extras_romanticplaces.html

Robert and Charlene Cassell of Columbus, Ohio, discovered their passion for travel while honeymooning in Niagara Falls 56 years ago. Today that shared passion is stronger than ever. Here, the Cassells offer their take on the most romantic places to dine.


Europe

France

La Lucarne aux Chouettes
Movie star Leslie Caron (An American in Paris) and her son have converted four 17th-century Burgundy boat houses into a charming auberge (inn). Choose an umbrella table on the terrace, which overlooks the Yonne River. Watch barges chug by while you savor chef Daisuke Inagaki's duck foie gras in aspic with spice bread. For dessert, try the chocolate souffle, drizzled with a light custard. The food is pricey but worth every euro. Quai Bretoche, 89500 Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, France (about 100 miles southeast of Paris, in the Burgundy region); telephone +33 3 86 87 18 26; fax +33 3 86 87 22 63.

Le Choiseul
Dinner—our favorite in all of Amboise—is served in a dining room with a wall made entirely of glass so you can look out onto the Loire River and Italian-style gardens while dining. Try the salad of baby lettuce, warm goat cheese, Kalamata olives, and a balsamic vinaigrette; the grilled Persille de saumon; any of the sparkling wines made in nearby Vouvray; and puffs of chocolate mousse topped with chiffonade chocolat in a black cherry sauce. 36, quai Charles Guinot, 37400 Amboise, France (136 miles southwest of Paris, in the Loire Valley); telephone +33 2 47 30 45 45; fax +33 2 47 30 46 10.

La Pause
This five-table Provencal restaurant is run entirely by two brothers. One serves, while the other cooks. The sariette vinaigrette on the warm goat cheese salad is mouth-watering. Feel free to linger over steaming cups of coffee. Our server turned away would-be patrons with a polite yet firm nous sommes complêt, but he never made us feel rushed. We were so charmed that we couldn't resist buying an eight-inch square tile, painted by Edith Fidler, a local artist who was romantically involved with Picasso. One glance at it hanging in our breakfast room reminds us of the most delightful and inexpensive déjeuners we've ever had. Route Neuve-Le Village, 84220 Gordes, France (in Provence); telephone +33 4 90 72 11 53.

Laduree
Several years ago we fell in love with this elegant tea salon and pastry
shop—pale wood-paneled walls and tiny marble-topped tables. Even if in Paris for only a day, you must stop here. Their macaroons taste as heavenly as they look, and the cafe au lait, served in a silver pitcher with a bite of bittersweet chocolate on the side, is a frothy treat. 16 rue Royale, 75008 Paris, France; telephone +33 1 42 60 2179.

Taillevent
Fortunately, a persistent concierge was able to slip us in, as the Taillevent is considered one of the best restaurants in Paris. The lobster boudin and risotto of wild wheat cooked with truffles and frog legs is superb. Our waiter offered impeccable service and chatted us up, even though he was clearly busy. When he found out Bob was an architect, he disappeared for a few moments and returned with the blueprints for the Taillevent in Tokyo, which was eventually completed in 1994—they wanted an American architect's take. 14 rue Lamennais, Paris; telephone +33 1 44 95 15 01.

Les Bouchons de Francois Clerc
Dine in the rez-de-chaussee dining room—it's cozy and less crowded than the downstairs dining room—though you should book your reservation at least two days in advance. You'll find 20th-century caricatures by Parisian artist Sem, and an evening meal that you'll never forget. For about $55 per person, you can feast on three courses; try the crabmeat salad, roasted duck with coriander and candied yams, and shortbread with strawberries and pistachio cream. The wine list is mind-boggling, and you'll pay about a third less than you would in most comparable Parisian restaurants. After your meal, stroll along the quais of the Seine for vistas of the towering Notre Dame. 12 rue de l'Hôtel Colbert, Paris; telephone +33 1 43 54 15 34.

Le Clos Saint Vincent
Your Alsatian experience begins as you drive up the winding road, beneath the Alps, and though the lush vineyards that sweep over the hills. Time your meal so that you're sitting on the candlelit patio, with its panoramic view, as the sun sets. Try the Barbarie duckling filet, served with Alsatian noodles. You'll find the service to be quite accommodating. Back in the car after our meal, we realized that we might not be able to find our way back to the village so easily, as Les Clos is off the beaten path. As we pondered our next move, our server ran outside and graciously asked if we wanted to follow her back to the village. We were only too happy to do so. Route de Bergheim, 68150 Ribeauville, Alsace France; telephone +33 3 89 73 67 65; e-mail lovincent@aol.com.


North America

Mexico

Bogart's
The velvet-covered footrests—straight out of Casablanca—let you slip off your shoes and relax while you dine. For as long as we can remember, our signature toast has been the line that made Humphrey Bogart famous, "Here's looking at you, kid." When we exchanged new wedding bands on our 50th anniversary we were reminded of our beloved movie—and Bogart's—once again. Bob's band is engraved with Bogart's line. Avenida de las Garzas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; telephone +52 322 224 0202; bogartws@krystalvallarta.com.mx.

The United States

Barbetta's
We first visited last summer with our granddaughter, and it's now number one on our list of New York restaurants. In the summer you must request a table in the garden with century-old trees, where scents of jasmine linger in the air, and intricate fountains trickle around you. Dining after 8 p.m. is more romantic because the activity slows to a gentle whir—the curtains have gone up in neighboring theaters—and you can often select your own table. Try the quail's nest of fonduta with white truffles, and the Monte Bianco of marrons glacees for dessert. 321 West 46th Street, New York, New York; telephone +1 212 246 9171; e-mail barbetta100yrs@aol.com.

Lautrec at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa
Chef Brad Kelly serves an elegant prix fixe menu of French fare that changes every day.  Start your meal with a bottle of champagne, then order the caramelized Maine sea scallops with Pennsylvania sweet corn puree, Osetra caviar and chive oil. We can't wait for our next visit. 1001 LaFayette Drive, Farmington, Pennsylvania; telephone +1 724 329 8555 or 800 422 2736 (U.S. and Canada)

*Editor's Note: Menu items often change according to season.