8 places to seduce your love

There’s less than five days to go before Valentine’s Day. So, if you haven’t yet made plans to treat your loved one to something special, you better get cracking! The Wine team found some Valentine’s specials that would have us weak at the knees – everything from an 11-course Titanic-themed dinner to a concert under the stars.

 

GAUTENG

Relive the romance of the Titantic
Le Canard in Sandton hosts the ninth annual ‘Last Dinner On The Titanic’ on Sunday 13 and Monday 14 February 2011; evenings of total indulgence featuring cuisine inspired by the king of chefs Auguste Escoffier.
Le Canard will recreate Titanic’s impressive eleven-course menu served on the final night of the ill-fated voyage. From research and to keep with the theme, the restaurant will transform itself to resemble the splendour of the Titanic, complete with candelabra and an array of pink and white flowers.
Diners come dressed in black tie (period costume is optional fun) and the cost is R720 per person (all inclusive of menu, entertainment, wines, gratuities and gifts).
Tel 011 884 4597; www.lecanard.co.za

Dining in the towers
Situated at the prestigious Michelangelo Towers in Sandton’s CBD, this slick, ‘high street’ restaurant is offering a Valentine’s special perfect for the jet set. R270 per person gets you treated to a glass of Veuve on arrival plus a sumptious three-course menu including Prosciutto and basil prawn salad with tomato vinigrette, Moroccan beef fillet, seafood platters and chocolate bonbons.
Tel 011 884 1333/4; www.8atthetowers.co.za

Eastern romance
Spoil your loved one with a unique experience at The Sheikh's Palace. Belly dancers set the pace to a truly memorable evening. Feast on authentic Lebanese cuisine, smoke Argileh, toast with Arak and sip on coffee or mint tea. R195 per person, plus R25 per person for entertainment. Excludes drinks and 10% service charge.
Tel 011 807 4119; email sheikhs@mweb.co.za; www.sheikhspalace.co.za

CAPE TOWN

Meringue, marshmallow and bubbly pairings
The House of JC Le Roux, located in the Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch, is offering meringue, marshmallow and bubbles pairings. For R40 per person you can enjoy a selection of mouth-watering meringues or marshmallows paired with three JC Le Roux Cap Classique and sparkling wines. Although this is not a Valentine’s Day offer, as it will be running for months to come, it is certainly original and will delight someone with a sweet tooth. Also ask about the chocolate fountain that is available for special occasions.
Tel 021 865 8200; www.jcleroux.co.za.

Winelands romance
Spoil your loved one at Buitenverwachting with Austrian chef Edgar Osojnik Valentine’s menu. With the elegant restaurant overlooking the vineyards and Constantiaberg mountains, the setting is perfect for romance. Three courses for R295 or five courses for R375.
Tel 021 794 3522; email: restaurant@buitenverwachting.co.za; www.buitenverwachting.co.za

Seductive menu
Pure restaurant at Hout Bay Manor is offering a four-course menu that’s bound to seduce. You’ll start off with oysters accompanied by basil, tomato and vodka, later a smoked salmon soufflé with asparagus cream and ending off with ‘a chocolate love story’ – all recipes for love.
The cost is R440 per person for dinner, or book into the boutique hotel for R970 per person per night, which includes a luxurious room, breakfast, and the four-course dinner dinner for two in Pure.
Tel 021 790 0116; email reservations@houtbaymanor.co.za; www.houtbaymanor.com

DURBAN

Music at the lake
The Durban Botanic Gardens will host a Valentine’s Day evening concert with Mango Groove, supported by Thomas Krane. Share a picnic under the stars with someone special while enjoying the iconic sound of this group of highly talented musicians. Tickets cost R100 through www.ticketbreak.co.za.
Quarters Brasserie (Durban)
Spoil your loved one at Quarters Brasserie with a three-course meal by candlelight in the elegant dining area or outside in the courtyard under the stars. Think sliced mango topped with poached prawns, sweet chilli ginger syrup and microgreens and sromatic duck, simmered in a star anise, cinnamon and gingered-infused stock then oven-glazed with a basting of hoi-sin and soy sauces.
Tel 031 303 5246; email: info@quarters.co.za; www.quarters.co.za