Love in the Year of the Tiger

Chinatown isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind while trying to think of a hot date spot around Boston, especially on Valentine’s Day. This year, Valentine’s Day shares its day with the Chinese New Year, and Chinatown’s romantic appeal heightens as the possibility of finding a hidden date spot with an added splash of culture surfaces.

Feb. 14 is the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, promising excitement and passionate evenings with loved ones. Those born in the Year of the Tiger, according to Chinese tradition, are sexy and sensually romantic &-&- spontaneous lovers exhibiting a curiosity for the unknown. That same curiosity for the unknown is what typically leads to venturing around Boston’s Chinatown in hopes of stumbling across some sort of secret delicacy.

A great dinner date spot is the winner of four consecutive “Boston City Best” awards: Chau Chow City, located at 83 Essex Street. While considered a seafood restaurant, it has a varied menu and dim sum. (The dim sum menu ends at 3:30 p.m., so plan accordingly.) Dishes range from $5 to $15, but certain menu items, like the duck platter, are pricier. Chau Chow City’s décor is very romantically suiting: square tables with white tablecloths and red napkins folded on the plates. The large restaurant is conveniently open until 3 a.m. for those looking to catch a late night meal.

For some excellent small-plate Chinese, check out Windsor Dim Sum located at 10 Tyler Street. Although the restaurant is small, the portions are not. For the double-daters, four people can eat for around $25; meals for two range from five to $10 a person. One of the best items on the menu is the roast pork bun, only available on the weekends and perfect for Valentine’s Day. The big wooden tables are spotless, the food is delicious and inexpensive, and the hot tea and surprisingly familiar Muzak is endless.

Perfect for dessert is Bao Bao Bakery and Café located on 77 Harrison Avenue, a unique place where the women behind the counter wear floral uniforms and the pastries are called “cute cakes.” Milk teas, pearl tapioca, breads, buns, chocolate covered strawberries, custards and tarts are among the selections at Bao Bao, and most desserts range from $1 to $4. With barstool seating and a few tables in the back, Bao Bao offers fast service and a happy wallet. It’s the perfect after-dinner joint, and a great place for some affectionate time with your date.

This year try something different than a fresh bistro or chocolate buffet for Valentine’s Day: spice up your love life with a little Chinese culture and some chopsticks. The traits of the Year of the Tiger should not go to waste; curiosity should be relieved and the hopefulness of the tiger should be engaged. Chau Chow, Windsor and Bao Bao would agree.