Chocolate quickest way to lover’s heart

 This annual celebration, the origins of which are dimmed by the mists of time, has a tenuous link to a saintly young man, said to have “died for love”.
As the days flash by, and February 14 approaches ever closer, our attention will be drawn to Valentine cards for sale in stationers’ shops and to ever-increasing bouquets of red roses in the florists’.
The young will hope for a loving communication from the object of their desires, while the middle-aged and happily married may yearn for a sign from a former flame or new admirer, confirmation that their charm and good looks have not diminished with time.
Whether it is the prospect of a mild flirtation, the possibility of a deep and lasting relationship, or just the frisson of knowing that out there someone is thinking of you “in that way”, I can bet my collector’s stash of quadrillion notes that come Valentine’s Day, more Zimbos will be checking the post box and awaiting deliveries than those watching the 8 o’clock news or reading the newspaper.
Romance is an important feature in the lives of many established couples. Whether newly-wed, or navigating the ‘seven-year-itch’, or celebrating a fortieth wedding anniversary, a delectable candle light dinner at La Fontaine’s Grill Room at Meikles Hotel would be hard to beat. Chef Chris Gonzo has a way with food and a way with words; Romeo’s Indulgence of smoked trout with blinis and crème fraiche and Valentine’s personal favourite of grilled sirloin steak would be my choices for starter and main course. Lovers’ Delight, a chocolate mousse in a crunchy tulip basket, followed by Cupid’s Midnight Love Secret (cheese, biscuits, raisin compote and Port wine) would naturally follow. Served in the most elegant surroundings, and a gift at US$25, this meal would make any lover’s heart skip a beat.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so unless you’re a workaholic and tied to your desk 24/7, take your loved one for a drive out of the city to Doon Estate.
At Veldemeers, authentic makers of Belgian chocolate, enjoy a superb cup of La Lucia filter coffee, US$2, and a luscious slice of chocolate cake, US$3. For a definitive chocolate fix, have a Hot Chocolate with a melt away stick, US$3.
There is an exciting assortment of beautifully packaged hand-made chocolates for sale, which would make ideal Valentine gifts.
If you get carried away with chocolate tasting, you can always de-tox with a mint, rosehip or Morocco mint and spice infusion.
So whether you make Cupid’s Love Secret or a Hot Chocolate Melt Away Stick the focus of your celebrations this year, make sure your loved one knows how you feel, and that your sweet Valentine is really yours.

Meikles Hotel, Tel: 707721
Veldemeers Tel: 486169, 2935673,e-mail: info@veldemeers.com
Mailto:info@veldemeers.commm
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