It’s that dreaded day that occurs once a dreaded year when every boyfriend resents the fact that he is forced to do something special that’s inclusive of fake roses and teddy bears, when every girl in the office secretly yearns for a bouquet of mystery roses, a teddy bear and a corny mug to appear on her desk even though she “doesn’t care about that sort of thing” and every singleton feels lonely and resentful even though they know they shouldn’t.
BUT – there’s a silver lining to this corny-teddy-bear-lined-cliched-cloud! I’ve come up with 10 fantastic and different options for you to spoil that person you love (even if it is yourself) with some awesome dinner, date and dancing ideas (all sans teddy bears and fake roses):
For the seriously romantic/desperate to impress:
Eat, Northcliff
This exclusive venue is offering a stunning set menu: 4 courses of fine-dining French-inspired deliciousness paired with great service, seriously awesome wines and a hands-on chef who’ll help you woo your lady or gentleman to perfection. And, all at a pretty nice price: R325 a head.
011 476 3749
Email: info@eatbistro.co.za
For the ‘I want to take her/him somewhere new and amazing that they won’t have been before’
It’s hot on everyone’s lips and it’s only been open for a month or two so you’re guaranteed the thumbs up from him or her. Bistro Michel is sophisticated and oozing class, yet the prices remain reasonable; French Bistro-style food dominates with gorgeously decadent listings like foie grois, bouillabaisse and perfectly cooked salmon to tantalize your taste buds. (Starters are around R60 and mains around R120)
FYI Michel is not taking bookings for Valentine’s day, it’s going to be an evening of first-come, first-served, so get there early 😉
www.bistromichel.co.za
For the singletons and those who want to celebrate in style with a crowd
For those who want a cool vibe and a funky fresh atmosphere without the fake roses and Andrea Bocelli, Voodoo Lily is hosting a Valentines Dinner with live Jazz, sparkling wine on arrival, a delicious looking set menu and a ‘love your singles too’ attitude where you’re encouraged to book tables for a crowd, but you also won’t be snubbed if it’s just the two of you – either way it’s going to be fun. (The set menu is R300)
There’s also a ‘Friend Zone’ party at The Living Room: kissing booths, tequila specials, awesome DJs and more. Whether or not you find your Valentine, you’re guaranteed an awesome evening at this ‘Rooftop-Urban-Jungle’. (Entrance R 50 per person. R 350 gets you VIP entrance for 2 with reserved seating and a welcome drink.) – I would suggest you grab a delicious bite to eat at Little Addis downstairs – at just R60 for a plate for two of their famous ‘mahbewari’: an array of traditional Ethiopian stews and curries served with injeera bread – you won’t find a better deal!
The ‘oops, I forgot’ option
There is light at the end of that very long tunnel if you forget your Valentine on the 14th: Belle’s Patisserie and The Patisserie are offering a range of Valentine’s-themed cake pops, petite fours, cupcakes, cakes and biscuits to help you rekindle your love (But pre-ordering is always recommended as they might just be all sold out and then you’re going to be in big trouble.)
For all the music lovers out there:
There are 3 options:
For something more entertaining than romantic, Pretoria North Botanical Garden is hosting Black Coffee, Crazy White Boy, Skeelo, Oskido and Holly for a day of fun in the sun. Pack a picnic basket or, if you hate cooking, simply order one from www.dialapicnic.co.za and let them do your work for you.
There’s also The Orbit live Music Club and Bistro – The food is a mix of traditional African flavours with bistro styling and the ambiance is FANTASTIC (live jazz at its best coupled with great service). Basically it’s the perfect romantic escape. On the 14th you’ll be in for a treat with the Salim Washington Quartet. (It’s R120 per person for the live music excluding your dinner.)
Finally, 1Fox is hosting the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra for “A night of romance and exquisite music “– Think Gershwin Porter, the Tango and the Waltz, all in their Market Shed. Tickets start at R250 which is exclusive of food and drinks which you can buy from their wonderful array of food stalls, or you can buy one of their more exclusive packages giving you your own, private table, champagne, cheese boards and so much more!
For all you trendy, pop-up-loving foodies:
There are limited seats available for Interlude Pop-up Dining’s Valentine’s dinner. It will be at Unit8 Micro venue, 16 high road corner, Corlett Drive, is R700 per person and includes 5 courses and a bottle of Avondale Armilla Cap Classique.
Book through www.facebook.com/interludedining or chef@interludedining.co.za
And for the seriously indulgent:
54 on Bath is offering a special deal for the evenings of the 13th and 14th February: A five course dinner at their Level Four Restaurant as well as a romantic evening in one of their stunning rooms, followed by an exquisite breakfast for R4 500 per couple per night.
Email 54 on bath: reservations@tsogosun.com