Nothing says “romance” and “sushi” like a romantic plate of sushi – A quiet night out at Shangahi Bistro.

Just when you thought Volume One had a guide to everything but your personal life, we up and dove right in. That’s right, we’ve handled everything from a horribly staged blind date to your 10-year anniversary, all of which without the use of highly invasive, highly high definition night-vision goggles. You can thank us later. For now, just get out there and mingle!

THE FIRST DATE
Whether your mom set  up a blind date or you worked up the courage to ask out a cute acquaintance, you’re looking for something quick, pretty cheap, and a little noisy (to avoid awkward silences).

Volume One’s affection officials recommend:
Mogie’s Pub (436 Water St.) and Acoustic Café (505 S Barstow St., EC or 102 Main St., Menomonie)

SEVERAL DATES IN
Now you’re looking to get to know this person, so you want something quiet, a little bit longer time frame, and with a diverse menu so you can gauge their tastes/pickiness.

Volume One’s Don Juans and John Cusacks recommend:
Water Street Deli (628 Water St.), Pad Thai (203 N Barstow St.), and Cicione’s (120 N Clairemont Ave.)

VALENTINE’S DAY
You’re looking for something lovey-dovey, that takes reservations, and is a little romantic – but nothing over the top, it’s not like it’s your anniversary.

V1’s crew of cupids recommend:
Shanghai Bistro (2930 Craig Road), Stella Blues (306 E Madison St.), and Sweetwaters (1104 W Clairemont Ave.)

GROUP DATE
You’re looking for big table seating, a casual atmosphere, and an eccentric menu so people can try each other’s dishes.

V1’s couple connectors recommend:
Das Bierhaus (120 6th Ave., Menomonie), The Livery (316 Wisconsin St.), and Zanzibar (228 Main St., Menomonie)

ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
You’re looking for something special for the scrapbook, but nothing that’ll bust your fledgling budget.

V1’s licensed love doctors recommend:
Haymarket Grill (101 Graham Ave.), Duncan Creek (213 Bridge St., Chippewa Falls), and Draganetti’s (3120 Hillcrest Pkwy., Altoona)

THE PROPOSAL
This is a serious memory-maker, whether to set the mood for the proposal later on or to actually do it right there. (Just don’t do the ring-in-champagne bit, please.)

V1’s hopeless romantics recommend:
Mona Lisa’s (428 Water St.) and Houligan’s Steak and Seafood Pub (415 S Barstow St.)

GETTING-THE-MAGIC-BACK DATE NIGHT
You’re a few years into cohabitation/marriage and need someplace quiet to get away from the kids and have time for just the two of you.

V1’s kinship virtuosos recommend:
Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre (3919 Crescent Ave.) and Fischer’s on the Green (2333 Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona)

10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
You’re looking for that once-in-a-long-while situation, where you’re willing to drop some significant dough and stare longingly into your aging loved one’s eyes.

V1’s vivaciousness veterans recommend:
The Creamery (E4620 Cty Road C, Menomonie) and High Shores Supper Club (17985 Cty Hwy X, Chippewa Falls)
You’re a few years into cohabitation/marriage and need someplace quiet to get away from the kids and have time for just the two of you.