Melbourne hospitality players reveal date night disasters and perfect proposals

FROM successful proposals to ring-throwing spats, Melbourne’s chefs and waiters have seen it all on Valentine’s Day. Here’s some of their most memorable clientele.

FROM successful proposals to heated arguments — complete with wine throwing — Melbourne’s restaurateurs have seen it all. On the busiest day on the hospitality calendar, some of our leading lights share the good, bad and ugly date nights they’ve encountered.

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Scott Pickett, Chef/owner Estelle Bistro and Estelle by Scott Pickett

Chef Scott Pickett.

In Estelle Bistro’s early days, we had a couple come in on Valentine’s Day for a dinner I will never forget.

Halfway through the meal, the boyfriend got down on one knee and had us bring out flowers and a glass of bubbles (ring included!) that he had briefed us on earlier.

We all waited with anticipation for her reaction, peering from the bar, only to see that the women stared blankly down at him and completely rejected the offer.

The poor man had to return to his seat, still clutching the ring, and they continued their meal in silence. It was truly heartbreaking!

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Kathy Reymond, ex-owner Jacques Reymond restaurant

Jacques and Kathy Reymond. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

One of the most memorable date nights I’ve witnessed was of a proposal at Woodland

House.

During Valentine’s Day a young man came to the restaurant with his guitar and explained he wanted to sing and play a proposal to his girlfriend, requesting we hide the guitar in the courtyard.

During the evening, they went outside and he got down on one knee with his guitar to serenade her.

There were 40 other people in the dining room and eventually all were up and watching out the window. When she said yes, there was a loud roar from all the on looking guests! It was a lovely moment and ended up being a fabulous night for everyone. Most guests ended up helping them celebrate and it became a big party.

Nicolas Coulter, Commune Group

Nicolas Coulter, right, with Charlie Rothery. Picture: Eugene Hyland

We served a couple recently who were obviously on a first date.

Everything seemed to be going well and the conversation was flowing with the usual get-to-know-you chit chat.

Our waiter approached them to clear their table after mains, but while holding one of the plates, the female mentioned she was still going with her fish.

To her surprise (along with the waiters) her date reached across the table to grab the remaining fish, wrapped it in a serviette and stuffed it in his pocket!

The lady was mortified, so she stormed out of the restaurant, leaving him to pay the bill.

Safe to say it was their first and final date!

Pete Signato, bar manager at Uncle

I served a guy at a venue I used to work at in Noosa who had been with his lady for 10 years or so (he didn’t really seem like the nicest person!).

He planed on proposing at the restaurant on Valentine’s Day with a very expensive engagement ring.

He worked up the courage and did the deed on one of our busiest nights for all the other diners and staff to see.

She wasn’t impressed to say the least!

She started crying, grabbed the ring and threw it into the beach never to be found! I was later told the ring was worth $20,000.

Rene Spene, Co-owner of Uncle

Rene Spence, co-owner of Uncle restaurants.

I worked at Pelican (in St Kilda) for six years, and had a regular dude that came in on many first dates. Finally, one stuck and he started coming in with the same lady for some time.

Next thing, proposal right there at the table and marriage around the corner.

Of course, the patter of tiny feet was not far behind and I was privileged to see them grow into little people.

It’s crazy when you work or own a venue and you get to see the development of individuals and share some peripheral part of their journey as they fill up on the goodness of life.

Warm and fuzzies all round sometimes!

There have been many proposals over the years, some received better than others, beautiful when accepted, but a bit awkward when it doesn’t quite come off as planned!