One if by Land, Two if by Sea has long held the title of the most romantic restaurant in town, and it's a reputation they take very seriously, with a piano player to greet you and a single red rose and candle at every table. It's spared from clich? by the admittedly gorgeous d?cor that succeeds in an interesting pairing of old turn of the century charm of Aaron Burr's carriage home and modern romance. Lovely chandeliers hang in the main dining room, walls of old exposed brick are lit by candles, and portraits of American forefathers gaze at patrons in love.
We went for restaurant week as an early, recessiony Valentine's meal. Like most restaurant week menus, I didn't feel we got the best the chef had to offer as far as the main course, but we were totally taken with our appetizer: a buttery saffron orzo with pea shoots and duck confit and dessert: a chocolate cup cake with peanut butter ice cream (which it seems has been replaced with chocolate fondant according to the menu on their site). My main was the Pan Seared Fluke and Jim feasted on steak. Both were fine, but I would go for the famous Wellington if I were to come back and order from the regular menu. My drink, called a Swedish Massage was an unexpectedly delightful vodka martini with blue cheese olives and a splash of scotch.
It's clear from the moment you walk in why so many couples get engaged here, everyone seems to be glowing in the air of romance and the firelight. The only thing slightly cold you'll find here is the service; and no one is actually rude, just a bit aloof, but patrons didn't seem to care, happily basking in the atmosphere of perpetual lovelight.
But what do you think?