If we look at Valentine's Day as a way to celebrate love in all its forms it's not such a bad day. Whether you're all tied up as a couple, or as Emma Watson put it, self-partnered, there's an aspect of love that is always worth celebrating. We love the idea of galentine's day, hanging out with your girlfriends, and we'd like to see more bromances celebrated too.
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Whatever your situation, love is all you need. And this guide to what's on around town.
Braddon Merchant
Sample the seven course Valentine's Day dinner for just $89pp. Think freshly shucked Moonlight Flat Kisses oysters; tartare of yellowfin tuna, carrot escabeche and crisp chicken skin; grilled six score wagyu intercostal with pickled peach and olive seed; and Springview blue cheese mousse with honey, tigernuts and rye crisps among other things. Then maybe slip into the Midnight Bar, even upstairs.
Beirut Bunker Bar
For the lovers and the lovelorn, the team at Beirut Bunker Bar has created a cocktail called Harry's Sweet Olive. The cocktail is exclusively available on February 14 and honours the marriage of Bunker co-owner Chantelle's grandparents, Olive and Harry. The couple met during the Second World War after the ship Harry was serving on, the HMAS Hobart, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. As the ship underwent repair, Harry found himself at the Surry Hills Ballroom where he met, danced and fell in love with Olive. Three months later, they were married. After 67 happy years of marriage, Harry passed away in December 2013. Olive's final words to her husband were in song: 'We'll meet again'. Join the Bunker team in raising a glass to true love.
QT Canberra
From a decadent dessert degustation, a shared dining chef's table, a private dinner date series and luxury Valentine sleepovers, QT Canberra has options for all types of affection this February 14. At the shared table Capitol chef Josh Smith-Thirkell will be serving three courses of lustrous dishes designed to divvy up among diners. Guests are encouraged to come solo, bring a friend or even an ex, all in the name of meeting someone new. I suggest not sharing the dessert degustation held up in the QT Lounge, four spectacular courses of treats, each coupled with local matching wines for the ultimate loved-up feast.
First Edition
At the Novotel, sample a special Summer Art Feast experience in the First Edition restaurant exclusively for Valentine's Day. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival, live music throughout the evening and they promise a special surprise.
Highball Express
If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain ... head to Highball Express where you can enjoy two flutes of pina colada for $20 and order some tasty Cuban street food or a plate of charcuterie.
XO/Morning Glory
The cheeky lads from this team reckon "everyone wants a little XO on Valentine's Day and preferably followed by Morning Glory". I'm shocked! At XO there's a limited number of intimate table settings and a six course menu plus complimentary sparkling on arrival. At Morning Glory, enjoy dinner in the main dining room by moonlight. Live music on the Pavilion deck from Nick Rigby Music from 4.30pm to get the mood right.
Pialligo Estate
There's something about the light-filled pavilions at Pialligo. Enjoy beautiful views and live acoustic music while you dine at lunch or dinner, a delicious four-course menu, specially designed and made with love, accompanied by a glass of sparkling on arrival to make your day extra special. $199 per couple. Bookings essential.
Monster Kitchen and Bar
Love is still a battlefield ... join Monster Kitchen and Bar for a cheeky night of mockery, as they drink to the poster child of hilariously horrible digital romance: cheesy 1980s dating shows. All are welcome to the boozy bash filled with Monster canapés, oyster and martini carts, the latest seasonal cocktails, a giant chocolate fondue fountain and plenty of entertainment! And there's a DJ playing '80s tunes all night long ... all night.
- Do you have an event or something you'd like to see in Morsels? Email food.wine@canberratimes.com.au