Romancing the Stone
by Terryl Gavre
Photography by Vincent Knakal

Did you know that each year over 2.5 million couples get engaged? While some suitors get down on bended knee on a moonlit beach and others orchestrate an elaborate scheme to propose on national television, undoubtedly the most popular way to propose marriage is after a delicious meal in a romantic restaurant.

February, the month for love, has as its romantic highpoint Valentine’s Day, always one of the most magical nights of the year, which this year just happens to fall on a Saturday night. Hmm, I can see the jewelers rubbing their hands together already. And without a doubt the romantic aura already pervasive year-round amidst some of the most proposal-proficient tables in town is becoming almost tangible as it mixes with the additional magic of Cupid during this especially match-oriented season.

Tom Atkins, executive chef at L’ Auberge Hotel in Del Mar, says that many proposals have taken place in J. Taylors Restaurant at Table 11. It is a little deuce that sits just in front of the fireplace. He often makes sugar praline boxes in the shape of a diamond or heart and surrounds the engagement ring in homemade truffles and fresh berries. He remembers one Valentine’s dinner throughout which a guest entrusted him with a 12-carat engagement ring. “I had to carry it around with me all evening, it was pretty cool,” he says.

At Pacifica Del Mar, one should ask for Tables 250 or 260, according to Judith Adams, their marketing consultant. These outside tables have a spectacular view of the ocean. There, rings have been presented in many ways, but most memorably in champagne glasses or atop desserts.

Azul Restaurant in La Jolla has had many proposals at Table 17, a window table with an unobstructed view of the La Jolla Cove. One evening while a couple sat enjoying the view, a plane flew very low in front of the window towing a banner asking “Will You Marry Me?” The entire restaurant broke into applause when the answer was, “Yes.”

Table 9 at Donovan’s is a corner crescent booth that overlooks the entire main dining room, yet grants diners the perfect amount of privacy, giving its guests the feeling of royalty. This table has been reserved by Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones and is a perfect pop-the-question place. “Suitors at this top-notch table have yet to receive a ‘No’,” boasts Donovan’s marketing director Scott Roussel.

Downtown at Dobson’s, Table 15 in the upper dining room is a very secluded booth that has been the table of choice for marriage proposals for the 21-years owner Paul Dobson has been in business. There’s one potential distraction though — the only way to get from the restaurant to the basement refrigerator is through a door behind the booth. If you don’t mind the odd occasion when a chef carrying a tray of oysters or a few gallons of heavy cream traipses by, this is a fabulous place to make plans for the rest of your life.

George Hauer of George’s at the Cove says that his most romantic table is Table 22. The very private table has its own window and is tucked into the corner of the dining room. It has been reported that Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff had their first public date at this table and it is a favorite of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening.

Sheila Tracey of Laurel Restaurant and Bar says most bachelors choose Table 102 to declare themselves. She remembers one proposal during which a young-and-in-love-groom-to-be choreographed a scene involving what seemed like their entire staff, requiring, among other things, that a couple of waiters and a busboy be in just the right position with camera, flowers, and ring when he dropped down on one knee. She accepted and went from table to table showing off her rock to thunderous applause.

Le Fontainebleau is considered one of San Diego’s most romantic restaurants. Table 13, an intimate table for two in the center of the restaurant, is the most popular for popping the question. The restaurant has a beautiful Faberge egg in which the prospective groom can hide the engagement ring to be presented while the piano player plays their song.

Top of the Cove, one of La Jolla’s oldest and most romantic dining rooms, boasts Table 6, a romantic booth for two where diners sit side-by-side and take in a breathtaking ocean view.

At Blue Point Coastal Cuisine request Table 15. It’s a very private, round black leather booth in the back corner of the restaurant. Mick Jagger dines at this table, so, if you choose to take a chance on the “Tumbling Dice,” you might just get some “Satisfaction.”

There are many other favorite tables at which to begin the process of tying the knot. Among them are “Ken’s Table,” or table six at Chez Loma Bistro in Point Loma, Table 301 at Sbicca in Del Mar, and Table 12 at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Carmel Valley.

If your favorite restaurant is not listed here, just pick up the phone and call — find out which table is most romantic. It’s not too late to reserve a special table for your Valentine and make a few memories of your own.