This time of year, romance and all its seasonal trappings are everywhere — heart-shaped candy boxes and cuddly teddy bears, anyone? But while Valentine’s Day comes only once a year, true love isn’t limited to one day.
The same limitless scope can be said of restaurant wedding proposals. From a casual pizza joint along the Chicago River and a two-Michelin-starred fine-dining spot to everything in between, saying “I do” is as popular as ever at Chicago restaurants. So popular, in fact, that one restaurant has created its own proposal package.
Victor Ramos and Martina Gunaratnam had their first date at River North’s Sunda in spring 2016. So, when it came time to propose in 2022, choosing a spot was easy for Ramos, especially since he knows the restaurant’s culinary director, Mike Morales. “It was a full-circle moment for us,” Ramos said.
To add to the special occasion, Morales recreated a dish the couple had all those years back. After he dropped the hamachi crudo at the table, the proposal took place, followed by a yes.
Sunda’s Morales also suggests contacting the restaurant prior. “Restaurants will bend over backwards,” he said. “Everyone loves love.”
