Tag Archives: Valentine’s

Express Valentine’s Dinner with La Famiglia Rana

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Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be exhausting, expensive or filled with Chocolate, Champagne and Rose Petal bath’s. Take the pressure off and just make sure you make it delicious.

Guaranteed to be on your table in five minutes, La Famiglia Rana formerly known as Giovanni Rana have a whole selection of delicious, restaurant quality, filled-pastas for you to prepare. We recommend you surprise your loved one with;

CHICKEN AND SMOKED PANCETTA TORTELLONI WITH SPINACH AND CREAM INGREDIENTS

1 250g pack of Rana Chicken and Smoked Pancetta Tortellon

i 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 shallots

1 cup heavy cream

4 packed cups fresh baby spinach leaves

salt and freshly ground pink peppercorn to taste

METHOD

Thinly slice 2 large shallots; heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add shallots, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sauté until just wilted, 30 seconds to 1 minute In the meantime, cook the Tortelloni according to package instructions in generously salted boiling water. Add the spinach to the skillet and the heavy cream; cook until spinach is wilted and sauce is reduced. Transfer sauce to a large serving bowl and add pasta. Serve immediately

What’s more we have some;

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To create a romantic setting place flowers in a diagonal line along the table, you can also gently place a table runner or a soft coloured fabric underneath the flowers and use flower petals to frame the composition. The fabric will work best if it’s a contrasting colour to the flowers, allowing them to stand out. A linen tablecloth in a light grey palette balances the candy pink and pastel green plates, with mismatched napkins for a fun touch. As a final romantic touch, light an unscented candle to give a soft touch of light and serve a delicious plate of your partner’s favourite La Famiglia Rana pasta. Happy Valentine’s Day and… buon appetito!

The pasta can be purchased from various Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and ASDA stores throughout London or on Ocado.

www.rana.co.uk

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Viña Real Wines.

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The look of love is in the air and we think Valentines is the perfect reason to wind down with a delicious dinner paired with a superb wine. Whether you’re sharing the day with a loved one, celebrating Galantines or just spending the evening enjoying your own company, Viña Real wine will not disappoint. Now we must admit, we were sent this wonderful package of wine weeks ago but with dry January in full tow we didn’t want to leave out any folk so here’s why Viña Real should be your top choice this week.

The award winning Spanish wine brand CVNE have continued to supply us with a wide range of quality Rioja wines since 1879. With age only comes wisdom and the winery, which is split into four, include Viña Real. The wines we tried were Viña Real Crianza and the Viña Real Barrel Fermented White but the brand also stock four other wines including a Rosado and a Gran Reserva.

First up the Viña Real Crianza, this is a charming red with a flavour of deep dark berries. This is a spicy red perfect for the Winter months and great for sipping with roasted meats. This wine is very easy to drink and can be found in Gordon’s Wine bar in London for £28 per bottle buy you can get this for a fraction of the price from a good wine retailer. This bottle certainly delivers much more than it’s modest price tag. Great value and great all rounder we think this would suit even the most discerning palette.

If it’s a quality white you’re after than the Viña Real Barrel Fermented white comes highly recommended. This wine is made up of 100% Viura or Macabeo grape which has become increasingly popular and is usually used to make up Cava wines. The barrel fermentation means that the wine is fermented in smaller oak barrels as opposed to large stainless steel and helps to highlight the texture which is creamy and light and helps preserve the fruit aromas, in this case gooseberry and honeysuckle. Again a moreish and fantastic value wine with an average price of £10.95

To find out more about CVNE and Viña Real wines visit www.cvne.com

A 70’s Valentine By Wendy Breckon

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Wendy Breckon is a writer and occasional story teller, who scribbles near the sea, in the middle of a wood or wherever the fancy takes her. She loves life and the people walking past the window, especially if they wave! One day, she hopes to flog that ‘sitcom’ sitting in the drawer. In the meantime, her love for coffee, almond croissants, comedy, and a good film, keep those words flowing …

wendythomas

A 70’s VALENTINE
RED is the rose you left upon the chair
RED is the hair slide you placed back in my hair
RED the stain of Mateus Rose on the collar of my dress
RED is the colour of flushed cheek bones the evening I said yes
RED is the sunset above a leather seat
RED is for the old Austin and our engineering feat
RED is for nostalgia and the sweet smell of YOUTH DEW
RED is for the moment I said I love you too
X

Romantic Food Ideas For Valentine’s: Queen of Tarts

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Romantic Food Ideas For Valentine's Queen of TartsThe perfect savoury starter developed from the Good Housekeeping Institute’s famous Triple-Tested recipes, a team of expert GHI chefs have created and tested this dish to ensure it satisfies every time.

