Do-It-Yourself Romantic Dinners

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it's about time to find somewhere romantic to take that special someone.You could search high and low all over town but we've got a better idea. Each week, Rohnert Park Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. With a romance in mined here is this week's choice:

Oliver’s Market

Overview: Wait — that’s not a restaurant you say? This year try to show your loved one some skill in the kitchen as good way to impress mix it up a little. What if you can’t cook? Oliver’s has you covered weather planning a romantic picnic at the coast or a candle lit dinner at home. 

Decor:  Pack a picnic and watch the sun set from one of the . Take a drive to the coast and go hiking or try a nice diner on the beach. Or turn the lights down low and cover the table with rose petals. You know what says to say “I love you” to your significant other better than any restaurant will.

The Drinks: Oliver’s offers a large selection of beer, wine and other spirits, along with an extensive selection of fancy non-alchaholic beverages. From sparkling lemonades to fancy loose leaf teas, you can find just the right paring for each and every course.

Appetizers: Salads are a good place to start at Oliver’s. With an extensive salad bar you can mix and match ingredients to create a salad that is sure to impress. If you are hitting the trail and packing a picnic the potato salad is a must.

Entrees: Fresh made sushi, burritos and a hot food line give you plenty of options you can take home and dress up with your own dishes. Gourmet sandwiches can fill out a picnic basket nicely; roast beef and bri on a sourdough roll plays quite nicely with a Cabernet or Zinfandel. The hot food line offers a selection of items ranging  from Indian to American comfort foods; the choice changes daily.

Desserts: The Gizmo is the desert of choice at Oliver’s. This cake is just a touch too big for two, wich is perfect for Valantine's Day, since that will mean there is a bit left over for a midnight snack. This chocolate cake resembles a giant Ho Ho. Dark chocolate cake is rolled around a soft cream filling and then covered in chocolate. The bakery has plenty of other wonderful deserts to choose from as well.

Service: There can be lines at the counters but the staff will work as quickly as they can to fill your order and get you on the road. If you are unsure what you want they are for the most part willing to give you a sample of items from the deli case.

Signature Dish: The Gizmo

Oliver's is located at 546 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati. Call 707-285-2550 for more information. Cost: $$