Unchained Melody – 5 Romantic Destinations for V-Day.

Valentine’s Day is the time to celebrate romance and love as we spoil our other halves come Wednesday, February 14.

Did you know the origins of this candy and cupid festival are actually dark, bloody and a bit muddled?

From February 13-15, ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia – men sacrificed a goat and dog, then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain. While Emperor Claudius II also had a hand in the legend, executing two men both named Valentine, on February 14 of different years in the Third Century.

Their martyrdom was honoured by the Catholic Church with the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

As the years went on, the holiday grew sweeter with Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticising it in their works and handmade paper cards becoming tokens of affection in the Middle Ages.

Today the holiday is big business…February has never been the same since we started the Love Month! Here are five suggestions for a romantic rendezvous or on Wednesday, February 14:

 

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa on Ferny Avenue is inviting couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate five-course degustation sure to tantalise the senses. Treat your sweetheart to a memorable evening of culinary indulgence amid the scenic beauty of this resort for an exquisite dining experience at signature restaurant Citrique.

Expect a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne on arrival on Wednesday night, before embarking on a foodie adventure from kingfish with ponzu pearls to succulent poached lobster and Ostra caviar; then appease your sweet tooth with a decadent chocolate mousse and praline dessert to finish off a memorable meal.

 

Take your special someone on a fascinating journey through history, tracing the evolution of dining practices and food trends, along with NSW Parliament’s rich collection of art and artefacts at The Strangers’ Restaurant on Macquarie Street in the heart of Sydney.

Nestled in Parliament House not far from the Royal Botanic Gardens, drop in for lunch on Wednesday and discover the building’s hidden surprises along with the stylish restaurant delivering tempting dishes such as lobster and prawn ravioli, lobster butter and zucchini salad; or Riverina rib eye, porcini sauce, onions, Hasselback potatoes and watercress salad.

 

Find the French touch you are looking for this Valentine’s Day at La Cache a Vin on Wharf Street in Spring Hill. Tucked away in a laneway, this hidden gem delivers a French dining experience like no other; step into a magnificent cavernous dining room, featuring leather banquettes, a marble bar and the piece de resistance – the French wine cellar door just inside the entrance.

Offering a four-course meal on Wednesday with a glass of Champagne on arrival, expect appetisers such as tomato gazpacho with croutons and vegetable tartare, before grilled scallops, sun-dried tomato, garlic and parsley, or beef tartare, confit egg and crouton. Mains present like roast duck breast, sautéed silverbeet, parsnip purée and cherry sauce, or eye fillet, with French fries, green salad and pepper sauce; finish with chocolate fondant and coffee English cream.

 

Embark on a culinary love affair with an exclusive five-course Valentine’s Day set menu at The Wine Room on Ethel Street in Seaforth on Wednesday, February 14, crafted to enchant your taste buds and kindle the flames of romance. Enhance your dining experience by opting for the expertly curated wine pairings, a symphony of flavours perfectly complementing each course.

Start with prawns, leek, sugar snaps, apple vinaigrette and nasturtium, followed by salmon, kohlrabi, pickled pear and chervil; for the main, slice your knife into perfectly cooked beef sirloin, wild mushrooms, gratin, eschalot and demi-glace, ending decadently with chocolate, almond, hazelnut, vanilla and strawberry.

Four exclusive dining areas ensure a wide range of options for dining from romantic to family get-togethers at The Renmark Club on Murray Avenue in Renmark. Stop in for a meal in the spacious bistro setting, or relax on the outdoor decking to make the most of balmy weather from early until late, choosing from a selection of light lunch options and traditional favourites like pizzas, steak and seafood mains.

Love is in the air as you delve into starters like crispy fried pork ribs with spicy salt and dipping sauce, before indulging in creamy garlic prawns, steamed jasmine rice and lemon; if your special someone loves pizza, share slices such as Greek lamb on a tomato base with olives, onion, feta, mozzarella, cherry tomato and tzatziki.

Remember…it takes two to mango!