I heart you: Making plans for Valentine's Day in Bangalore

Love makes us do strange things — pull out all stops to impress the one we want. Thank God for food and magic fingers that brought plenty of love-struck souls together. So if you haven’t made reservations for that exotic date yet, here are a few ideas that you could work on…

The romantic in you
A perfect date is hard to come by, without a perfect setting. But wash your worries away as the Casanova Diaries  at the Vivanta by Taj, Whitefield, gives you the evening of your life.

Conceptualised by Chef Arzooman Irani, Casanova Diaries is an experience, a trip that takes you through the romantic escapades of Giacomo Casanova, historically known to be the greatest lover the world has had, through food. A menu that lays out for you various aphrodisiacs in the most delicate creations, music at your disposal, the best possible wines and cocktails and a tidy gift to take back home.

And that’s not all, you can choose to be seated where you want, in a cosy corner by the pool or on the lawns or even at the foyer which leads you up to the lawns of their nightclub Tease. “You have to of course book it in advance because it takes time to prepare the whole arrangement.

But I think the idea makes a lot of sense because people do want something different and exclusive. Even the special menu that has been created for this experience takes into account all the foods that Casanova used, to seduce the women in his life. There is definitely a large quotient of romance attached to the whole evening,” says Chef Irani.

From arborio crusted oysters, fennel and melon salad, crumb fried avocado, smoked lobster cappuccino and some exceptionally exotic desserts, this will be a meal to remember!
There you have it, pick up the phone and book that table because Casanova Diaries ends tomorrow with Valentine’s Day.

Go overboard
There is no saying no this weekend. Go over the top with your loved one and treat him or her to something that doesn’t come by every day. ITC Royal Gardenia has some sweet ideas juxtaposed with delicious dining experiences, decadent confections and magical moments in a bespoke atmosphere.

Executive Chef Madhu Krishnan has put together  special menus inspired by and dedicated to romance. The Cubbon Pavilion is hosting a Food of Love Buffet, where you can indulge in an endless flow of sparkling wine and Western musical renditions by their live duo, transforming the evening to an unforgettable experience.

The West View has a signature menu too. Chef Ayesha and her team has a grills menu that you will love. Fruits of the sea — clams, mussels, scallops, lobsters, prawns and oysters — vie for attention on the cold buffet carte, as do delicately roasted vegetables. For dessert, the pastry chef is conjuring up sinful renditions with cherries, figs, papaya, peach and plums. That’s not all, Even EDO, the Japanese restaurant and the Indian outlet, Kebabs & Kurries have something special planned as well.

Love twists
Why do boys have to do all the work? This year, girls, take over and give your man a fab treat at something completely embellished. City Bar has organised a delightful day for you to indulge in. Enjoy a special V-day menu that lets you sip on champagne, love potions, eat delectable creations and end it with sinful chocolates.

The beautiful ambience combined with great food just right for the heart and stomach, will set the mood for an unforgettable evening. The ambience of City Bar is of course to die for — with an open terrace for you to look out into and music that will surely make you feel mushy, it’s a good place to get the romance started.

Just say it
Admitting to love isn’t an easy task, but a little help goes a long way. Olive Beach can be the perfect matchmaker! An evening of warmth, love and of course, fabulous food, you’ll be in for a real treat. The Valentine’s evening menu comprises a selection of the finest Mediterranean cuisine, international spirits and some of the best Indian wines.

The ambience at Olive of course doesn’t need an introduction — soft moods and comfy decor lets you be the way you want. You could either choose to be at the alfresco dining area with candlelit tables or the cosy setting indoors or dine under the stars on the rooftop. As long as you have the right words to say that evening, the restaurant will take care of the rest of the journey.

Fun ho!
Let’s put all the mush aside for a change, Opus is all about fun and that’s what’s in store for you as you. Head to their scrumptious Sunday brunch at 1pm, which includes live dosa counter, starters, grills, roasts, soups, khao suey, Goan curries, pasta and tons of dessert! Not to forget, the unlimited supply of alcoholic beverages.

And if you’re bringing the kids along, they can indulge in games, pony rides, the ferris wheel and a whole play area. In the evening, Karn and Chris take on the trippy sun down session with some groovy lounge tunes, followed by Valentine’s Special Kroaknight with Carlton Braganza at 9 pm. On D-day, there’s something different in store for you. Opus is going to have the Men In Mush, where a bunch of talented musicians will be at your disposal to bring out those love songs and play the dedications as well. Now, that’s fun!

Hush baby
If you like it quiet and non-intrusive, we have the just place in mind for you. Lido, at Ista Hotel, has a romantic Valentine’s Day planned for you. A lavish meal, fabulous cocktails and wine and a gorgeous setting await you. There won’t be a big party to welcome you or giggles of young lovers coming from the corner of the restaurant — so if you’re looking at spending some seriously romantic time with your partner, check this place out!