 

Queen of Tarts

 

 

Hands-on time: 15min

Cooking time: 25min

Serves: 6

 

Ingredients:

For the puff pastry: 

  • 225g (8oz) strong white bread flour
  • 225g (8oz) butter, chilled
  • 1tbsp lemon juice

For the filling:

  • 300g (11oz) light cream cheese
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 2tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 200g (7oz) pack hot-smoked or smoked salmon, skinned and flaked
  • 4 spring onions, finely sliced

 

Method:

  1. Sift the flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt. Dice 50g (2oz) of the butter. Flatten the rest into a 2.5cm (1in) thick slab.
  2. Rub the diced butter into the flour. Then, using a knife, stir in the lemon juice and about 280ml (9½fl oz) cold water to make soft, elastic dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Cut a cross through half the depth.
  3. Open out the ‘flaps’ and roll out the dough, keeping the centre four times as thick as the flaps.
  4. Put the slab of butter in the centre and fold the flaps over it. Gently roll out to make a rectangle measuring 40.5 x 20.5cm (16 x 8in). Mark off three equal sections from top to bottom. Fold the bottom third of the pastry up over the middle, and the top third down. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30min (or freeze for 5-10min).
  5. Repeat the rolling, resting and turning four more times, ensuring the folded edges are to the sides each time.
  6. To make the tarts, preheat oven 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Unroll puff pastry and cut or stamp out six individual-sized heart shapes, about 9cm (3½in) diameter. Arrange hearts on baking sheets, spacing a little apart. Score a border 1cm (½in) from the edge of each heart. Use a fork to prick pastry well inside the border.
  7. Bake pastry hearts until golden and risen – about 20-25min. Remove from oven and use the back of a spoon to press down the pastry carefully inside the border to make room for the filling. Cool completely, then tip/scrape out any loose crumbs from the cases (so they won’t get into the filling).
  8. To make filling, mix together cream cheese, most of the lemon zest and dill, and some seasoning (if mixture is too thick, loosen with a little milk). Spoon into cooled tarts, level gently, then top with the flaked salmon and spring onions. Scatter over the remaining lemon zest and dill, and some freshly grated black pepper. Serve.

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

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Don’t know what to buy for Valentine’s Day? Here is our handy guide.

igiveyouwood

Timbergram, the original wooden postcard company, are offering a whopping 25% off orders through their website in the lead up to Valentines Day and beyond through their ‘I GIVE YOU WOOD’ campaign. Discerning lovers out there can also now upload any image to be printed onto the front of the woodend cards, as well as having a personalised message etched onto the back.

What’s more, Timbergrams supports the charity TreeAid who plant trees throughout Africa’s drylands to help communities escape poverty. In 2013 Timbergram alone helped TreeAid to plant over 1000 trees, making these little products one of the most eco-considerate ways to tell someone you love them.

As well as being able to upload any of your own images onto the front of your card, you can choose from a huge range of Timbergram’s own designs. Timbergram promotes and collaborates with a wide range of UK-based artists and illustrators, so you’re bound to find something different that your partner will adore. If you can’t find a design that catches your fancy, we can etch your own message on the front – just like the old days when you engraved your initials in tree bark.

Spread the love this Valentines Day… give someone wood with the original and best wooden postcards from Timbergram.

Simply use the code: “GIVEWOOD” at the checkout for your 25% discount.

 

austenland
Austenland is a great film. Perfect for Valentine’s Day.

I love you to the moon and back coaster.

I Love You To The Moon & Back Wooden Coaster Super cute.

heart shaped baloons

Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Balloons

Alessi Big Love Ice Cream Set, Blue £29.95

Alessi Big Love Ice Cream Set from John Lewis

230453783

Name A Star Gift from John Lewis

230509133

Cowshed Knackered Cow candles from John Lewis

 

 

Where To Spend Valentine’s Day

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Bespoke Valentine’s Day menu at Michelin starred restaurant Launceston Place

 

