Intimate Engagement Dinners for Two

A Memorable Evening Awaits at HMD Bar & Grill

Picture this: you and your partner step through the front door of HMD Bar & Grill, greeted by a soft glow from amber-hued pendants overhead and the faint hum of a live acoustic guitar. This isn’t just dinner—it’s the start of a story you’ll tell for years. Our dining room feels like stepping into a friend’s stylish loft, where every detail—from the tufted leather banquettes to the hand-blown glassware—has been chosen to make you feel special. Whether you’ve just said “yes” or you’re putting the finishing touches on your engagement plans, our space sets the stage for an evening that’s unmistakably yours.

Forget crowded restaurant floors or rushed service. Here, time slows down. Warm smiles from our hosts guide you to a corner table draped in crisp linens. A complimentary amuse-bouche arrives—today, a bright melon gazpacho shooter garnished with mint oil—hinting at the chef’s playful take on seasonal ingredients. You raise your glasses for that first clink, and suddenly the world outside fades away. It’s just the two of you, an expertly curated menu, and the promise of more unforgettable moments to come.

Why Intimate Engagement Dinners Shine Here

Planning a celebration or creating an intimate moment can feel overwhelming. At HMD Bar & Grill, we’ve thought of every detail so you can focus on each other. Here’s what sets us apart:

Soft Lighting and Cozy Nooks

Our dining room is designed for connection. Candlelit tables flank the open kitchen, and banquettes offer privacy without isolation. Plush cushions and draped curtains create little hideaways, perfect for leaning in close. We adjust the lighting throughout the evening—from a warm glow at first seating to a gentle twilight feel as dessert arrives—so every course has its own ambiance.

Personalized Menus with Local Flavors

We believe your engagement dinner should feel like you. When you book, our chef will chat about favorite flavors, dietary needs, and any “must-have” dishes. Do you dream of a truffle-infused risotto or crave a savory tartlet with goat cheese from a nearby farm? We build a tasting menu around those wishes, highlighting fresh produce from our neighbors and proteins from trusted local ranchers. It’s seasonal dining that tells a story of place—and of you as a couple.

Attentive Service That Knows Your Name

From the moment you inquire about availability to the final farewell at coat check, our team is by your side. You’ll be introduced to a dedicated server who oversees every detail: remembering which wine you preferred, the right moment to suggest an intermezzo palate cleanser, or discreetly presenting the ring box for that surprise proposal. No generic “How’s everything?” here—just thoughtful touches that make you feel seen and celebrated.

Highlights from Our Seasonal Menu

Every few weeks, our culinary team refreshes the offerings to capture the essence of the season. Engagement dinners are the perfect opportunity to taste dishes you won’t find anywhere else—always crafted for sharing, conversation, and a little bit of drama.

Begin your journey with a trio of small plates designed to tease the palate and spark conversation.

• Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio—paper-thin slices of rainbow heirlooms drizzled with basil foam and toasted pine nuts.

• Wild Mushroom Arancini—crispy risotto balls filled with local chanterelles and fontina, served with house-made marinara.

• Citrus-Cured Beet Salad—golden and ruby beets cured in lemongrass syrup, paired with whipped chèvre and microgreens.

Perfectly Plated Mains

When you’re ready for something heartier, choose from a rotating selection of mains that celebrate both land and sea.

1. Pan-Seared Duck Breast over parsnip purée, garnished with blackberry gastrique and toasted hazelnuts.

2. Grilled Branzino with citrus-fennel slaw and fingerling potatoes roasted in rosemary butter.

3. Heritage Pork Chop crusted in cracked pepper and juniper, accompanied by apple cider jus and braised cabbage.

Decadent Desserts

End your evening on a sweet note with options like:

• Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with molten center, cherry compote, and vanilla bean gelato.

• Lavender Honey Panna Cotta topped with fresh berries and almond tuile.

• Seasonal Fruit Tart—flaky pastry filled with lemon custard and crowned with orchard-fresh fruits.

Perfect Pairings for Your Celebration

Elevate each course with expertly chosen beverages that complement flavors, enhance aromas, and add a touch of ceremony to every sip.

Curated Wine Flights

Select from themed flights designed to showcase variety and regional character.

• “Old World Romance” — a trio of Burgundy Chardonnay, Pinot Noir from Burgundy, and a late-harvest Sauternes.

• “New World Adventure” — Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, and a boutique South African Chenin Blanc.

• “Sparkling Celebration” — vintage Champagne, Spanish Cava, and California’s own sparkling rosé.

Each flight arrives with tasting notes and pairing suggestions, inviting you to share impressions and discover new favorites together.

