Romance served up special on Valentine's Day

Romance served up special on Valentines Day Image

It was a simple lunch — no flowers or gifts — but it meant a lot to Rick and Rosanna Morales on this Valentine's Day.

The couple, married for 23 years, spent the lunch hour together at Mago Grill and Cantina in the Promenade Bolingbrook.

As they shared a dish of chocolate flan to finish off the meal, the couple spoke of what it means to take time to eat together on the day known for expressing love.

"Valentine's Day is when you spend time with that special someone to let them know you love them," Rick said.

Rick was expected to work tonight, so the couple decided a lunch date would be the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

"We also exchanged cards today," said Rosanna.

Mago, like other eating establishments in the Promenade, was expecting banner business today.

"We are booked solid with reservations tonight," said head chef Juan Luis Gonzalez as he began preparing for the dinner rush.

Gonzalez said reservations would fill the restaurant between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

"We have already taken reservations for about 150 people tonight," Gonzalez said.

A live Latin trio was scheduled to perform during dinner tonight for patrons.

Is the restaurant expecting any special events, perhaps a marriage proposal?

"We actually had one take place last year at our Arlington Heights location, but so far no one has asked us to make any special preparations for that tonight," Gonzalez said. "But it is Valentine's Day, so you never know."

Mago was among a handful of restaurants in the mall expecting big business tonight, mall officials said.

"I know from the feedback I have received, it will be busy, particularly at our restaurants and the iPic Theaters," said Tom Castagnoli, the mall's marketing manager.

"I think the rest of the restaurants are full. As far as shopping goes, most people who shopped for Valentines Day have already done so over the weekend. If you are still out there trying to shop (for Valentine's Day gifts), you probably are at Walgreens," Castagnoli said with a laugh.

Romance served up special on Valentine's Day