content=Here's what to seek out in a first-date restaurant: It should be romantic, but not too romantic; sometimes a cozy table by the fireplace with quiet piano music in the background is more pressure than you need. It should have flattering light; nothing matters more in the early stages of dating than good lighting. And the food should be special, but not difficult to eat; unwieldy fare is just another step for you to trip on as you climb the ladder of first impressions.<br><br><b>Cafe Star</b> <i>(3201 E. Colfax Ave.)</i> serves sexy, stylish, date-friendly plates that are good for sharing, and the place is lively enough that there'll beplenty of fodder to fill those awkward silences. Dating vets swear by <b>The Fourth Story</b> <i>(2955 E. First Ave.)</i>, which serves up a wonderful view along with its pleasant, nonchallenging food. It sits atop the Tattered Cover, which may help you convince your date that you're literate, or even smart. But get there quick: It's closing when the bookstore relocates to the former Lowenstein Theatre in June. <b>Tortuga's</b> <i>(218 Coffman St. in Longmont)</i>, rightfully proud of its seafood dishes, and is intimate enough for a quiet chat, but not scarily so, and you don't have to worry about using the wrong fork.<br><br>Nothing's worse than trying to come up with something to talk about over dinner. Not a problem at unlikely date spot <b>Rodizio Grill</b> <i>(1801 Wynkoop St.)</i> where gauchos sweep through the room with large hunks of meat (beef, buffalo, even Brahma bull) which they carve straight onto your plate. (Verify that your date isn't a vegetarian before making reservations.) Foodie first-daters will have plenty to discuss at <b>Potager</b> <i>(1109 Ogden St.)</i> where chef Teri Rippeto turns out unusual, inventive fare. Not everyone will love every dish, but there's enough experimenting going on in this kitchen that you'll have plenty to talk about over dinner.<br><br>A good laugh makes any date fly by faster. <b>Opus</b> <i>(2575 W. Main St., Littleton)</i> serves up a healthy dose of humor with every dish; on a given night you might find dry ice smoke billowing out of your ice cream dessert, or notice that your pork tenderloin is arranged in the shape of a sunflower.<br><br>If that doesn't get you a kiss, we can't help.