Il Bistro

You've reserved a table for two by the window at Maximilien or Chez Shea, you've got the ring in your pocket, and you've memorized your speech. Now here's the perfect prelude to your big night. Everything about Il Bistro says romance: the location (tucked under the heart of Pike Place Market), the candlelight and jazz, and even the happy-hour menu (available weeknights from 5 to 6:30 p.m.), which consists of small, artfully composed Italian dishes like fried tortellini with brown butter, sage, and Asiago; roasted forest mushrooms with Marsala wine and grilled polenta; and sautéed prawns with roma tomatoes, basil, and vermouth ($5 each). Well drinks, drafts, and glasses of pinot grigio and chianti are only $3. At that price, if you need a little help screwing up your courage, you can order two. 93A Pike St., 206-682-3049, www.ilbistro.net. PIKE PLACE MARKET