VEGETARIAN VALENTINE'S DAY
Eat good food. That’s what I do. I like food that makes me want to keep eating it: sometimes it’s something surprising, sometimes it comforts me; it’s always delicious. My partner, and I are decent cooks, and so we try to eat at restaurants that make something special. I eat a vegetarian diet. Around Valentine’s Day, among the most compelling reasons to eat a vegetarian diet may be the benefits in the bedroom—do some research! For this piece, I picked restaurants with strong vegetarian selections. Food has the power to bring people together:
Red House (200 Main Street, Binghamton) offers an interactive dinner date. Hot pots are a brand new experience for me, and I found it to be a very social meal. This is a tasty time, and can be especially fun for a double date. You start with a broth which is essentially liquid umami, and it sits on a hot plate at your table. We had two broths that were so entirely flavorful, with substantial slices of garlic and ginger, one spicy and one not. It would have been complex enough to eat on its own, but you get to add to it. I recommend the napa, bok choy, and tofu, as well as your choice of noodle. You put those into the broth and cook it there at the table. Though it’s less of an issue with vegetable matter, it’s important that you ensure you cook your food properly. Don’t get sick on Valentine’s Day - that’s not romantic. The scallion pancakes are also so satisfyingly savory. The service is one small sticking point. They can be slow, but it almost doesn’t matter after you eat the food. The server we had was willing to coach us through the hot pot on our first go, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Royal Indian Bar and Grill (1101 Bunn Hill Road, Vestal) builds up bold flavor. Delicious food has layers, and Indian food is all about that. The bengan bhartha, for example, is a rich and smoky mashed eggplant dish packed with spices. My partner and I get a few different dishes and share, and we always have leftovers which is a happy lunch for the next day. They have a large selection of vegetarian options, and each one is delicious. Really, I have tried them all. The front of house is always happy to see you. A perpetually filled water glass is small but essential part of any good service. It’s comfortable to eat there. Some people feel a little sluggish after a big Indian meal, but taking a nap together after dinner sounds like a really sweet date.
Nhu Y (3701 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal) is fresh. This isn’t a place with a huge selection of vegetarian options. Alas, there are only three dishes, but each one is full of flavor and you can taste the quality of the ingredients. I think this may be a two part operation, and you may need to wait a bit for this meal. The front of house is quirky. He’s sort of funny, and very confident in the food he serves. He should be, because whoever is in the kitchen is sending out solid food. Make a note that this place accepts cash only. Located in Vestal in the Olum’s plaza.
Don’t overthink it! Diners are inexpensive and feel very familiar to most people. My partner and I went to a diner on our first date, and we are deeply in love. To make it a more memorable experience, try the Park Diner (119 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton), which offers a wide view of the Susquehanna River and downtown.
Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year (and all of the eateries mentioned in this article will be open), the day of the week best known for leisurely activities. Some couples are capable of chilling out at home doing absolutely nothing together all day, but if you are of this kind I suggest doing one thing: pick up a pie from Pizza Nia’s (65 Rotary Avenue, Binghamton, right next to Abel’s). They have been open now only a short while, but they are quickly establishing a reputation that will keep them open for many years to come. Get toppings if you want, but a plain cheese is enough. It’s a traditional thin-crust pie, with sauce that’s slightly tangy, not all too sweet, and has a strong tomato flavor.
Whatever you eat, be sure it’s delicious.
