Bakersfield Life

Dining on romance

larger view larger view larger view

     Lovebirds looking to celebrate their romance with an intimate dinner this Valentine’s Day will find plenty of options in Bakersfield this year. From T.L. Maxwell’s and Valentien downtown to Café Med and Mama Tosca’s at The Marketplace, tried and true romantic dining options abound. Here are a few options for a romantic rendezvous for you and your sweetheart.Uricchio’s1400 17th St. 326-8870.     This will mark the 15th Valentine’s Day for downtown dining staple Uricchio’s Trattoria. The authentic Italian eatery consistently combines generous portions, exceptional entrees and attentive service into a warm and intimate dining experience. Located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, reservations are sought after at this popular establishment founded by Nick Uricchio and now managed by his daughter under the culinary guidance of executive chef Raphael Hernandez.      Diners will feel as though they’ve been transported to a metropolitan restaurant. The elegant, engaging atmosphere also provides the perfect backdrop for people watching. Whether you stay on the light side with a shrimp Caesar salad or savor the melt-in-your mouth homemade cheese-stuffed ravioli, save room for the culinary piece de resistance, mouth-watering dessert imported from famed LaMousse in Beverly Hills. Reservations are recommended.Hungry Hunter3580 Rosedale Highway. 328-0580.     If you’d prefer a dark, quiet corner table or booth, consider Hungry Hunter Steakhouse, which still boasts the best prime rib in town. The restaurant opened 18 years ago, and its menu has evolved over time to include a number of delicious culinary variations of surf and turf and poultry. But Hungry Hunter’s mainstay remains meat pared with its unique variety of wines and foods.      Relax in the lodge-like feel of the restaurant’s décor under dim lights while sampling popular appetizers like calamari fritti or crab-stuffed mushrooms. Settle into a cozy, romantic setting in the extensive, dark dining room and savor a New York, porterhouse, or Black and Bleu rib eye with one of the restaurant’s signature sauces on the side, such as the whiskey peppercorn. Red Pepper2641 Oswell St. 871-5787.        Red Pepper restaurant in northeast Bakersfield has withstood the test of time and hosted countless Valentine’s Day dinners over the last three decades. The venerable restaurant and bar is celebrating 30 years of what its website boasts is “Mexican done right — doing the ordinary and extraordinary in an exceptional fashion.”      The redecorated interiors imbue a warmth and intimacy, whether you choose to order in the bar or dine in a cozy booth. Red Pepper’s extensive new menu is as seductive to your palate as if Cupid had designed it himself. Shrimp Vera Cruz and ceviche are popular dishes favored by regular patrons who live in the Pepper’s neighborhood. Camarones a la costa, three large gulf shrimp stuffed with crab, wrapped in bacon and cheese and baked golden brown, glazed with a jalapeno béarnaise sauce is another mouth-watering must. The Pepper’s rich history and loyal following will make even first-timers feel welcome and right at home.