While some of us consider the 14th February to be the most romantic day of the year and revel in the opportunity to shower a beau with all manner of heart shaped chocolates and sentiment, others cringe at the commercialised faux romance, over-priced set menus and overbearing pressure to be sexy after three courses of mediocrity. With those inflated prices, a cattle-grid system of too many tables of two and – God forbid – being presented with a single red rose by the waiter, going out for a fancy Valentine’s, Galentine’s or even Palentine’s dinner on the 14th is surely a mug’s game? We asked some of our women in food for their take on V Day dining and whether they’d really rather just be at home with Love Island and a Deliveroo…
Gizzi Erskine
Chef, food writer and broadcaster Gizzi Erskine is opening her first restaurant, The Nitery by Gizzi Erskine at St Martins Lane Kitchen, serving up playful takes on classic French, American and British dishes with carefully sourced produce from 13th Feb. It’s safe to say she’s not a fan of the 14th…
'I have never ever been a supporter of Valentine’s Day. Don’t get me wrong: I’m a real romantic, it’s not that. I just find it to be more of a gesture to keep your woman sweet for a year really bothers me – and this year I’m opening my restaurant the day before, so I’ll definitely be working. I’ll probably pop out for something to eat at my friend’s new place which is also opening round the corner, but usually the tables of two and the atmosphere just makes me want to be really raucous and destructive. I just believe in looking after the person you love all the time, not just the 14th.'
Thomasina Miers
High street Mexican favourite Wahaca is offering a Street Food Lovers Set Menu for two (£20pp) for the big day – think their signature guac, buttermilk chicken tacos, chorizo quesadillas, neverending choc churros and more – but founder, Masterchef winner and food writer Thomasina Miers has other plans…
'When I was living in Mexico City, I woke up at 1am to the sound of music and a lovely Mexican had arranged for a band to come and serenade me outside my bedroom window! These days, with the mad rush of life, I don’t usually do too much, although this year I’m pushing the boat out and throwing a dinner for a gaggle of food writer friends - to stand in for the Christmas party we couldn’t make happen back in December. It’s always good to go out to eat with one’s other half - I truly believe that talking to each other over dinner is a positive thing for any relationship – but we tend to go out on other nights and have an evening in on the 14th.
'I’ve recently been reading about serotonin levels and I love the idea of foods that naturally boost them helping to enhance wellbeing and happiness... so I shall be making wonderful concoctions with crispy eggs, cheese souffle and caramelised nuts!'
Sarah Hammond
As Director of rhubarb, Sarah Hammond manages showstopping food experiences at Sky Garden, The Royal Albert Hall, Royal Ascot and more. This year, she’s planning something a tad more laid back for herself:
'I’m planning a night at our little beach hut down on the Dorset coast with indulgent yet simple food and drink with my husband. We will be taking a beautiful bottle of sparkling rosé wine from Albury Organic Vineyard down with us and choosing fresh oysters from a local fisherman, served with a mignonette garnish. Together this is a delicious combination – a romantic yet elegant nod to Valentine’s Day – and no cooking, just time together in the peace and quiet on this remote coastline. Heaven!'
Elly Pear
Elly Curshen aka Elly Pear - food writer, author, tutor and columnist agrees that there is too much pressure to be loved-up. Whether you’re flying solo or coupled up she has this advice for dealing with D Day:
'In recent years, I’ve totally reclaimed February 14th. For years, as a single person, the day made me miserable. Everywhere I looked, the whole world seemed to be staring lovingly into each other’s eyes, drinking champagne and booking romantic dinners. Everyone except me. Even though I worked in restaurants for years and was absolutely certain that Valentines night was the WORST night ever to go out for dinner, society made me feel like it’s still what I should be aiming and wishing for. It’s not. What you should be aiming for is what makes you happy. So now, even though I’m in a very happy relationship, we don’t celebrate together. He’s spending the evening with mates and I probably will too. It’s been the same for the past two years. Palentines night dinner is where it’s at. Like NYE, it’s one night and it’s all over soon and don’t let anyone make you feel like you should be doing anything. Eat the food you love and drink the drinks that make you happy and buy yourself the reduced heart shaped chocolates tomorrow.'
Clodagh McKenna
Chef, broadcaster, and cookbook author Clodagh McKenna still thinks dinner à deux is the way to go when love is in the air:
'On Valentine’s evening I like to go out for dinner. Look, I cook supper at home nearly every night of the year so on this day I like to be treated! This year we are heading to Heckfield Place in Hampshire, which is headed up by one of my favourite chefs Skye Gyngell. If I was to stay in I would be starting dinner with a delicious glass of Ruinart rose champagne! For supper it would be grilled langoustines with dill aioli, followed by buttered lobster with spaghetti in marinara sauce and finishing with my rosewater chocolate mousses – they only take 10 minutes. Place 100g dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Melt, then remove from the heat. Stir in 75g caster sugar, 1 tbsp rosewater and two eggs. Whisk with a hand held electric beater for five minutes. Lastly, whisk in 250g mascarpone for a few seconds, just until combined. Divide between the four glasses and chill.'
Alex Hollywood
Alex Hollywood is the author of two cookery books and posts recipes on Instagram at @alex_hollywood1 and says it’s best to eat, drink and be happy, wherever you are:
'Valentine’s Day - it’s a tricky one isn’t it? There’s such hype surrounding it that whatever you do seems so manufactured. Last year I had a group of my closest friends to a kitchen supper, we had pan fried steaks, Tartiflette (a rich potato dish made with cream, reblochon cheese and lardons) and lots of red wine, and it was perfect! This year some amazing chef friends of mine are doing a pop-up restaurant in Margate. The food will be fabulous and there’s a nod to the occasion - they’re calling it a St Valentine’s Day massacre menu – but it’s all hot spicy curries. It really makes no difference whether you’re single or hitched just as long as you love the food because, for me, it's all about who you're with at the end of the day isn’t it?'