Head chef, Tim Allen from Launceston Place, will be creating a bespoke menu for one couple this Valentine’s Day. Upon booking, the couple will have the exclusive opportunity to have their ultimate menu created by Michelin starred Tim Allen, featuring their loved ones most desired dishes and favourite foods. The couple will enjoy their meal with the luxury of privacy in the romantic Chef’s Office, with each course served to them personally by Chef Allen. In addition to this, Launceston Place’s head sommelier will work with the couple to choose the perfect accompanying aperitif and wines to complement the bespoke menu. With a minimum spend price tag of £500, this unique experience is one of London’s most lavish ways to spoil your other half this Valentine’s Day. For more information or to book this bespoke experience contact 020 7937 6912 or email Ruth (ruthb@danddlondon.com). www.launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/valentine-s-day-experience/1648

 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ZINC
This VALENTINE’S, brand new nightclub Zinc will throw a Valentine’s party where people could find love in the air at the summit of the iconic Centre Point building. Already becoming renowned for its world class DJs playing a unique blend of beach house, melodic, hard house and electro and a 24-hour license, Zinc will host a Valentines’ Party that looks set to be both a musical and visual feast. Guests can enjoy a Valentine’s cocktail, world class DJs and the chance to find love above the clouds!

Love is in the Air at Zinc

Friday 14th February 2014
10pm-4am
£55 per person
East Side tables: £1500
West Side tables: £500
Zinc
Centre Point
101-103 New Oxford Street
London , WC1A 1DD
www.zinc.uk.net

 

Share the love at Benares

 

To celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Benares, Atul Kochhar’s Michelin starred Indian restaurant, will be offering a five course Valentine’s Day menu designed for sharing. Couples will begin their evening with a specially created Champagne cocktail before tucking into dishes such as pan roasted Scottish scallops, ginger and grape dressing, classic tandoori organic free range Suffolk chicken for two, red onion salad, olive and tomato naan and Atul’s re-invented cream roll with strawberries.

 

The Benares Chef’s Table, an exquisite private dining space, is also available for an evening of Valentine’s indulgence. After being welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a special gift from Benares, couples will be treated to a six course tasting menu with perfectly matched wines whilst watching the chefs in action through a glass wall.

 

The Valentine’s Day menu is available on Friday 14th from 6.30pm for £75 per person, or at lunch and before 6.30pm for £50 per person. The Chef’s table package is priced upon enquiry.  www.BenaresRestaurant.com

 

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE AMPERSAND HOTEL

Deluxe Studios from £280

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea from £32.50 per person

 

A romantic break in London is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift and a stay at The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington, is sure to woo loved ones. Guests looking for the wow-factor should book a Deluxe Studio; complete with king size bed, a grand freestanding bath and impressive views of London. With its stunning botanical themed interior, love is sure to bloom.

 

Once settled in, guests can choose to enjoy a Champagne Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in the privacy of their guestroom.  The Ampersand Hotel ensures a soupçon of romance is sprinkled throughout the guests’ experience, from the book of love poetry placed in guest rooms to the love note that guests are encouraged to pen to their loved one prior to thestay; left on the guests’ bed as an additional surprise.

 

VALENTINE’S DAY FOR SINGLES

Ensuring that it’s not just couples that have all the fun on Valentine’s Day, The Ampersand Hotel will also be serving Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Rooms; perfect for a group of friends.

 

APERO

For a relaxed Valentine’s Day meal, head to Apero and enjoy the delicious sharing menu created by Head Chef Chris Golding. Located in the original 19th century vault below the luxurious décor of The Ampersand Hotel, Apero offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a tempting menu of sharing plates and cocktails.

 

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, London, SW7 3ER

http://www.ampersandhotel.com/

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day at Plum + Spilt Milk, located in the renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel. Priced at £65 per person, their delicious sharing menu includes a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. www.plumandspiltmilk.com/

 

Copa de Cava (located beneath Camino Restaurant Blackfriars)

Enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at Copa de Cava; the UK’s first authentic cava bar, this Valentine’s Day. Priced at £60 per person, their specially designed menu combines six authentic cava’s each carefully paired with accompanying tapas dishes including the Presa Ibérica; a succulent shoulder of rare Ibérico pig, creamy pearl barley, Ibérico ham and Manchego. For anyone with a sweet tooth the Crema Catalana; cinnamon custard foam, crispy caramel and freeze dried raspberry, is the perfect end to a romantic evening. www.camino.uk.com/restaurants/copa-de-cava/

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts www.bonniegull.com/

 

HONK IF YOU’RE HORNY THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT HONKY TONK
Valentine’s day is just around the corner but fear not singletons, Honky Tonk has the answer to all your prayers. This year come and join the singles party on 14th February at both Honky Tonk Chelsea & Honky Tonk Clapham and Honky If You’re Horny! Each table will have a very special cupids horn on it and when you see a certain someone who catches your eye, give it a good squeeze & let them know that they could be your valentine’s this year!

