There’s an old saying that the way to a man’s heart is through food – but when you’re already a foodie, this can apply to anyone! Celebrating V-Day by indulging in something tastefully delicious can be the perfect opportunity to get those creative juices flowing and show your love (or best friend) just how much they mean to you through the art of food; and most definitely wine, too.
Food is notorious for bringing people together. But ditching the normal movie night in with snacks or that super expensive dinner out in town can make the evening even more special for the two of you. Heat things up with your common interest – food, and work your cupid food-loving magic with these date night ideas.
1. Book a Hot Reservation (at home)
It doesn’t matter how long you and your boo have been living together for, dating and flirting with each other should never stop. For this Valentine’s Day book a hot reservation at home. Spice things up by transforming the space into something a little spectacular; whether it be complete with candles, a dinner away from the TV and phone to have each other’s full attention or outside to catch a glimpse of the sunset. You can even create an indoor tent to chill out with your dinner and loved one in for the ultimate cosy evening.
Treat your other half to a home cooked meal or go all out with a chef speciality 3-course dining experience. If you usually do the cooking around the house, make this night the night to try a different meal or two to surprise your date. Change the dynamics of the evening entirely by dining in the dark to really heighten those V-day senses. This can be a great way to appreciate food on a completely different level so cuddle up and feast away! Plus, a couple of blindfolds will most definitely add to the romance.
2. Pamper Picnic Pick Me Up
Still feel like getting out of the house but can’t be bothered with the V-day mass crowds and over-priced menus? A pamper picnic between you and your loved one can be a cost-effective way to spend some quality time together and get away from the daily grind. Impress your date by getting together a picnic packed in advance for you to both feast on. You don’t need to go over the top either; a simple Valentine’s Day hamper to cater for you and your date’s flavours can do the trick.
Don’t forget to get a good blanket to chill out on, a music playlist to set the tone and a bottle of vino to polish off with dinner. Make sure the picnic pack includes the essentials – any cutlery you may need, some glasses and plates. Bring dessert with you too, or indulge in some sugar when you get home instead.
3. Get Dirty – In the Kitchen
Cooking together can be a great bonding opportunity between you and your boo. Crack open a cookbook and try something completely different you both agree on. If cooking together is something you already do a lot of together, opt for a dish that’s more romantic than usual and a champagne cocktail to top it off.
Make sure you have your favourite tunes in the background and share the experience with your date. Cooking together creates a sense of intimacy that can be easily pushed to the side in long-term relationships. Opt for meals with natural aphrodisiacs to create that loving V-Day feeling like garlic, chocolate, pine nuts, oysters, fresh chili, pomegranates and red wine. By making something together and getting dirty in the kitchen, you can create a romantic sultry experience for two.
4. Indulge in a Couple’s Cooking Class
If you love food and are prepared to step out of your comfort zone, setting up a couple’s cooking class can be a lot of fun. Plus you get to take home some new skills with you. Dare to be different and book a class that’s a little challenging or a cuisine that you’ve both wanted to tackle but haven’t yet. Couple’s cooking class will give you the opportunity to spend some quality time together, all whilst learning something new – and you get to eat whatever dishes you grill up!
There’s a lot of fabulous and unusual cooking classes around to suit any taste and budget. From African cuisines, to Asian street cooking, beer and BBQs, chocolate making classes, Spanish, seafood, Thai, French or Mediterranean – the choices are endless. Think outside the box this V-day and book a sensational cooking class for two.
5. Food Tasting Event
Most cities have a variety of food and wine tasting events each year. Check the event guides and see what’s coming up in your local area and give you and your boo the opportunity to sample dishes from local restaurants, breweries, wineries, farms and other delicious goodies. Most of these events have the one entry price to pay, then you’re free to roam around and indulge in your own time. You can even purchase some tasty treats to take home and enjoy later!
What will you be doing with your loved one this Valentine’s Day?
Author Bio
This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for Just in Time Gourmet – offering the best selection of Valentine’s Day hampers ideal for your date-night picnic or hot reservation at home, with a range of flavours to quench every appetite. You can catch her on Google+.