L'italiano è la lingua dell'amore, or (Italian is the language of love, with Tenuta Marmorelle

Just look at this fantastic and incredibly romantic Italian Dinner for Two gift set!

It's a real winner on many different levels. Not only will it make a wonderful romantic Valentine's Day gift, but it’s also a much more affordable way of enjoying an authentic, romantic Italian meal this Valentine's Day. And throughout the rest of the year, too, for that matter!

And to quote a good friend of ours "I don’t know about you, but if someone cooks for me, it’s simply the BEST!"

Priced at a remarkable reasonably £29.95, (I had to check the price to be honest!) the ‘Food is the Language of Love’ gift set, curated by the wonderful Italian artisans at Tenuta Marmorelle, contains:

500ml Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce

500g Heart shape 5 coloured pasta

750ml Rose wine from Puglia Southern Italy

250g Gourmet Taralli Cheese and Pepper 

214ml Bella di Cerignola Green Olives

150g Italian Cream Sicilian Cannoli  

 

To make your purchases please visit https://www.tenutamarmorelle.com

Let you and your lover be found at The Lost & Found in Sheffield

Available on 14th February only, step into the whimsical world of The Lost & Found for a three-course set menu for only £33 per person. 

With a focus on good, seasonal ingredients, dishes include the delectable Oak Smoked Salmon with a caper & shallot dressing and toasted crostini or Crispy Coated BBQ Cauliflower Wings, while mains include Pan Fried Chicken with chorizo, crispy prosciutto and mushroom sauce, or Chargrilled 8oz Sirloin Steak with triple-cooked chips and king oyster mushroom. 

You can complete your meal with a sweet note with either a Banana & Miso Caramel Bomb, that's banana ice cream encased in a dark chocolate dome with caramelised seeds & honeycomb and served with hot miso caramel sauce,  or why not delight in the Burnt Basque Cheesecake, complete with a sour cherry compote and vanilla ice cream?

Alternatively, diners can also choose from the à la carte menu, featuring signature dishes from land, sea and garden.

At the bar, lose yourself in some inventive tipples created by the mixology experts at The Lost & Found. Share the love with cocktails for two, including The Tangled Teapot, a gin-ful tipple with hints of elderflower and peach, disguised as a good ol’ fashioned cuppa, or opt for the Wishful Wisteria, a nostalgic gold-sparkled creation which perfectly blends Bombay Bramble Gin and St-Germain elderflower.

Located on Ecclesall Road, get lost in love this Valentine’s Day at The Lost & Found Sheffield. To book, visit https://the-lostandfound.co.uk/restaurant/sheffield.

Hithe + Seek Announces Collaboration with Hannah Crosbie

The partnership will begin with an intimate supper club on Wednesday 7 February & pairing menu available throughout the month of love  

Located within The Westin London City Hotel, Hithe + Seek, is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership this February, with wine expert and Dalston Wine Club Founder, Hannah Crosbie. 

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Head Chef, Fabio De Paolis, has collaborated with wine connoisseur Hannah Crosbie, to create a unique and very special six-course wine-pairing menu that combines elegance and taste, and aphrodisiac-imbued dishes. 

Food being the modern-day love language, Hannah and Fabio have worked collaboratively to curate a menu that is the epitome of romance, with playful takes on the dish's names such as “The Booty Call” and “The My-Type-on-Paper.”

Ingredients like scallops and Chilli mango mousse with a dark chocolate sphere are sure to get hearts racing. Guests can expect meticulous attention to detail with contemporary dishes which have been created to complement the experience and surroundings flawlessly. 

Hithe + Seek provides the perfect intimate and immersive setting, with picturesque views overlooking the River Thames. With Fabio de Paolis’ knowledge of ingredients, combined with Hannah Crosbie’s open-minded and exceptional taste in wine, the pair will host a ticketed supper club on Wednesday 7 February to celebrate the launch of the exclusive six-course menu.  

The six-course tasting menu is priced at £99 per person, which includes a cocktail, six plates with five matching wines and one dessert wine. The menu will run alongside Hithe + Seek’s usual menu from the 8 February – 2 March.  