For those attending the party at Honky Tonk Clapham the wheel of fortune will also be transformed into the wheel of love where you can win a shot and other prizes to give to the lucky lady or lad who you may have your eye on. So come down and celebrate Valentine’s day the Honky Tonk way.

Both Honky Tonks are rapidly becoming West London’s destination diners of choice. They offer regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

Honky Tonk Valentine’s day
Friday 14th February 2014

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Honky Tonk Clapham
16a Clapham Common South Side,
London
SW4 7AB
Tel: 020 7627 6257
W: www.honkytonklondon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honkytonk.clapham/
Twitter: @honkytonklondon
Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm to 12 pm, Thurs 5pm -1am,
Friday 5pm-1.30 am, Sat 12pm- 2am, Sunday12pm-11.30pm

 

FISHBone pop-up diner at Kensington Place

Inspired by the restaurant’s hit summer menu, Kensington Place in Notting Hill will transform its private dining room into a pop-up diner of the same name this February. Dishes will include a range of ‘fast-fish’ dishes, including Salmon ‘doner’ with pitta, cucumber and yoghurt and Pulled skate with beurre noisette and capers, alongside the classic Scallopdog with brown shrimp and cucumber vierge. White wine sangria, hot and cold sake and a selection of British beers and spirits make up the drinks list. Seating only 36 diners, FISHbone will be a quirky and informal addition to the West London dining scene. www.kensingtonplace-restaurant.co.uk/offer/fishbone-pop-up-coming-soon/1640

 

Get hooked on Angler at South Place Hotel this Valentine’s Day

 

Feed your romance at the Michelin-starred restaurant Angler, located in The City atop the cool and contemporary South Place Hotel, a rose-petal trail away from Liverpool Street station. With stunning views of the London skyline, the award winning Angler is a gourmet dining experience to share with your other half. The restaurant will be serving a decadent Valentine’s Day set menu on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February, priced at £85 per person, prepared by Executive Chef Tony Fleming. The simple yet sophisticated six course menu will feature the best of British seafood sourced from across the British Isles. The beautifully presented dishes include carpaccio of octopus, served with a salad of squid and mango, with soy and ginger dressing; fillet of brill with ragout of squid, fennel puree and sea purslane; and milk chocolate mousse with blood orange to share.

 

Couples wanting to completely escape can indulge with the “Chef’s View package” which includes dining in Angler’s Chef’s View to watch the skilled team at work, while taking in the venue’s beautiful interiors and signature mirrored ceilings. Guests can tuck into a personalised menu created by Tony himself and take advantage of their own dedicated sommelier for the evening, before staying overnight in South Place Hotel’s luxury Suite 610: a chic open-plan living space filled with design classics and saucy artwork, whilst offering panoramic City views and did we mention the glass bathtub? The offer is priced at £1,370 and also includes a bottle of Moet Champagne on arrival, homemade chocolate truffles and rose petals on the bed at turn down.

http://anglerrestaurant.com/

 

Copa de Cava

 

For true romance this Valentine’s Day, enjoy perfect pairings of cava and tapas at the beautiful Copa de Cava, the UK’s first dedicated cava bar. Priced at £60 per person, their tasting menu carefully matches six of the best cavas from Spain with creative and authentic tapas. From Presa Ibérica and hand carved jamón, to seafood and cheeses, to a deliciously sweet Crema Catalana, you’ll enjoy a romantic voyage of discovery through Spain’s incredible food and wine producing regions.

 

Call 0207 125 0930 or email reservationscopadecava@camino.uk.com to book a table. Copa de Cava is located a minute from Blackfriars station and 5 minutes from St Pauls.

 

Valentine’s Day Special at Plum + Spilt Milk

 

This Valentine’s Day, Plum + Spilt Milk are offering a delicious sharing menu for two priced at £65 per person including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne on arrival, a Native Seafood Platter, 32 Day Aged Beef Wellington and Chocolate Fondue. Located in the newly renovated and incredibly decadent Great Northern Hotel, it is the perfect setting.

