Valentine’s Day has put increasing pressure on men everywhere to search out the perfect gift – the right arrangement of flowers or the perfectly placed diamond can make the day last in a woman’s heart forever. But what should not be overlooked is the experience of the day – most importantly, the dinner.

Bon Vie, located at 4089 The Strand East in Easton Town Center, mixes French cuisine and service with modern decor and music to create an impressive and memorable dining experience worthy of a Valentine’s Day reservation – and for that matter, worthy of a stop any day of the week. The menu is diverse, covering everything from simple sandwiches to lavish entrees – allowing it to cater to both lunch and dinner crowds.

Bon Vie’s layout allows for the easy accommodation of a wide spectrum of group sizes – dining room tables seat between two and eight, and the bar area features high-rise tables for parties of two to four. For larger outings, two private tables – each one in a sectioned-off area complete with privacy curtain – allow seating for about 12 people. The floor design’s only flaw is an odd route to the bathroom from those seated on the left side of the restaraunt, which forces patrons to circle around the restaraunt or risk running through a line of bussers and waiters.

The plan was a three-course meal: appetizer, dinner and dessert, with various drinks scattered throughout. In this instance, the libations were vodka martinis – Bon Vie’s specialty. The server, Tim, was exceedingly helpful in this department, knowing every ingredient, yet dutifully bringing the menu afterwards in case our tastes wandered elsewhere.

My date and I shared three martinis ($7.50 each): Key Lime, French Cocoa and the coup de grce – the Jacques Ciroc. This cleverly named drink combines Ciroc – a heavily grape-flavored premium vodka – and champagne, creating a martini that not only has a pleasant, carbonated consistency and sweet flavor, but also a smoothness comparable to water.

Having to play out the French theme, we selected the “Assorted French Cheeses” appetizer ($10). Served on a thick, polished slab of rock, the platter included three cheeses: bleu, gouda and brie with toasted baguette – along with sugary accompaniments: sliced apples, pecans and thyme-scented honey. The cheeses were served at appropriate temperatures, and neither I nor my date could have asked for a bite more or less than was served.

For dinner I took a risk and ordered “Trout Braised in Riesling,” ($15) while my date ignored her traditional vegetarian tastes and ordered “Sauteed Chicken Scaloppini” ($15.50). The trout – two fillets prepared unscaled (the meat separated effortlessly) – benefitted from the riesling, which gave the dish a near-dessert-like sweetness. The dish was served with roasted potatoes, mushrooms and sweet onions, though the latter two were not as abundant as I would have liked. The chicken scaloppini lacked nothing including size – a doggy bag was required. The dish, served in a fois gras brandy, maintained a strong mushroom taste – much to the delight of my date. Tomatoes, mushrooms and a side of green beans complimented the dish well.

Dessert is not an “extra” – it should complete the meal. Bon Vie’s after-dinner delights fulfilled this charge as nothing less than exclamation marks. The “Sweet Cherry Clafoutis,” ($6) is a warm French custard dessert containing cherries and topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The clafoutis acted in dynamics on the tongue; each spoonful of the custard base a mellow piano and each ice-cream-laden bite with cherry a screaming forte.

The “Creme Brulee” ($5) was good, at least from what could be told from the one taste my date would allow me. The caramelized crust of the brulee was vibrant but unfortunately thin. However, the perfect amount of the dish’s signature “eggy” taste – as well as a perfect, creamy consistency – made up for the shortcoming.

The dining experience presented by Bon Vie is well worth the cause. They leave few details unchecked (save potential embarrassing collisions on the way to the restroom), and the complexity of their food and drink is enough to leave an impression on most people. My date and I left completely satisfied, and she remarked the rest of the night about the amazing time she had.

This result returns this review back to Valentine’s Day – if you want to give your loved one a night to remember like the one described, include Bon Vie in this weekend’s activities. Reservations are welcome anytime and strongly suggested for weekends and holidays. For reservations, call 340-4222.