Sauce Loves… Valentine’s Day 2018
To help you have the perfect Valentine’s Day we have put together a round-up of places you wouldn’t want to miss…
Frenchie Covent Garden
On the most romantic day of the year, Frenchie Covent Garden will be offering a 5-course tasting menu for £75 with a wine pairing option for £50 which has been lovingly created by Gregory Marchand & the Frenchie team. On arrival, guests will be welcomed with a glass of champagne and nibbles. The menu has been inspired by the days freshest most exciting seasonal produce and includes dishes such as foie gras with beetroot, smoked eel & horseradish and scallops with broccoli & grenobloise sauce. To finish, they have a wonderful chocolate, malt lollipop and treacle ice cream dessert.
Frenchie Covent Garden by Gregory Marchand (nicknamed ‘Frenchie’ by Jamie Oliver), echoes its Parisian counterpart with simple-yet-generous dishes, inspired by Greg’s travels. With spells working at Georges Vongerichten’s Vong in Hong Kong, as well as NYC’s Gramercy Tavern, Gregory’s global influences are apparent in his critically acclaimed food, all underpinned by his French training.
For further information, please visit: Frenchiecoventgarden.com
Theo Randall at the InterContinental
Theo Randall at the InterContinental have curated a special two person 4-course tasting menu for Valentine’s Day this year. Begin with the uplifting ‘fresh burrata’ with grilled marinated red peppers and Taggiasche olives before delving into the ‘risotto di mare’, a beautiful seafood risotto with tomatoes, chilli & parsley. For your third course, experience the ‘arrosto di faraono’, wood roasted guinea fowl with prosciutto di Parma before finishing on a sweet note with their ‘Amalfi lemon tart’. Guests will be able to choose one dish from each course to share from this traditional Italian menu.
Though situated at one of the capital’s most prestigious addresses, Theo Randall at the Intercontinental serves up the same simple rustic dishes Chef Theo Randall enjoys when he goes to Italy – unfussy yet utterly delicious, a million miles away from the complicated fancy fare you would normally expect to eat on Park Lane. The daily-changing menu is inspired by Theo’s regular trips to Italy and dictated by the best seasonal ingredients available from the market every day.
For more information, please visit: TheoRandall.com
Redemption Bar
This Valentine’s Day, Redemption Bar, located in Notting Hill and Shoreditch, will be offering a wonderfully romantic sharing menu, allowing guests to ‘spoil yourself without spoiling yourself’. This delicious vegan, sugar-free, wheat-free and alcohol-free menu will offer guests a choice of fizz or beer (both booze-free of course) when they arrive before being served a ‘sharin’s caring’ meze board. Guests will then have the choice of four main dishes including the gorgeous grilled aubergine & tahini dish, served with toasted pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and fresh micro basil. To finish, the ‘conscious couple’ can indulge in Redemption Bar’s happy ending sweet treats platter to share, including salted caramel gateaux surrounded by chocolate love balls.
Redemption Bar is London’s only vegan, sugar-free, wheat-free and alcohol-free restaurant, and serves up delicious eats and mocktails in a gorgeous setting. Voted one of the best vegan restaurants in London, the ethos of the Redemption Bar is firmly rooted in caring for the planet while delighting even the most sceptical meat lovers.