Hannah Crosbie comments “It’s been such a joy to work with Hithe + Seek on this wine pairing menu. They’ve given me the green light to go ahead with some really exciting, alternative pairings, which I can’t wait to pour for guests at the launch”.  Menu highlights include: 

‘The Catfish’ - Torched king oyster scallops, oyster leaf, parsnip purée  with Taittinger, ‘Nocturne Sec’ 

‘The Anniversary’ - Sea bass carpaccio, compressed tomato, basil crumble, Champagne granita with Balfour, ‘Skye’s Chardonnay’ 

‘The My-Type-On-Paper’ - Langoustine & smoked cheese risotto, citrus bisque foam with Vavasour, Pinot Gris 

‘The Situationship’ - Pork tenderloin, cardamom sweet potato mash, blueberry jus, chicharron with M. Chapoutier, Gigondas 

‘The Booty Call’ - Lamb shish, mint tzatziki, padron pepper  with COS, Frappato 

‘The Ex’ - Chilli mango mousse, dark chocolate sphere, edible rose petals with Ruffino, ‘Serelle Vin Santo del Chianti’ 

Cocktails specially created by Hannah Crosbie will complement the menu, the “Dalston Clover Club”, which pays tribute to Crosbie’s first love, her Dalston Wine Club, as she continues her mission to make the bottle brigade more inclusive. The “Virgin Club” will also be available for those looking for a more frigid non-alcoholic option alongside Hithe + Seek’s extensive list. 

Hithe + Seek x Hannah Crosbie supper club tickets and February bookings for the tasting menu can be found here:- https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/hithe-and-seek-london

Pricing 

Set Menu - Cocktail, 6 plates with 5 x 125ml matching wines and 1 x 100ml dessert wine; 

£99.00 per person 

One plate with its matching wine - £16.50 per person  

Cocktail -  £15 each 

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a multi-sensory afternoon tea at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the 5* Great Scotland Yard Hotel, London, is launching a special, sumptuous absolutely multi-sensory Valentine’s Afternoon Tea, available from 12th to 18th February, in collaboration with the iconic perfumery, Floris London.

Taking place in their sumptuous Parlour, which is a relaxed lounge within the prestigious hotel, the Valentine’s Afternoon Tea is elevated to new heights with a unique twist that combines the aromas and flavours of Floris London’s iconic fragrance, Santal, with exquisite pastries and teas. 

Experience top notes of Bergamot and Cardamom, heart notes of Lavender and Nutmeg and base notes of Amber and Vanilla.

Guests will be able to indulge themselves in ‘Wild mushroom and rocket quiche’, ‘Smoked salmon, caviar, horseradish cream on malted bread’, ‘Chestnut, Blackcurrant & hazelnut Love sponge’ and ‘Bergamot & Jasmin Mousse Heart.’

Freshly baked, warm scones will also be served, alongside delicious Cornish clotted cream and Rhubarb and rose jam. 

Created by the hotel’s Head pastry Chef Veronica Garrido Martinez, this afternoon tea will allow guests the perfect opportunity to explore this exclusive scent whilst enjoying the flavoursome, romantic afternoon tea.

Pricing begins at £59 for a standard booking and £70 for a Champagne booking. Guests can also book an Infinite Champagne booking for £89 for an hour and a half.

Valentine’s bookings can be made online, here or by calling 0207 9254 700. 

For more information about the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, visit www.greatscotlandyard.com.

Love is in the air with TOZI Restaurant & Bar

Love is in the air and as Londoners and visitors to our capital city get ready to cozy up on the most romantic night of the year, TOZI Restaurant & Bar in Victoria has revealed its special set menu for the big day.  

They say that the way to one’s heart is through their stomach, so let the restaurant’s cicchetti (small plates menu) do all the hard work this Valentine’s Day; featuring four courses or delightful Italian cuisine, the set menu means that you lovebirds can enjoy everything from Seared Beef Carpaccio with Grilled Artichokes & Parmesan Shavings and Paccheri with Fresh Devon Crab, Tomato & Basil to Calamari Fritti, Buffalo Ricotta Ravioli with Black Truffle and more.  

