La Follia, 226 3rd Ave. (NW corner of 19th)

Valentine's Day dinners can be a lot of pressure, I'm sure. Frankly, I'm not a big fan of the holiday asides from it's an excuse to eat some chocolate, which I'm also not the biggest fan of. I was pleasantly surprised by the price fix menu at La Follia, unfortunately for me it was comprised of slight "V-day" variations of their normal menu, and I can't return until perhaps next year for what was quite possibly the best truffle polenta of my life.

The restaurant is split into two parts, so it makes the ambiance a little calmer, and quieter. I don't enjoy having to yell in order to articulate a point in my conversation. The wait staff was attentive, and the runners quickly brought the food out. Maybe again, because it was a pre-set menu with limited dining options, but let's chalk it up to the wonderful runners out there. There are steps leading into the kitchen, which I think can only spell catastrophe for the staff, but everything managed to go fine, with food placed on the bar and then brought over either by a runner or waitstaff.

The restaurant itself is warm, without being overdone. They have small plates of meats and cheeses, and the menu includes some health conscious items as well as a lighter take on some Italian classics. So grab your significant other, or a friend, and walk over, enjoy the evening together and get a new spin on an old food.

WHAT TO BITE? The polenta, $8 and whatever you do, try the truffle fries.. your dining companion will be jealous, $5.

Bao Noodles, 391 E. 2nd (Btwn 22nd & 23rd)

When the weather is disgusting and cold as it's been, sometimes a large bowl of spicy Pho is all you need to take the edge off. Set in a small, but comfortable space, Bao Noodles delivered so much more than a good meal. Not only was our waiter patient with our questions, he was so friendly, it was hard for us to get moving to our second location.

After a day of shopping, the girls decided to get some Pho. One beef, one chicken, and one spicy beef and pork, hue style. Within minutes the giant bowls of soup were at our table and we were all working away. Whether you want to do the fork/spoon method, or my preference, the chopstick/spoon method, you're going to quickly be warmed by whatever dish you decide to eat. There are non-soup dishes, lots of slow braised iron pot dishes, and a plethora of rotating specials, including ice cream. Try the durian ice cream if you've ever been tempted but didn't want to purchase the fruit itself and fill your apartment with the stench.

While the restaurant is small, they take reservations, and despite the website warning, they did accept credit card. I plan on going back and trying the salt and pepper shrimp. Yum!

WHAT TO BITE? Spicy beef and pork - hue style, $8.95.