has romance all over it.
The favored causal yet absolutely perfect romantic spot in the 209 for sweethearts turns out to be Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet & Ice Cream Shop located at 11980 Harlan Road in Lathrop Here couples can grab two spoons and share a delicious ice cream sundae smothered with hot fudge, caramel, whip cream, nuts and sprinkles from the ice cream fountain. If that isn’t enough, lovebirds can also buy each other heart shaped boxes filled with sweet truffles, caramels, assorted flavored premium chocolates for Valentines while there. It doesn’t get any more romantic than that.
So when it comes right down to it, where is the most romantic spot to take your honey this Valentines in the 209? Whether a fancy restaurant or an ice cream parlor, the most romantic spot is wherever sweethearts are together.
*La Playa Taqueria, 1247 E Louise Avenue, Manteca, (209) 824-0634, Open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
*Angelano’s, 1020 N. Main Street, Manteca, (209) 823-6666, Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m..
*Yukimi, 1242 W Lathrop Road, Manteca, (209) 239-7527, Saturday through Tuesday 4:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m.
*Delicato Winery Wine Tasting Room, 12001 Highway 99, Manteca, (888) 599-4637, Open daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
*Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet & Ice Cream Shop: 11980 Harlan Road, Lathrop, (209) 982-9304, Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
