The Obamas say they plan to have regular date nights at Washington restaurants, and every chef in town surely would dream of hosting them. It's a chance not only to serve the stylish new first couple but also to win a heap of free international publicity. And if date night happens to occur on Valentine's Day, a restaurant's reputation as a romantic destination would be forever secure.

But where should the Obamas dine? Post food critic Tom Sietsema has made his recommendations (Washington Post Magazine, Jan. 18), so we took the question directly to local restaurateurs, asking them to make the case for their restaurant's getting the gig.

Some of the responses were fairly straightforward: Who can argue with good food? But others included fairly ludicrous leaps of logic based on sketchy reports of the couple's dining preferences. To wit: Because Michelle likes french fries, one restaurant would serve her potato soup with croutons. Barack likes salmon -- so he'll get the signature flounder?

One response displayed a lack of basic understanding of the date-night concept by suggesting that the Obamas bring the kids, perhaps even the mother-in-law. Several touted walkability from the White House (as if), while hotel restaurants used the opportunity to flack comfy beds and spa services. Note: If Michelle wants a massage with grapefruit-infused shea butter, we're pretty sure she can get one at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

A selection of the bids appears below. Offer your own suggestions for the Obamas at Sietsema's Table.