LUME Milano
LUME opened in June 2016 and was awarded its first Michelin star in December that same year. A peaceful oasis nestled within the W37 complex in the Navigli district in Milan, LUME is the perfect spot for a romantic evening. Built on the concept of ‘Heritage Meets Evolution’, LUME offers Italian cuisine with a twist in a seven-course menu that’s special for Valentine’s Day. Dishes include Blooming sea bass and hibiscus infusion, Lemon risotto with turnip top extraction, and Muscovy duck and orange flavoured salmon. The cost is €150 per person. https://www.lumemilano.com/
Instagram: @lumemilano
Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in Emmeline’s Lounge
This year, Conrad London St James are embracing the spirit of Valentine’s Day with the addition of beautiful Rosewater and pomegranate domes to their indulgent Afternoon Tea in Emmeline’s Lounge. The delicate petits fours are formed of a crumbly cookie base, topped with a light and creamy rosewater and pomegranate mousse, and finished with an exquisite red glaze and a white chocolate ruffle. These whimsical little treats will be served alongside a selection of finger sandwiches, as well as freshly-baked cakes, pastries and scones. The afternoon tea in Emmeline’s Lounge is also accompanied by an eclectic range of teas, selected from around the world by the experts at Harney & Sons, and a tea sommelier is always on hand to help guests select a bespoke tea to match their mood. The Valentine’s special will be available 10–14 February, £35pp for Traditional Afternoon Tea, £45pp for Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Thomas’s Café, Burberry’s
Thomas’s Café, Burberry’s all-day British dining destination offers the perfect setting for romantic celebrations with a loved one, whether it be your family, your best friend or that special someone. Enjoy a decadent breakfast, elegant lunch or a quintessentially British afternoon tea just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Regents Street.
https://uk.burberry.com/stores/thomass-cafe/
Mirabeau La Folie
Mirabeau’s latest addition to its award-winning cuvee range is a delicately effervescent sparkling rosé aptly named ‘La Folie’ The perfect toasting tipple to celebrate loves young dream. Available to purchase from selected Waitrose and Sainsburys RRP £12.99
https://www.mirabeauwine.com/provence-sparkling-rose-wine-la-folie/
Mindful Chef
Tthe healthy recipe box delivery service – stay in the comfort of your own home this Valentine’s day and order a recipe box from Mindful Chef and you’ll receive all that you need to wow that special someone in your life with a healthy but delicious meal. All Mindful Chef dishes are dairy and gluten free and each recipe can be whipped-up in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to woo.
The Bertinet Bakery
Get hands on this Valentine’s Day at The Bertinet Bakery in Bath. Gift a class or book for the weekend. Dates vary however classes include;
- Kids Valentine’s Day
- Family Bread Making – One adult and two Juniors
- Effortless Entertaining with Jenny Chandler
- Indian Street food with Monisha Bharadwaj
Please see the website for more details: The Bertinet Kitchen
Mexican Seduction: Ella Canta celebrates Valentine’s Day
Ella Canta opened on Park Lane in September 2017 to much critical acclaim. The vibrant restaurant situated in the heart of Mayfair brings the colour and spirit of modern Mexico to London with culinary superstar Martha Ortiz. Through the restaurant, the world renowned chef famed for her sensual, creative masterpieces shares the folktales and customs of her homeland with specially created menus. From 5 to 17 February, in celebration of El Día de San Valentín, the 7-course tasting menu ‘Mexican Seduction’ will seduce guests, sharing Mexico’s enchanting stories of beauty and love through the dishes.
Each course of the Mexican Seduction menu has been carefully curated to arouse the senses and please the eye, with a romantic line of red running throughout. Dishes include Enticement, a scallop ceviche with cacao, vanilla and sesame seeds; Seduction with smoked trout, yellow mole and chayote; and Imagination, a prime rib of beef barbacoa style with pink peppercorn. For dessert, an Evocation of red pitahaya and blackberry sorbet will be followed by Beauty, a dessert where Martha’s much-loved Maria will be dressed in strawberries, passion fruit and cardamom ice cream.
Alongside the menu, Ella Canta’s bar will be serving an alluring range of Valentine’s Day cocktails, including Makech, a fresh and candied blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, 1800 Coconut Tequila, cola and vanilla reduction, fresh lime, Dandelion & Burdock Bitters, and muddled cardamom (£15), and Amor Profundo, a zingy combination of Tequila Cuervo 1800, Deadhead Mexican Rum, plantain fruit reduction, ginger aroma, fresh lime and vanilla bitters (£14).