Their Valentine's Day set menu is £60.

With a delightful ambiance that will make lovebirds’ hearts truly flutter, the set menu comes with TOZI’s exclusive Valentine’s Cocktail – making sure that every moment is filled with culinary delights.  

For more information and to book a table, visit www.tozirestaurant.co.uk or call 020 7769 9771.  

You'll find TOZI Restaurant & Bar at 8 Gilliam Street, Pimlico, London SW1V 1HJ.

Treat your Valentine (and yourself!) at Mint Leaf London

Unlock your beloved’s heart this Valentine's Day at Mint Leaf London; which is a fine-dining Indian restaurant, bar and lounge located in the centre of the square mile.

Join them for a swoon-worthy evening that's absolutely guaranteed to delight the senses! 

Couples will be presented with the opportunity to attach their love lock to a gate, which will be kept safe until Valentine’s Day next year, when it can be unlocked to reveal a special offer.

Toast the occasion with two unique concoctions adorned with a love lock and key. Treat your special someone to an opulent five course modern Indian set-menu featuring Gol Gappa followed by a Vegetarian or Meat Platter. Chicken Chettinad, Hariyali Seabass or Anjeeri Malai Kofta and an indulgent Mixed Berry Cheesecake and perhaps a glass of something bubbly!

This menu priced at £65 per person will be available on the 10th, 14th, 16th & 17th February. For a Valentine’s Day experience that won’t be forgotten, book now at this link https://widget.thefork.com/en-GB/48a91979-1ce5-478a-88df-c89231b5f639

To learn more about Mint Leaf London visit them here https://www.mintleaflondon.com/city.

And do enjoy some of their amazing cocktails, too. They also White Rhino IPA beer from India's first craft brewery.

Château de Pommard Honors its Romantic History with an Exclusive Wine Trio for Valentine's Day

Château de Pommard, which enjoys the cachet and undoubted status of being one of Burgundy's oldest wine estates, is delighted to announce the launch of their 'Love is in the Clos Trio', an exclusive 3-bottle collection for Valentine's Day that pays tribute to the love story of its historic owners.

Clos Marey-Monge, Château de Pommard's 20-hectare privately-owned biodynamic vineyard, traces its roots back to the 18th century. 

Two of Burgundy's most potent families united at the time of the French Revolution when Nicolas-Joseph Marey (grandson of the second owner of Château de Pommard) married Émilie Monge. Together, they nurtured and expanded their cherished Clos Marey-Monge, a UNESCO-protected vineyard that symbolises their passion for each other and their wines. 

In celebration of their charming love story, Château de Pommard curated a collection featuring the namesake cuvées of Château de Pommard's first husband-and-wife team: 

Clos Marey-Monge Émilie 2021: Biodynamic-certified, this fresh and elegant Pinot Noir comes from the youngest plot of the Clos Marey-Monge and can be enjoyed right now without the need for cellaring.

Clos Marey-Monge Nicolas-Joseph 2017: This full-bodied and fleshy Pommard Pinot Noir is drinkable from now on, but can also wait a few years to reach its apogee.

Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2015: A blend of Clos Marey-Monge's seven terroirs, this cuvée is everything a Burgundy Pinot Noir from a great vintage should be: power and elegance in perfect harmony.

Exclusively available on Château de Pommard's e-shop, our Love is in the Clos Trio is now at a special price until February 10, offering wine enthusiasts a unique opportunity to partake in the rich history of this iconic winery.

www.chateaudepommard.com

The Ivy Collection Partners With Della Vite Prosecco Rosé for a Romantic Valentine's Day Celebration

From Saturday 10th February until Thursday 15th February, The Ivy is celebrating the season of love with a romantic set menu and partnership with Della Vite Prosecco Rosé, as well as a once-in-lifetime competition exclusive to Ivy Premier Rewards app members, making it the perfect place to spoil a loved one.

After receiving a glass of Della Vite Prosecco Rosé on arrival, guests can choose from a selection of dishes from The Ivy's delicious three course set menu full of culinary delights. Priced at £75 per person, diners are invited to enjoy a Duo of Prawns to start, complimented beautifully with avocado, tomatoes, and Marie Rose sauce. 

