What other holiday is so celebrated and dreadful to so many? Not having a date, having too many dates, high expectations, low expectations, no expectations, disappointment, and joy all rolled into a cold, bittersweet, winter day in the middle of February. So why do we torture ourselves? A ship is safe in the harbor, but that is not what ships are for.

Congratulations to Aaron Factor & Stephanie Becak and Joann Furia & Jim Bruce. Both couples tied as winners of the longest kiss contest...8 hours! Gurney’s awarded both couples the grand prize.

Even as half of a couple this year, I empathize with my single friends’ foreboding of the holiday as it approaches, and the indecision about that day that ensues. A lethal combination of couples, diamonds and roses, Valentine’s Day is often twin pillars of gloom and bliss. We tussled for days about where to celebrate, and discovered an atmosphere in which couples, friends, families and everybody in between were having dinner in a newly anointed tradition, at Gurneys.

Weekend at Gurney’s: The assiduous search for the perfect weekend away brought us to Gurney’s, where the weekend was filled with events such as Renewing Your Vows, the Annual Bridal Show, and the Longest Kiss Competition, where the steaks are higher and competition fierce. Stoutly defending my reasons for wanting to enter and win prizes such as the Valentines Day dinner, couples massage and one-week vacation, we did enlist in the contest and were bewildered by the determination and sheer enthusiasm by contestants that were approaching their fifth hour when we left for the evening!

Catch Her Eye: Despite our role as the audience and not the cast members, I knew the secret to my date’s heart was not the Longest Kiss, it was the Lobster Bisque. Rich and smooth in flavor and texture, the soup served as a warm inauguration to our celebratory meal. The Paumanok Cab Franc from the North Fork, a pirouette of cherry, oak and spicy clove flavors had a bold aroma and smooth flavor that paired nicely with the salad and entrée courses. Lingering over the menu and wavering over choices that would be the hallmark of our feast, the pace of the meal was relaxed.

The Loving Stare: Between courses, we took in the room, from the competition on stage to the tables of guests laughing with ease and sipping champagne, it was a pink and red New Year’s Party in a plush enclave atop the Atlantic Ocean. Dubbed appropriately, The Loving Stare, our next course brought about two dishes too lovely to consume. Two slices of pesto garlic bread drizzled with Wasabi mayonnaise and thin slices of rare tuna were the signature of the Tuna Carpaccio. The cluster of watercress, frisee, beets and gorgonzola cheese formed the Sweetheart Salad, aptly clad in slivers of toasted almonds and raspberry vinaigrette that was tart and sweet.

The Warm Hug: The core of the meal, crystallized in the main course brought the Grilled Breast of Duck Americana and Shrimp and Scallop Valentine to our table. Veiled in a brandy cream peppercorn sauce, the Duck was flanked by pillows of fluffy beads of Israeli couscous and thin strands of braised asparagus. A pool of saffron cream and chive sauce cushioned my fleshy shrimp and sea scallops, gingerly placed over a buttery asparagus and wild mushroom risotto. Quite full, and wholly enjoying the Valentine extravaganza, we eagerly awaited our final and sweetest course.

A Passionate End: A frothy espresso to sharpen my senses was a shrewd prelude to our indulgence in Gurney’s own Chocolate Truffle Cake and Carrot Cake. With the lightness and delight of biting into a truffle, each forkful was a chocolate pandemic of satisfaction and indulgence. A twist to the usual archaic formula of cream cheese icing painted over carrot cake, Gurney’s glazed their version with dainty shreds of coconut for a local, rustic creation. As we departed the restaurant, the contest was still taking place, just over five hours and counting. It was a sweet evening that exceeded our expectations, reminding me that in Montauk there is a perfect way of celebrating Valentine's Day and it was at Gurney's Inn. For information about upcoming events scheduled at Gurney’s Inn and Spa Resort or for reservations visit their website at www.gurneysinn.com or telephone 631.668.2345.