The Mexican Seduction menu will be available at Ella Canta for lunch and dinner from 5–17 February, priced at £85pp.
Sharing menu at Plum + Spilt Milk
Plum + Spilt Milk’s Valentine’s offering, created by Chef Director Mark Sargeant, is Cupid in menu form – bringing lovers together with all its three courses designed for sharing. Diners will start with a Native seafood platter consisting of Lobster, dressed crab, oysters, prawns, mussels, langoustines, Hedgerow garlic mayonnaise, and shallot vinegar. The show-stopping main is a 32-aged beef wellington, goose-fat roast potatoes, winter greens and red wine sauce, before a dessert of Valrhona chocolate fondue. The menu costs £80 per person and is available for one night only on the 14th February.
The Restaurant at Sanderson
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Restaurant at Sanderson from the 14th-17th February with their delicious 4-course dinner, priced at £55 per person. Couples will be greeted with a special Valentine’s cocktail and a selection of canapes, before a starter of Seared foie gras or Crispy goat’s cheese parcel. A Sweet love potion sorbet will clear the palate, before a main of Roast Gressingham duck breast or Roast globe artichoke gratin herb risotto. For dessert, diners will share a Tarte tatin with Calvados crème anglais.
www.morganshotelgroup.com/originals/originals-sanderson-london/eat-drink/the-restaurant
A fusion Valentine’s at Asia de Cuba
Available from 14th to 18th February, Asia de Cuba will be serving a romantic 4-course dinner priced at £75 per person. Couples will be greeted at their table with a Bellini, before an amuse bouche of a Scallop ceviche with aji panca and grapefruit. Diners can choose from starters such as ‘Fire and Ice’ shrimp or Casabe cakes (guava BBQ pork, onion mojo, fresno pepper), before an intermezzo of Mojito sorbet. For mains, they can choose between Coffee-crusted ribeye or Cumin dusted tuna, whilst anti-Valentine diners in groups of four or more can opt for a Spicy Thai coconut curry lobster. For dessert, the pastry chef has created a selection of romantic treats.
A dinner to impress at The Square
For those looking to impress a loved one, Michelin-starred The Square is serving a 5-course set menu created by Executive Head Chef, Clément Leroy. The 5 courses are priced at £130, and include the likes of Orkney scallop tartare, caviar, Yorkshire rhubarb, green apple; Beef fillet à la royale, foie gras, black truffle, agria potato; Chocolate grand cru, coffee, lime.
Michelin-starred tasting menus at Angler
Lovers can opt for a 6 course (£90) or 9 course (£120) tasting menu at Michelin-starred Angler, created by Executive Chef Gary Foulkes. Dishes include his signature Dorset crab ravioli, clementine, basil, and a main of BBQ beef, short rib, truffled creamed potato, caramelised onion tart. Sweet cravings can be satisfied with the likes of Chocolate pave, Caramelia chocolate, milk ice cream, hazelnuts.
www.anglerrestaurant.com/menus/angler/valentines-day-menu/
Love Affair Valentine’s Party in Long Bar, Sanderson
We’re not saying that liqueur is the fastest way to someone’s heart, but it’s worth a shot. Grab your date (or your single pals) and head to Long Bar to celebrate Valentine’s Day. With pink lighting to woo, live music from Monroe to keep you chilled, a DJ set and a Love Affair cocktail complete with Bombay gin, raspberry infusion, egg white and Laurent-Perrier Rose Champagne, sparks will be sure to fly across the bar.
After all, nothing says I love you like a cocktail or two, at Long Bar. From 6pm – 00.30am.
