Valentine’s Day is almost upon us – and whether that fills you with dread or delight, there is no escaping it. How can you, with love hearts adorning card shops, supermarkets and even pet shops. Yep, it’s happening, sweetie.
Now I love food and fizz AND I also love my significant other (not necessarily in that order – fizz comes first, of course!) So what better way to spend a Valentine’s evening than with all three? But where to spend it?
We all have differing views on Valentine’s Day. Whether you think Valentine’s Day is a commercial, anti-climatic and over-priced occasion, or you think it’s the best date of the whole year, I wonder: Is Valentine’s Day a fabulous excuse to splash out on a wonderful meal in a top-notch restaurant – or can it be just as special dining at home?
1. Dining Out
There’s something really special about slipping into your divine Alexander McQueen dress and making a concerted effort with your appearance, in anticipation of a romantic restaurant meal with your loved one. And Valentine’s Day is great excuse to do just that.
However, be aware that many restaurants offer set Valentine’s menus. They can provide good value for money, although, by definition, are little restrictive in choice. And do you really want to sit alongside another 20 couples, all eating the same thing as you? Feels a little cringe-worthy and lacks imagination to me.
If you’re going to go out for a meal, go to a quality restaurant where set menus are either non-existent or aren’t the only option. You don’t need Valentine’s to be the theme of the night if you’re looking for under-stated sophistication.
Where To Go
There’s a gem of a restaurant I adore in Manchester – and even if that’s too far from you, take inspiration from what it offers to find similar restaurants in your area.
Manchester House is ideal if you want a wonderfully special and romantic evening in sumptuous and luxurious surroundings. As you’d expect from a top-notch restaurant, the menu is à la carte and caters for those with discerning tastes. But what is really fabulous, especially for a romantic evening, is the 8 or 12 course tasting menus. You’re able to try a variety of what the menu offers, such as oysters, aged sirloin and blackberries. The price is £75 for 8 courses and £95 for 12 courses.
After a wonderful meal, guests can finish off their evening relaxing on the terrace in Lounge 12 with a few glasses of champagne – just above the restaurant.
A perfect example of a wonderful, uncontrived and quality evening.
2. Staying In
Perhaps going out is a logistical nightmare for you both or you’d rather spend a romantic evening at home, just the two of you. After all, staying in is the new going out, don’t you know!
What To Cook
No Valentine’s Day is complete without a meal – either at home or in a restaurant. So, what to cook on this fabulously romantic evening?
If you don’t want to spend the whole day slaving in the kitchen, thank goodness for M&S who offers a splendid and easy-to-cook inspirational idea.
For a starter, we have a white wine soup (just don’t pile in the plonk if you want to stay awake past 9pm!) and for the main, there’s fennel and pecorino tartlets which are suitably light for an evening which includes champagne…and whatever else you choose to do afterwards. Then for pudding, perhaps a coffee and walnut cake with mascarpone icing – simply scrumptious. And all of this will cost you about £20.
M&S offer an array of delectable champers, but a particular favourite has to be their Oudinot medium dry. A perfect accompaniment to a perfectly romantic meal.
And with all the money you’ve saved not going out, why don’t you buy your other half a fabulous chocolate and wine gift from M&S which can be delivered, too.
3. If All Else Fails…
Are you aware that certain branches of Greggs are hosting romantic dinners for couples? Yes, you heard me correctly. If you’re a fan of their steak bakes and other assorted pastry delights, better check out availability pronto!
But seriously, whatever you do on Valentine’s Day, make sure you spend as much quality time as possible with your loved one (with food and fizz, of course!).
For more inspiration on how to offer a delectable dinner party in minimal time, take a look at our cheats guide to dinner parties – courtesy of M&S
