Roses are clich’. Balloons, cards and stuffed animals lose their novelty by Feb. 15. And hopefully, you’re not giving out a cheesy, mixed tape to spice up the romance on the Valentine’s Day date.

For Valentine’s Day give the love in your life a romantic experience and a decadent dinner. After all, food can be sensual and sexy (and it’s sometimes an aphrodisiac).

Bonefish Grill can serve up both the experience and food to send your sweetheart into a swoon.

The experience begins when the revolving, glass door gives way to a dining room and bar area with a classy and contemporary feel. Dimly lit wall sconces cast a golden shimmer along the walls and intriguing, metal artwork. Tables are draped with a heavy, white oilcloth and a variety of jazz and contemporary rock floats in the background. This restaurant has the vibe of a gulf-coast getaway, minus the sand and ocean view.

Bonefish Grill offers 40 different wines that can create the mood of the meal. The obvious, romantic choice is to select the Kenwood ’Yulupa Cuv’e Brut’ champagne ($9.90/glass). However, the 2007 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County is offered here ($12.50/glass; $50/bottle). This 93-point wine has a supple, satin texture with a spicy finish that pairs well with the Singapore Calamari appetizer.

The Singapore Calamari ($6.90) is flash fried in a skillet and served with a sweet and spicy, Asian-style sauce. This is a refreshing deviation from the marinara sauce that’s typically served at other restaurants. Calamari is also served with fried peppadews that give the dish a delicate touch of texture and tanginess.

The peppadew is a unique flavor brought in by the chefs here. The bright, red fruit was first cultivated in South Africa a few years back and it possess the spicy bite of a pepper and a sweet kiss of honeydew. It’s one of the creative flavors that Bonefish utilizes for modern dishes along with hearts of palm, pine nuts and kalamata olives.

However, the most memorable appetizer here is the Bang Bang Shrimp ($7.90). These tender morsels are served mounded on top of each other with the Bang Bang sauce coated on each one. Bang Bang Shrimp are a tasty and perfect example of balance. There is a balance of heat and sweetness that takes over the palette on the first bite, but it doesn’t shock the taste buds. Then, the focus shifts from the flavor to the satisfying crispiness of the fried batter that goes well with the tender inside.

Other appetizers worth trying are the Ahi Tuna Sashimi that is pan seared (the outside is slightly cooked with a rare middle) and coated with a white and black sesame seed outside (half $8.50/full $ 14.90).

The entr’es are served with fresh vegetables and a choice of a side ranging from garlic whipped potatoes, jasmine rice, succotash and a four-cheese mashed potato. Fresh vegetables like French green beans, steamed broccoli and asparagus are a light side, but don’t provide any stand-out or seasoned flavors.

If the vegetables do not appeal to your palette, salad or corn chowder with lump crab can be added for $2.80. The house salad, or Bonefish Salad, has refreshing garlic and citrus dressing that is a good prelude to the entr’e. The corn and crab chowder has a soft, sherry flavor that plays in the background. Plus, the crisp corn rides along nicely with the creamy soup and crab.

For Valentine’s Day, Bonefish Grill is offering three entr’e specials. The Anglers Steak Special ($16.90) includes an 11-ounce choice sirloin with one side item. However, there is a reason this place has ’fish’ in the name. Although the steak is a great option for landlubbers, try the impressive seafood dishes for a more memorable dining experience.

A step up from the Anglers special is the Steak and Lobster duet special ($22.50)’a meaty lobster tail and a 6-ounce, wood-grilled steak. The lobster tail doesn’t skimp on the meat and goes well with the signature lemon butter sauce.

The Rockefeller Dorado ($18.90) was my favorite dish. It includes a tender Mahi Mahi that is crowned with lump crab and robed with creamy spinach. It is full of rich, savory flavors that make one want to move to Florida and take up deep sea fishing. The fish is cooked over an oak-burning, wood grill which adds a subtle smoke flavor to the meat. Try the chimichurri sauce with this because the flavors of parsley, garlic and red pepper add a nice spice to the fish (although it’s not lacking in flavor!).

The restaurant keeps a rotation of seven to eight market fish on the menu depending on the season, according to Michael Goodloe, Bonefish Grill Manager. So no matter the season, the seafood will not disappoint.

A romantic ending to the night cannot be completed without dessert. On Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will be serving a flirty, strawberry shortcake that includes sweet biscuits and custard sauce. However, a dessert that deserves an honorable mention is the Chocolate Cr’me Brulee ($5.90). The cr’me is mixed with a splash of Grand Marnier. Then a crunchy shell tops off the dish with dollop of a fluffy, homemade whipped cream.

So, save the receipts on those cards and candies. And remember, a romantic meal and a stuffed stomach is a much better gift than a silly, stuffed bear. Remember to plan ahead though. Bonefish Grill is accepting reservations and they are opening at 2 p.m. on Valentine’s Day for those wanting to avoid a crowd. So, sit back and let the charming ambiance and savory food of Bonefish Grill do the romancing for you.

THE DISH

Online: bonefishgrill.com