new boyfriend, Valentine's dinner

[mollyditty]

so, this is bound to be a common thread over the next week, but hoping to get some advice ASAP!
my boyfriend (still getting used to using the term....but in a good way :) ), called me today and asked if there was any place special I have been dying to go. We laughed since he knows there are a TON of places that I'd love to try, but he wanted to make sure he was going to take me to some place I'd really really love, and hadnt been before.
my thinking is that I dont want to break the bank, and would like to do something special for dessert...perhaps make him a cake or something special for post dinner..you know, giving us some digestion time.
so, this being said, i think the entrees could be a bit more on the pricey side, just not in a jerky way. He's always been great about treating me to things, so i dont want to exploit that, you know :)
so, back to business.
We're in Somerville/Davis/Cambridge
I think it would be nice to keep it local so we dont have to drive and can cab it cheaply..., and of course, a reasonably priced wine list...tall order, i know, but i have faith in all you hounds for helping me out :)
My top picks would be: oh, and feel free to offer other things since I am probably missing something awesome!
Evoo
Upstairs on the Sq
Sandrine's Bistro in Harvard...easy enough on the T
Cragie St...though, this i think would break the bank, and maybe i'll save that for a time when my parents take us out..haha.

Places I've been and would go again...
Oleana...no doubt!
Rialto (though, didnt have an amazing RW experience there...but dont want to hold it against them...)
Salts.....small, yummy, and yes, quite romantic
though Highland Kitchen would be fun, and might be right up our alley, he was looking for more romantic i think....
been to Dali and to be honest, it's not a fav
Green Street Grill.... good drinks and once again, T

okay, well, thanks in advance! I appreciate all your help! think that my dessert after will be a molten chocolate cake with a nice wine paired

[Bob Dobalina]

Lots of great suggestions -

I'll throw out Dante's as well - http://restaurantdante.com/holidayMEN...

Great romantic view of Boston, I think, and Kendall T is close by, I think.
The menu's descriptions are HILARIOUS - courses are named flirt, smooch, foreplay, climax, spooning and bubble bath! LOL - oh my!

[saltyair]

Rendevous in Central.

[gansu girl]

What about Lala Rokh? It's Beacon Hill, so not too close, but an easy cab/T ride for you and there's some nice strolling afterwards . . . we've had many good and romantic meals there!

[trufflehound]

What about Oleana?And, my GF absolutely LOVES when I cook her dinner.

[aperitif]

I love the atmosphere at Central Kitchen and the food at Rendevous. Both have great wine lists!!!

[Bluebell]

Since it's only a week away, you might want to check OpenTable to see who has spaces. I think EVOO is cozy and delish, but not so T convenient. Upstairs on the Sq is a nice choice, but doing the Monday Club bar would be easier on the bf's wallet. Actually, I think Sabur in Teele Sq is very romantic, and has some interesting wines. Just a short walk from Davis Sq and you can share meze.

[enhF94]

Sabur! What a great choice.

I had another thought: valentine's at restaurants is for tourists. Can he cook?

[mollyditty]

funny you mention it. we discussed this evening, and he said that since he has the day off he was wondering if he might cook me a great dinner...he's lately been more interested in trying more things in the kitchen.
he's done a good job so far and i can be a tough critic....so, I am encouraging this choice :) however, all those other choices are great for another evening...when there isnt that rush etc....
thanks all for your ideas :)

[nasilemak]

If you haven't tried hot pot or shabu shabu, you might want to consider it. there is something sexy about the interactive nature (like fondue) and sharing a meal with your loved one...it's great winter weather food and not expensive! my pick would be Kaze in Chinatown.

[enhF94]

Congratulations! He sounds like a keeper. Your list looks good to me; maybe I'd add Chez Henri or Gargoyles on the Square?
At this late date, he may have trouble getting a reservation, so don't set your heart on anything in particular.

[LindaWhit]

Gargoyles was my thought as well - while their website is under construction, you can still see the Val Day menu and their pretty extensive wine list.

http://www.gargoylesonthesquare.com (click Upcoming Events for the VDay menu and Drinks for their wine list)

[mollyditty]

actually, that was one of the first places he had taken me...since i had mentioned i'd never been there before and he kept it in mind....while we could go again, i think we'll keep our eyes open. indeed, it is cutting it close, so not setting my heart on anything :) Chez, perhaps...but i havent had a good experience there in the past...alas!

[joth68]

Just looked at the website. The homepage says under construction but all the links appear to be working.