Stirring Up Passion in Houston

Here are some suggestions to stir up a little passion with your sweetheart.

The classic romantic dinner at a French restaurant: La Tour D'Argent, a sort of vast log cabin with French cuisine at Ella Blvd. and East T.C. Jester. The atmosphere is considered tres romantic by most (but if your sweetie is an animal rights activist, steer clear - hunting trophies on the wall may spoil the mood).

Visit the the Waterwall at Williams Tower (formerly Transco) - it's behind the Galleria on West Alabama @ South Post Oak. It's beautiful to stand under the giant arches, night or day, and the falling waters give you just a touch of vertigo, suitable for swooning into someone's arms.

Hubble and bubble in a great big jacuzzi bath - best deal I've found is at the Best Western Hobby Airport. It's like having a small swimming pool in the room.

Roses, roses, roses - visit the open air flower markets with or without your sweetheart for huge quantities of roses - all colors, all kinds, trimmed and untrimmed. It's worth it just for the smell. Look on Fannin St., north of Hermann Park, on Durham just inside the Loop, or on FM 1960 south of Veterans Memorial.

Marfreless - the cat's out of the bag on this hide-away. To truly blow your date's mind, go to the unmarked blue door behind the River Oaks Theater, walk in, and find yourselves in Marfreless, an extremely cozy bar. The decor includes sofas and overstuffed chairs, and yes, people go there to neck over drinks.

Above the city lights: Scott Gertner's Skybar (formerly known as Cody's) is an aphrodiasiac to the sophisticated. Live jazz, great view, sparkling atmosphere.

Money is no object: for a full-scale romantic siege, there's La Columbe d'Or at 3410 Montrose. Having six suites within the mansion, it's a European style luxury hotel and restaurant.

Alternatives might be the Lancaster Hotel a brassy and pricey downtown renovation, the Lovett Inn bed and breakfast with gardens, spa, pool and honeymoon cottage, or the elegant Tremont Hotel in Galveston, probably the easiest to book, which is classic decor and features great dining.

The Harbor House in Galveston at Pier 21 may be the best deal of all, with nautical style rooms overlooking the harbor, and of course scads of fresh seafood available as aphrodisiacs.

However you go about your courting or canoodling, just remember the important thing: do something. Let your beloved know how you feel, make it special, and personal, and memorable. If all you can afford is some candy hearts and a romantic video, well, do it!