For Valentine's Day, Visit Rosebud Restaurant in Naperville, Illinois

If you've never visited downtown Naperville, you are missing out on small-town atmosphere injected with some brand-name stores and restaurants. This is the heart of shopping and dining not only in Naperville but surrounding burbs as well. So if you are looking to do make a big deal about Valentine's Day this year, you must check out Rosebud restaurant in downtown Naperville.

Rosebud of Naperville is one of the most romantic Italian restaurants in the area. It sits on the corner of Washington and Chicago, and is within second of the River Walk. On the outside, the place is inviting. With its brick wall, flowers on window pains and the red canopy featuring the Rosebud name, you are unlikely to miss this restaurant or mistake it for a chain. The homey atmosphere continues inside, with the brick-exposed walls and white tablecloths covering each table. The seating is spacious and comfortable. While the restaurant promotes its family atmosphere and invites you to bring in the whole family, the place is big enough so you will not be bothered by someone else's large party or unruly children.

Now, on to the menu, the most important part of the experience. To say that the food is yummy is an understatement. They serve genuine Italian cuisine and offer signature dishes that should not be missed. Start of with their bruschetta, topped with the fontinella cheese. This is the best appetizer by far. You have to try their Rosebud Chopped Salad - as far as house salads go, this one takes the cake. I really like the roast peppers in the salad, and their homemade vinaigrette adds just the perfect amount of zest to the meal. Oh, and their Fettuccini Alfredo is one of the creamiest I've tried in this area - the one at Margiano's doesn't compare. This is a classic Italian entrée and you will most definitely enjoy it (it's my usual). As far as price, a diner for two with appetizers and desert will run you about $50-60 (alcohol not included).

If you chose this place for Valentine's Day, and you should actually, make sure to do the following few things to assure a romantic evening.

- Call ahead. Rosebud takes reservation any day of the week, for any dining time. Valentine's Day books fast, so call as soon as possible.

- Use the valet parking. Parking in downtown Naperville can be tricky. Don't spoil a night out by chasing parking spaces.

- Order wine. Their wine list is impressive; it's something like five pages long. Take your server's recommendation based on your taste; unless you are a wine expert, you may be overwhelmed by the selection.

Enjoy your diner, and your date. Happy Valentine's Day.