Valentine’s date: Lady of the Lake

So it’s the middle of the week, you’re exhausted, and romance is being forced upon you. Well, don’t feel too stressed — That Other Paper has taken the load off your back. After an evening of dining by Lake Travis and watching one of our hand-selected romantic movies, your date will feel like Lady (or Gentleman) of the Lake. And speaking of Arthurian legend, do you want to know the real reason why Arthur was able to pull the sword out of the stone? He reserved it. Make your reservations now.

6pm | Dine by the lake

An unknown poet once said, “Sunsets are cool.” And if that poet were alive today, he’d tell you to make your reservations at one of these lakeside-dining places for 6pm or earlier — otherwise you won’t get to see that sunset. But be warned: It’s a bit of a drive to the lake. Make sure to burn yourself a CD for the 20- to 30-minute trip and label it “ROMANTIC” in all caps. It’ll be really romantic.

The Oasis

It burned down a while ago, but only because it was full of so much burning desire. Actually, that’s probably not true, but it is full of people who clap when the sun goes down. The Oasis has a beautiful view of the Texas Hill Country, and there’s a salsa room (for dancing, not eating — this isn’t Polvo’s). The food is so-so, but it kind of doesn’t matter because the view is wow-wow. It’s an old standard, and there’s a reason why. It may seem cheesy and cliché, but what did you expect we’d recommend for Valentine’s Day?

The Oasis
6550 Comanche Trl • 266-2442

Rocco’s Grill

Like The Oasis, Rocco’s has a great view and all the romantic hullabaloo you’re looking for. But unlike The Oasis, not everyone in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, and San Marcos will be there. Purely by its size alone, Rocco’s has a more intimate feel. And, more importantly, they have homemade cheesecake, which should be an aphrodisiac if it’s not already.

Rocco’s Grill
900 Ranch Road 620 • Lakeway, TX 78734

Lakehouse Cafe

This place is a little more casual, but they have some truly wonderful seafood, live music, and those people who walk around selling roses. This is a bonus if you forgot the number to 1-800-Flowers. And, like the name suggests, they have a great view of the lake. Perhaps one of the best reasons to come here is that it runs about $10 a plate. Tell your date to order whatever she wants, and don’t let her look at the bill.

Lakehouse Cafe
406 Sleat Dr • Briarcliff, TX 78669 • 264-7040

9pm | Watch the perfect movie

Believe it or not, we couldn’t think of a single Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan flick to tell you to watch. We know we’d seen one before on TBS, but we couldn’t remember the name. Anyway, the next stop on your date is the video store. Have no idea what to rent? You’re in luck: Here are a few ideas…

Amelie

This movie will make you so happy you just might cry. And if the DVD menu asks you if you want to watch it in English, for the love of Valentine’s Day, please say non

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Vampires, Francis Ford Coppola, an unbelievable love story that transcends time, and Keanu Reeves: Dracula has it all. Though it might be hard to imagine you could care so much for a vamp, you actually will. Then you’ll only wish your love could last for five centuries.

The Philadelphia Story

This is one of those rare black-and-white movies that somehow manages to keep your five-second-long attention span for the entire two hours, leaving your inner senior citizen to think, “Boy, they sure don’t make ’em like they used to.”

11pm | Nothing planned

Well, now it’s all up to you. We’ve taken you as far as you can go. Hopefully after your TOP VD evening, your Lady (or Gentleman) of the Lake will give you the Excalibur you’ve been waiting for. Happy Valentine’s Day!