It's Valentines Day and you want to treat a special someone to the best dinner in town. As romantic as the dining halls, eating clubs or the 'Wa may be, if you're looking for atmosphere, impeccable food and a place that will truly impress your date, Les Copains on Witherspoon St. is a sure bet.
With a specially prepared four-course Valentines Day meal set at a hefty $70 per person, this Zagat-rated restaurant is not a college students fiscal dream, but the quality of the meal and the romantic ambiance are almost unbeatable.
The romantic mood of Les Copains immediately was apparent as a mixture of cool jazz, classical and the smoky vocals of Norah Jones #1 album played throughout the meal. It was the absolutely perfect date soundtrack, setting the mood for relaxed yet intimate conversation.
One of the features that adds class to the atmosphere, whether or not you are 21, is the mahogany bar located at the front of the restaurant (Les Copains is one of the few restaurants in Princeton with a liquor license).
With its suspended retro blue lights and high-end liquors, the bar looks like it belongs in a swanky New York eatery.
As for the seating arrangements on this special date, there are three options when requesting a table. In the front of the restaurant is a two-person table allowing for private conversation easily stimulated by the bustle of Witherspoon St. Choose this table if you are looking for a more relaxed yet private conversation, perhaps on a first date.
Most of the tables are arranged close together in the midsection of the restaurant, surrounded by dimmed wall sconces and mirrored walls.
While the close proximity of the neighboring table may infringe upon overly boisterous conversation, this middle section sets a wonderful enchanting mood for a date.
Nestled in the back of Les Copains is the quixotic table for an intensely romantic date. A circular alcove houses this two-person table and a table lamp provides dim light for an atmosphere that is certain to impress a romantic.
Not only will the ambience impress your date, the cuisine also places Les Copains far above other venues. The restaurant recently hired a new chef, bringing a fresh face to the menu.
But bring a restaurant dictionary or a pretty good grasp on the French language if you plan to impress your date with your culinary knowledge as you decipher the menu.
In every dish, but most notably the appetizers and the salads, the chef brings together a wide variety of unique tastes and top-quality ingredients that will most definitely please your palate.
But order carefully, as some of the salads may be quite messy to eat. My salad featured a delicious combination of goat cheese and diced beets on an arugula base, but I fear I looked like a clumsy rabbit as I tried to maneuver bites into my mouth.
Point of advice: if on a first date, don't risk that salad, but if your couple status is more cemented the taste is worth it.
The Valentines Day menu offers a wide variety of salads, fish and also Les Copains' incredibly tender lamb as an entree.
But you can end the night with your choice of delectable deserts such as their Chocolate Soufflé (order it with your meal if you plan to indulge) or Chipolte and Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.
After such a perfect Valentines date at Les Copains, you are sure to have the upper hand in your budding romance. Use it with care.
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