But the location was far from ordinary.
While other guests at Larnach Castle ate indoors, the Hoogendoorns had a private table for two on the small terrace atop the castle tower.
As the sun set across Otago harbour and the lights of the city began to twinkle, they sat down to salmon, venison and desserts served by their own personal waiter.
Castle staff had thought of everything, even rugs to keep the couple toasty.
The al fresco dining experience was something new for the castle, offered with a night's accommodation as the prize in a Valentine's Day competition.
Originally from the Netherlands, the Hoogendoorns have lived in New Zealand for 10 months, moving to Dunedin in September and Mosgiel in December.
They said they could not believe it when told they had won, declaring the view "just gorgeous" and saying they would not forget the occasion.
While the guests had nothing to do but eat, talk and admire the view, Mr Strang had a 160-step round trip, much of it via a narrow spiral staircase, to deliver their table, chairs and food.
He estimated he would make 30 round trips by the end of the night.
That's 4800 steps.
Mr Strang said after struggling to get the folding table up the staircase he had been tempted to eliminate some of the later trips.
"I thought I could throw the dirty dishes straight over the edge and clean up in the morning."
