Whew!  It has been a whirlwind summer so far and with each of us going in a million directions at once, it has been a challenge to find some time together that we can label "romantic".  Oh, we've had fun at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, Country Jam and some Eau Claire Express Games, etc.  While they do stir some romantic memories of years ago when we first attended things like that as a couple, we were looking for something that didn't involve literally thousands of people.

So, the other evening we found ourselves sitting at Manny’s Cocina in Eau Claire for a wonderful date night. Now I’m a bigger fan of Mexican food than Jane and she’s more of a seafood lover than I, so Manny’s was the perfect spot.  Their menu is based on experiences from their Mexican coast heritage and features a wealth of seafood dishes. That’s not to say they don’t offer plenty of choices in the more common Mexican style, but their seafood dishes are part of what sets them apart.

Jane took full advantage, even needing the server to come back so she could have more time to look the menu over. Should she have scallops…or lobster…or scampi…or shrimp?  Too many choices, too little time.  I was easier to pin down. Bring me a traditional shredded beef Baracoa Burrito (the “El Gordo Burrito”) and I’m a happy camper. Add extra hot sauce and I’m really a happy camper.  Jane finally ‘settled’ for the Crab Stuffed Jumbo White Shrimp, wrapped in bacon and served sizzling hot.  She opted out of the Jalapeno cream sauce and went with a milder white cream sauce and declared it perfection. 

Of course, you can’t visit Manny’s and not try out their fabulous margaritas…so we did. I had the Ultimate Perfect Margarita and Jane had the traditional and while different, they were both wonderful, made even better by happy hour pricing.  Topped off with their chips and salsa and we had a terrific and filling time. 

Manny’s boasts a very romantic, dark and authentic Mexican décor and when we sat in the corner, we felt all alone. The food was wonderful, the service second to none and the atmosphere combined with the rest to give us a little slice of romance here in the Chippewa Valley. Date night was truly delicious. If you’ve never had the pleasure of dining at Manny’s, put it on your calendar soon.  It’s a great place to take someone you love.  Until next time, Tim