Dining Reviews	Lunch Counter	Restaurant Guide

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Romantic Spots

Bryce Donovan

Alan Hawes
The Post and Courier

An elegant, aged look defines the ambiance of a dining room at Muse restaurant on Society Street.

It's hard to say exactly what makes a restaurant romantic. It's almost easier to work backward. For instance, a good question to ask is: "What doesn't make a restaurant romantic?" That's easy. Loud music, lots of people crammed together in a small space, bright lights, your date's husband showing up during the meal, etc.

Using these criteria as a guide for what to avoid, finding a truly romantic restaurant comes into clearer focus.

So you begin looking for a place that has good food, of course, but is quiet, smaller and, above all, off the beaten path.

Fulton Five

5 Fulton St., downtown

853-5555

$$$-$$$$

In the middle of King Street's antique district is an intimate little Italian restaurant cleverly disguised in a deep green coat of ivy.

Inside, the walls are covered with mirrors and Italian-inspired art. The lighting is perfect. Crisp table linens and the glow of candlelight help set the mood.

What makes it special is its ability to — in spite of the fact that it is so well-known — make you feel like it's your own little secret place.

On the night we were there the place was packed. Still, we were seated immediately by an amiable hostess. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, recommended excellent wines (in both price and taste) to go with our entrees of lamb and filet. The goat cheese-stuffed ravioli was a nice way to start the evening, along with homemade bread and individual containers of olive oil.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway for dinner, Fulton Five is the place to go.

Blend

170 Ashley Ave., downtown

724-3391

www.blendtogo.com

$$-$$$

Across the street from MUSC's horseshoe is a sneaky little spot called Blend. It's not sneaky in that it's unobtrusive or hard to spot. It's sneaky in that when you walk in the front door you think you've got the place figured out, only to be greatly surprised later. On the first floor Blend is a deli. But venture upstairs and you'll find the menu, much like the mood, is completely different.

Warm lighting and a small, intimate space are an immediate contrast to the large windows and casual seating downstairs. Upstairs the style is elegant and the mood relaxed. Along the walls are old paintings and furniture, giving the place the feel of home. The gentle slant to the floor also lets you know you are definitely in an authentic Charleston residence.

If you're not looking to eat dinner, Blend has an upstairs bar separated from the rest of the dining area by a wall.

But if dinner is your thing, be sure to try the shrimp-and-crab pasta along with the stuffed flounder. Both are rich, but not overly so. Portions are large, but the bill is not. That's the best part about Blend. It is the rare romantic spot where you and a date can have entrees, wine and dessert for less than $100, including tip.

Muse

82 Society St., downtown

577-1102

www.charlestonmuse.com

$$-$$$$

Everything about Muse is intimate. From the small entryway to the upstairs dining area, each room has its own feel. Nooks and crannies sprout off the main rooms of the restaurant, providing each table with what feels like its own private area.

Many rooms are divided by French doors, which are typically half-closed, allowing you to see your fellow diners without really having to listen to them.

Even with a full house, the space dampens noise nicely. You can talk with your date without raising your voice.

Lighting provided by floor lamps and well-placed overhead spots gives Muse a warm, enchanting glow. Each table is candlelit and the plates, with their decorative designs, are a nice break from your standard white dinnerware.

The food is Mediterranean-inspired and offered in a range of prices.

Entrees can cost as little as $12 to as much as $39. A little tip: The fish is wonderful.

As for the service, the staff gives just the right amount of attention. Which as we all know means: there when you want them, invisible when you're romancing your date.