February 4, 2010
Love Song
When you first set eyes upon the now object of your affection, you could hear cherubs heralding. When you went on your first date, you could swear you heard Frank Sinatra humming in your ear. And when things got hot and heavy and those taxi windows started steaming up, it was unquestionably Brazilian samba music playing in the background. If your love affaire is still a soundtrack in the making, take some Valentine's Day inspiration from this year's Grammy Award winners. . .
"Put a Ring On It" – Beyonce Knowles
If a proposal is the order of the evening, it's time to pull out all the stops. . . Check in to the stunning Grand Mira Suite at The Mira where a bottle of warming Elemental Herbology Massage Oil and plush "his and hers Kashwere robes await. Next, indulge in a 6-course dinner with wine pairing in a private room at WHISK. End the evening with a 90-minute massage at the gorgeous new MiraSpa before retiring to your room to get creative with a few bottles of Moët and a Valrhona chocolate palette and paint brush set. . . Wake up late for champagne breakfast in bed and play all day with a 4pm checkout before gliding home in a Mercedes limousine. (One Night at The Mira Package, HK$60,160, 2368 1111) If you're more of the hands on type, let Chef Claudio from The Mistral teach you how to cook a delicious Valentine's meal to five-star perfection. The Mistral Valentine Culinary Kit includes a cooking class with five courses by Chef Claudio and a ready-to-go gourmet basket filled with all-prepared ingredients for two, plus a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Rose champagne. The cooking classes take place on 5th and 6th February from 3:00 to 4:30 pm and include Lobster Salad, Homemade Ravioli with Sea Bass, Grilled Lamb, Italian Tiramisu, and Amedei Chocolate. (HK$2,888, 2721 2870)
"Halo" – Beyonce Knowles
Nothing but the best will do for your Angel. . . Heavenly Michelin-starred meals and breathtaking harbour views are the order of the evening. Caprice's splendid Valentine's Day menu will feature seasonal delights including Japanese Scallop Ravioli with Vegetables, Milk-Fed Veal Rack with Fondant Orzo Pasta, Pumpkin, Artichoke and Chestnut Black Truffle, with sumptuous desserts including Tropical Vanilla, Rose Ice Cream For Her and Salted Caramel Delight, Biscuit Joconde and Cappuccino Ice Cream For Him. (HK$1,880, 3196 8888) An equally sumptuous feast can be had at NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong. Love is the main ingredient in the 8-course Kokoro (meaning "heart" in Japanese) Dinner, which includes Menuki and Uni "New Style" Sashimi with Truffle, Lobster Tempura Rose Amazu Ponzu, and Saga Beef Port Teriyaki. (HK$1,588, 2313 2323)
"White Horse" – Taylor Swift
If it's a fairy tale ending you want, why not start with a meal fit for a kingdom? Pierre at The Mandarin Oriental has developed an innovative five-course French dinner menu filled with princely delights, with starters like Beetroot Carpaccio with Campari-Rum and Smoked Scallops and mains including Meursault Blue Lobster Fricassée, John Dory Sautéed in a Sweet Butter and Chicken Suprême with Black Truffles. A special dessert selection created by Mr. Gagnaire himself and a signature Hermes Valentine's present will ensure this is a meal that sweeps you off your feet. (HK$1,288, 2825 4001) Across the harour, St. George at the Hullett House promises an extravagant experience with a 5-course Valentine's celebration menu created by Michelin Star Chef Philippe Orrico. Highlights include Oyster, Scallop Tartar and Caviar, Langoustine and Green Asparagus and Wagyu Beef Striploin with Black Currant and Apple Jelly. A gift box of Hullett House macaroons will ensure the evening's magic lingers on. (HK$888. 3988 0220)
"Run This Town" - Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
When the two of you are together, nothing seems out of reach. . . And why not celebrate this love on a high at SEVVA where the Valentine's festivities start off with Rosé champagne followed by a feast of Spinach Tagliolini with Truffle Oil, Grilled Garoupa on Braised Baccalao and Roasted Pigeon. The grand finale will be seductive chocolate-dipped berries and a live performance by singer Jennifer Palor and her jazz band to top off the romance. (HK$2,500,2537 1388) Just down the road, the newly opened The French Window in IFC will be offering passion-inspired culinary adventures that will make for an unforgettable Valentine's Day. The 6-course Passionné Valentine's Day Dinner includes Creamy Broccoli Veloute and Caviar, Caramelised Pan-seared Scallop, Green Cabbage Compote and Black Truffle, and Wagyu Beef Cheek, Onion Tart, and Red Wine Sauce. Continue the celebration all weekend with a complimentary gift of mini Moet & Chandon Champagne. (HK$1,488, 2393 3812)
"Fearless" - Taylor Swift
Take the plunge into something daringly delicious. . . The Menu di San Valentino at Domani offers a series of eclectic delights starting with Roasted Hokkaido Scallops with Potato Pureé and Black Truffle sauce, a combination known for being a potent aphrodisiac. Follow this with Rigatoni Pasta with Oyster sauce and Calvisius Caviar and Boston Lobster infused with Tomato sauce, Cannellini Beans and Italian Sausage. And finish this mouthwatering meal with an innovative dessert and a glass of exclusive Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige Rose NV. (HK$1888/couple, 2111 1197) Let the feasting continue at The Pawn, with their two-week long 5-course Valentine's menu for two, which includes welcome champagne, Asparagus Cappuccino with Crab, Pan Seared Foie Gras, Beef Tenderloin with Truffles, and Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with English Custard Ice Cream. Plus, on the 14th, be treated to an additional French Kiss cocktail and get ready to dance cheek to cheek with a DJ spinning romantic beats from 7-11pm. (HK$888/couple, 2866 3444) And for those looking for a fun hotspot to celebrate, RED SoHo provides the perfect locale, with a tantalising 4-course menu inclusive of two glasses of champagne and a sexy surprise gift from Showtime Lingerie to turn up the heat. Whet your appetite with Natural Oysters with Sake Vinaigrette in anticipation of Roasted Australian Rack of Lamb with Blue Cheese Mash and Grilled French Free-range Baby Chicken with Prosciutto and Morels. End this tale of temptation by sharing the Chef's Dessert Platter full of sweet sensations to melt your heart, and your inhibitions! (HK$888/couple, 8199 8189)
"Sweet Thing" - Keith Urban
Sometimes it's the little things that make for the biggest hits. At Classified, you can share The Valentine's Day Cheese "Couer de Neufchatel" with your amour. This velvety cow's milk cheese's romantic origins stem from the Hundred Years War where the young maidens of Neufchatel offered their hearts and the cheese to their gallant nights. Dine in and enjoy this special cheese with baked apple cherry jam (HK$199) or take away to taste at home (HK$116) (Available February 13-28, 2525 3454) If you're looking for further historic romantic inspiration, look no further than Romeo and Juliet's Afternoon Tea at MO Bar, offered all weekend long. You can look forward to heartbreakingly delicious scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, chocolate fountains and a sweet temptation cupcake buffet, served with your choice of rose petal tea or coffee. (HK$190, 3pm and 4.30pm, 2132 0188)
With all the sumptuous food, spectacular views, sensational cocktails, and sultry settings, if you weren't hearing the music before, we guarantee you'll be singing after!