Craft Cocktail Creations

Our mixologists love a challenge. Let them shake up:

• “Engagement Ring” — gin infused with lavender and elderflower, lemon juice, topped with prosecco and garnished with a twist of lemon.

• “Velvet Rose” — bourbon stirred with house-made rose petal syrup, bitters, and a dehydrated rose petal.

• “Midnight Orchard” — spiced apple brandy, pear nectar, cinnamon syrup, and a float of tawny port.

Each cocktail arrives with a flourish—smoked cloche, dried flower, or custom garnish—turning every sip into an experience.

Thoughtful Non-Alcoholic Mixes

For guests seeking zero-proof delights:

• “Virgin French 75” — elderflower cordial, lemon, sparkling water, served in a flute.

• “Cucumber Basil Cooler” — muddled cucumber and basil, lime, soda, and a dash of agave.

• “Berry Infusion” — mixed berry shrub, tonic water, fresh mint, and a blackberry skewer.

Engagement Dinner Packages

We offer tiered packages to suit different celebrations and budgets. Each includes private seating, personalized culinary planning, and dedicated service.

1. Classic Romance Package

• Three-course tasting menu for two

• Two glasses of sparkling wine per person

• Seasonal floral table arrangement

• Customized menu cards

2. Signature Love Story Package

• Five-course tasting menu with wine pairings

• Welcome cocktail for each guest

• Premium centerpiece (candles and florals)

• Commemorative photo by our in-house photographer

• Sparkler send-off upon departure

3. Luxe Forever Package

• Chef’s exclusive seven-course tasting menu with bespoke wine or cocktail pairings

• Private tasting room reservation

• Personalized welcome note and prosecco toast

• Handwritten keepsake menu and a boxed chocolate truffle gift

• Live acoustic duo performance during dessert

• Post-dinner valet service

Add-ons (available à la carte)

• Custom cake by our pastry chef

• Professional ring-box delivery with candlelit presentation

• Balloon arches or rose-petal table scatter

• Transportation coordination (luxury sedan or vintage car)

How to Book Your Intimate Engagement Dinner

Securing your perfect evening is simple and seamless:

1. Initial Inquiry

Complete our online form or call our events team. Let us know your desired date, guest count (for exclusive use or semi-private alcove), and any special requests.

2. Consultation & Menu Planning

We schedule a tasting session or virtual chat with the chef to tailor menu selections, dietary needs, and beverage preferences. At this stage, you can choose a package and any add-ons.

3. Confirmation & Deposit

Review your custom proposal, sign the agreement, and submit a deposit to hold your reservation. We’ll send you timely reminders to finalize details two weeks before the event.

4. Final Touches

Confirm seating arrangements, décor choices, music preferences, and any surprise moments (like the ring presentation). We’ll coordinate with you on timing and flow to ensure seamless service.

5. The Big Night

Arrive relaxed and ready to celebrate. Our team takes care of everything—from greeting guests to executing each course—so you can focus on each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we propose here, and will staff assist with the ring presentation?

A: Absolutely. Many couples choose HMD for the proposal moment. Our team can coordinate discreet timing, special plating, or a private alcove reveal. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy the moment.

Q: Is the venue exclusively ours for an engagement dinner?

A: For the Luxe Forever Package, we offer our private tasting room. The Signature and Classic packages reserve a semi-private alcove within the main dining room, ensuring intimacy while you soak up the restaurant’s atmosphere.

Q: Can we customize the menu for dietary restrictions?

A: Of course. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and other dietary needs are always accommodated. Our chef will craft alternative dishes that match the creativity and quality of our seasonal menu.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We understand plans can change. Cancellations made 14 days before the event incur no penalty (deposit refunded). Cancellations within 14 days are subject to a fee equal to 50% of the total booking.

Q: Do you offer gift cards or registry options?

A: Yes. HMD Bar & Grill gift cards make wonderful engagement gifts, and our “Table for Two” registry allows guests to contribute toward your engagement dinner experience.

Q: Are children welcome?

A: Our engagement dinners are designed for a romantic adult experience. We welcome children during standard service hours but recommend our private packages for adults-only celebrations.

Begin Your Love Story at HMD Bar & Grill

Your engagement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and it deserves a setting as special as your love. From the first spark of an amuse-bouche to the last sip of a perfectly paired cocktail, HMD Bar & Grill is committed to creating an evening that celebrates you. For more information about our engagement venue services, please visit https://hmdbarandgrill.com/events/engagement-venue/. Reach out today to start planning the engagement dinner you and your partner will cherish forever. We can’t wait to raise a glass to you.