 

http://plumandspiltmilk.com

 

Valentine’s Menu at Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack

 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the ‘seaside restaurant in the City’. Priced at £65 per person, Bonnie Gull has created a unique Valentine’s taster menu including champagne and oysters, halibut, venison as well as a selection of sweet treats. To view the full menu and to keep up to date, please follow the team here. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Gull/202711063100754?fref=ts

Pont de la Tour – #PontMemories

 

Iconic Butlers Wharf restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour, has started its Valentine’s Day celebrations early, by running a social media campaign called #PontMemories. They are calling for diners past and present to share happy memories of times spent at the restaurant for a chance to win a complimentary glass of champagne over Valentine’s weekend. In addition, one lucky couple will win a complimentary meal. www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ametsa at The Halkin by COMO

 

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year by treating your other half to an eight course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Ametsa with Arzak Instruction which specialises in exquisite New Basque Cuisine. The set menu is priced at £105 per person, and at £145 per person with matching wines.

 

Couples looking for a more casual way to spend the evening can enjoy “Love Bites”, a selection of Ametsa’s delicious Basque tapas dishes served in the cosy Halkin Bar. Priced at £24.50 per person, the menu includes mini desserts and wine pairings. Ametsa is located in the refined and luxurious Halkin by COMO, in London’s Belgravia. For bookings please contact Ametsa on 020 7333 1234 or email ametsa.thehalkin@comohotels.com. www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/dining/ametsa

 

Shake Shack’s “Valentine”

 

This Valentine’s Day Shake Shack customers will be given a Shake Shack “Valentine” voucher for a complimentary single cup or cone of their legendary frozen custard.

Dense, rich and creamy ice cream, spun fresh daily right at the Shack, the frozen custard can be redeemed on their next visit through to 31st March 2014. Any couples dining on the day will also be offered a complimentary glass of prosecco.  Happy Valentine’s from the team at Shake Shack!

www.shakeshack.co.uk

 

Valentine’s at Vertigo 42

 

This Valentine’s Day couples can enjoy a romantic afternoon tea at London’s highest Champagne bar Vertigo 42. A selection of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats can be enjoyed with tea, toasted with a glass of Palmer Rose pink Champagne for £40 per person.

 

Vertigo 42 is also offering a Valentine’s evening package of a bottle of Palmer Rose Champagne, a canapé sharing platter for two and a selection of macaroons. Served with breathtaking views of the City skyline for £150 per couple. http://www.vertigo42.co.uk/

 

How Much Does Valentine's Really Cost?

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Who says romance is dead?

Standard Life’s ‘Your Commitments, Your Future’ report reveals the nation’s true spending on their other half – a clue to what we might expect this Valentine’s Day.

Spend on your partner:
– Each month couples splash out an average of £34 treating each other, with men leading the way, spending £42 compared to women spending just £26
– However, 18-24 year old males spend only £20 a month on their partners on average.  To put this in perspective, 18-24 year old males spend an average of £27 a month on paid for TV subscriptions
– But there is good news; as men get older their generosity increases, with men aged 45-54 spending nearly £50 (£49) on average each month on their partners
– Women are at their most generous when aged 25-34, where they spend an average of £32 a month on their partners

Thinking about your partner
– Men and women devote nearly an hour each day (50 minutes) to thinking about their other half

– 18-24 year old men are the least romantic, thinking about their partners for only 36 minutes a day on average, whereas 18-24 year females spend over 59 minutes on average every day thinking about their partner (this is more than one whole day a month)
– Men over 55 are spending almost an hour (55 minutes) a day thinking about their partners, the highest of any male age group, while women spend the most time thinking of their partners when they are 18-24
– Nearly a quarter of people think that if they spent as much time thinking about their finances as they do on their emotional relationships then their finances would be in far better shape.

John Lawson, Personal Finance Expert at Standard Life said: “Despite the tough economic climate, it’s good to know we are still able to spoil the most important people in our lives. We devote a lot more to time thinking about our loved ones than we do to our finances, but it’s worth remembering that planning our future finances plays a key role in our relationships.  Whether it’s starting a family, a home in the sun, a romantic break or a financially secure retirement, budgeting and planning ahead is essential to a happy life. And with the end of the tax year looming, it’s a great time to sit down with your partner and think about how your finances can help you enjoy your life together.”  

To help people better understand their financial and emotional commitments, Standard Life has published knowyourcommitments.co.uk with an interactive tool and thoughts on financially preparing for the future. Further help with financial planning is also available at yourfuturemoney.co.uk