Guestlist link – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/love-affair-valentines-party-at-sanderson-tickets-42121439359
Parisian Romance at Blanchette Brick Lane
A hot contender for the title of most romantic restaurant in London, Blanchette Brick Lane offers modern French food with a North African influence. Lovers can indulge in a setting inspired by the Parisian Belle Époque era, decorated throughout with antiques sourced from Parisian vintage markets by the Alary brothers who named the restaurants after their beloved mother. They’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special cocktail.
www.blanchettebricklane.co.uk/
Riverside romance at Fiume
In the Italian spirit of romance, Fiume, Francesco Mazzei’s latest restaurant at Battersea Power Station, is offering a beautiful 4-course set menu for Valentine’s Day. The meal begins with a light and fresh Tuna tartare followed by a creamy Tortelli Burrata & Anchovies. The main course will be Roast veal, artichokes and m’pacchiuse and for dessert guests will be presented with a decadent Cupolone “Chocolate Dome”. With stunning views across the Thames, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Fiume is a great spot to celebrate the day of love, with heart-warming foods inspired by the Mezzogiorno region of Italy. The menu is priced at £55pp including a glass of Ferrari Maximum on arrival.
http://www.fiume-restaurant.co.uk/whats-on-fiume-battersea/events/2140/
Table for Two at Tuyo
Set on a quiet street on the edge of the canal in Broadway Market, Tuyo is the ideal setting for a romantic meal for two. Exclusively for Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is offering a set menu for £30pp including a broad selection of their renowned Mediterranean and Levantine small plates, perfect for sharing. Dishes include Sea Bream served with red quinoa tabbouleh, coriander and feta cheese; Free Range Chicken Thigh with honey poached apricots, sumac yoghurt and pistachios; and Falafel with ajo blanco, black olive and piquillo tapenade. For dessert, guests can look forward to a chocolate surprise, combining dark chocolate ganache, chocolate sponge, white chocolate sauce and passion fruit caviar. Furthermore, they will be serving a special cocktail to mark the occasion; a refreshing lavender and peach Bellini.
Macellaio RC x Harrods Pizzeria
From 9th-18th February, Italian restaurant Macellaio RC and Harrods are joining forces to celebrate the heritage of one of Italy’s national dishes, the pizza. A special menu has been created for Pizzeria in Harrods taking the form of a culinary battle between resident head chef Guiseppe Silvestri and guest chef Matteo Riganelli from Macellaio RC. The “battle” will be based on the longstanding friendly rivalry between the Neopolitan ‘pizza’ and the Ligurian ‘pissa’. Exclusively for Valentine’s Day the Chefs are offering a romantic sharing pizza enabling couples to combine their favourite pizzas in one so there’s no debate over toppings!
Romance at Radici
Sharing is caring with the Valentine’s Day set menu at Radici this year. The three-course meal from Chef Patron Francesco Mazzei begins with a pizza to share adorned with broccoli and sausage, n’duja and mozzarella, prosciutto, anchovies, capers and olives. This is followed by a light main course of oven roasted sea bream with prosecco, artichokes and potatoes, and finally for dessert, a selection of the finest Italian pasticinni for couples to enjoy together. Available for lunch or dinner on 14 February, the menu is priced at £45pp including a celebratory glass of prosecco on arrival. Radici is a lively neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Islington, serving the honest southern Italian food and drink in a welcoming, homely setting.
www.radici.uk/menus/restaurant/valentines-day
Romantic getaway with Lympstone Manor, Devon
Lympstone Manor is offering a special one- or two-night Romantic Getaway from February 8th – 18th, which includes a bottle of champagne on arrival, a bouquet of red roses, handmade gourmet chocolates, Michael Caines’ Valentine’s Day-themed Signature Menu (and a la carte dining for the second night for two-night stays), scattered rose petals in-room, as well as a gift to take home at the end of the luxurious stay.
Lympstone Manor (www.lympstonemanor.co.uk / 01395 202040) is offering their Valentine’s Romantic Getaway package from February 8th – 18th, starting from £700 per night for a two-night stay and £810 per night for a one-night stay, based on two people sharing in a Classic Garden room on a bed and breakfast basis, and including the Valentine’s Romantic Getaway package. Advance booking essential, subject to availability.