Tangerine Supper Club

Out goes a staid pub and in came Tangerine, with its haute décor and a menu that’s raised the bar when it comes to dining out in Calgary. The locavore trend has hit this restaurant as well, so expect local organic meats, fresh fish and produce that hasn’t traveled far from farm to table. Since its CowTown, you can expect the beef-centric options to be delish, but don’t take our word for it – try them yourself, you won’t be disappointed. A dimly-lit bistro atmosphere makes things romantic and the red walls exude sex appeal. Hopefully this will come in handy later…wink. 100-751 3rd Street SW, 403-237-8232




Teatro
Located in the 1911-built Dominion Bank in the Arts and Theatre District, Teatro is as refined as its name. Recently spruced up, the eatery has retained its old-fashioned, regal charm. The crowd is full of I-went-to-Harvard lawyers and their Botoxed wives, so expect an uber-posh vibe. Teatro manages to achieve what few fine dining restaurants can – it stays extremely elegant while still being unpretentious, so fear not, those Wasps don’t sting. Sit back and enjoy the fresh ingredients – everything from olive oil and pasta to chocolates are homemade – and gaze at the one wall that hypnotically changes colours like a mood ring. Finish things off with some cognac, as one would. 200 8th Avenue SE, 403-290-1012




The Ranche
For you tired cowboys, The Ranche is a relaxing atmosphere located down Bow Bottom Trail in Fish Creek Park – about half an hour south of Cow Town. After a long day of bucking broncos, lasso your lady and treat her to an evening of rustic elegance by the fireplace in the dining room. The French cuisine (think baked goat cheese soufflé appetizers and mains like pheasant breast with corn chive cake) mixed with Western hospitality provides the ultimate atmosphere for understated romance. With a wrap-around porch and welcoming screen door, this dining excursion is well worth the trek. Please remember to remove your spurs before entering. 15979 Bow Bottom Trail South East, 403-225-3939




Tribune Restaurant
When the British think of newspapers, they sometimes think of food: "chips" (because you know how they hate the French). When Calgarians think of newspapers, they probably don't think of the Calgary Tribune (unless they're very, very old). However, when they think of the Tribune Restaurant, they must think of food: contemporary swank with fancy chips: "frites" (because we like the French). Housed in a historic site, this classy joint offers double-Windsor-knot wearers extremely delicious meals in aesthetically impressive packages. It’s calm, it’s quiet, and their crème brulee is worth writing home about, so save some room, throw on your Sunday best and make a reservation now. 118 8th Avenue SW, 403-269-3160




Velvet at the Grand

Velvet is a sexual material, don’t you thin? And Valentines is a sexual holiday, so if you can put one and one together you get my allusion that this restaurant would be perfect for a night of romance. Candle-lit tables are flanked by comfortable velvet chairs in the dimly lit restaurant. A brightly lit bar stands as a stark, contrasting beacon (of alcoholic hope) for patrons looking to drink some liquid clothes remover. The food here is electic; appetizers include scorched white asparagus and duck confit, while mains are meat-centric and include barramundi, game ribs and beef tenderloin. Bon appetit! 608 1st Street South West, 403-244-8400