Valentines Day is no time to experiment with food. Nothing douses the romance faster then a flat souffl?. Guys, if you splurge on anything, it should be this meal!

We asked Rosie Saferstein, the first lady of food in our Garden State and New Jersey Monthly’s own intrepid food reporter, to suggest some great restaurants that will put you in the mood.

Restaurant Nicholas (www.restaurantnicholas.com) in Middletown. Great food, atmosphere, and so elegant, Rosie says, you’ll feel you are “swathed in silk.” Valentines Day: $99/pp, that includes a little box of chocolates for the ladies made by their own pastry chef.

Amanda’s in Hoboken (www.amandasrestaurant.com). Rosie likes the cute atmosphere; tassels in lights, mismatched china. Amanda’s also has a Valentine’s Day special, for $55/pp.

The Ebbitt Room (www.virginiahotel.com) at the Virginia Hotel in Cape May. A lovely quiet room, says Rosie -- and the best part, you can have your dessert right upstairs afterwards.

Lorena’s in Maplewood (www.restaurantlorena.com). This petite French restaurant has ten tables. You can take one of them and enjoy a four course meal for $75/pp plus tax, tip. It’s BYOB.

For atmosphere and history, try the Sergeantsville Inn (www.sergeantsvilleinn.com) in Sergeantsville. The building dates from the 1700’s; there are lacey curtains, candles, nooks, and crannies. To entice you, the innkeepers are offering a $50/pp Valentine’s Day special.

Also on Rosie’s list -- Café Matisse in Rutherford (www.cafematisse.com), picked for its innovative cuisine and décor.

Rats (www.ratsrestaurant.org) in Hamilton. Don’t be put off by the name, it’s taken from the Ratty character in The Wind and the Willows. The restaurant is part of a delightful sculpture garden that lends itself to a romantic stroll after dinner.

The Frog And The Peach in New Brunswick (www.frogandpeach.com). Rosie loves the food. For a choice locale, ask for the corner table in the balcony, or you can sit in the enclosed garden -- it’s heated of course! The special is $84/pp.

Manon in Lambertville (609-397-2596), a charming French bistro. You will be seeing stars on the ceiling where they’ve reproduced Van Gogh’s Starry Night! Warning: no credit cards.

You’ll spend a lot. But how many times do you eat a four or five course meal on a Wednesday night? Enjoy every bite!