Main course options include exquisite plates like a succulent Fillet of Beef, Lobster Linguine or Coconut Sweet Potato Curry paired with Sprouting Broccoli and Truffle and Parmesan chips for the table. 

To finish, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy the 'Love is in the air' sharing dessert, with vanilla and strawberry parfait, raspberry sorbet and salted caramel chocolate truffles. 

Included in the menu is a glass of luxurious Della Vite Prosecco Rosé. Della Vite is a range of multi award-winning, vegan Proseccos founded by sisters Poppy, Chloe and Cara Delevingne and is all about freespirited, spontaneous and meaningful celebration. Della Vite takes the best of Prosecco's informal lifestyle and applies the craft, care and skill handed down through the generations to create one of the world's best tasting Proseccos. Indulge in the celebration of love with the sparkling allure of Della Vite Prosecco Rosé and the timeless charm of the Ivy Collection this February. 

Win an experience like no other with The Ivy Premier Rewards App 

Exclusive to The Ivy Premier Rewards App members, guests that make a reservation through the app in February will have the chance to win an experience like no other – business class tickets and an exclusive vineyard adventure for two to the Della Vite winery in Italy. 

The first joint venture between the Delevingne sisters, sees them partnered with a renowned Italian wine-making family, in the UNESCO-listed Prosecco region of Valdobbiadene. This extraordinary package includes a money-can't-buy private tour, a bespoke three course lunch, and a curated tasting of the Della Vite range amidst the enchanting vineyard surroundings. 

Unparalleled luxury awaits those who choose The Ivy Collection this February. 

 To book a table, please visit https://the-ivy.co.uk/book-a-table or book through The Ivy Premier Rewards App. 

Impress your Valentine with Kamado Joe's Valentine's Day Barbecue Recipes

You'll be able to really impress your Valentine with a creamy, crunchy arancini with sweet lobster-meat and a silky smooth pea puree. 

Followed by the sexiest of desserts, a molten chocolate pudding. If this doesn't make your evening end successfully, then nothing will… All cooked on your Kamado Joe - how cool is that?

Lobster and truffle arancini with pea puree

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 cooked lobster (about 600g)

300g butter

100g Parmesan, grated

175g arborio rice

A few drops of truffle oil - depending on strength

400g frozen peas

1 onion, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 glasses white wine

1 litre veg or fish stock

2 eggs, whisked

200g flour

200g panko breadcrumbs

Oil for deep frying

Method

Set your barbecue to 150c direct heat. Remove all of the lobster meat from the shell and claws, chop into chunks and set aside.

In a cast iron pan, add a good glug of olive oil, then the onions and garlic. Cook gently for 15 minutes until translucent. Add the rice and stir until each grain is coated with oil. Add the wine and cook until it is completely reduced, stirring all the time. Add the stock a ladle at a time, whilst stirring regularly until the rice is just tender. Add 100g of the frozen peas, the lobster, half of the butter, the Parmesan and a few drops of truffle oil to taste - then stir well until melted. 

Pour the risotto into a baking tray and leave to cool - ideally overnight. When chilled, form the risotto into balls, roll them in the flour, dip in the egg and finally the panko breadcrumbs.

Set your barbecue to 250c and heat the oil in a pan to 180C. Fry the arancini until golden brown and piping hot in the middle. Cook the rest of the peas in boiling water and blitz in a food processor with the remaining butter. Serve with the arancini. 

Molten chocolate fondant

Serves 4

Ingredients 

25g melted butter

1 tbsp cocoa powder

100g 70% dark chocolate, broken into small pieces

100g butter, cut into small cubes

100g caster sugar

2 eggs and 2 egg yolks

100g plain flour

4 chocolate truffles

200ml double cream, whipped to soft peaks

1 tsp vanilla paste

Icing sugar to dust

Method

Set your barbecue to 180C indirect heat. Paint the inside of four ramekins with the melted butter and divide up the cocoa powder into each mould before tipping out the excess to ensure all of the butter is well-dusted. 

Place a glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and add the chocolate and butter. Stir until melted. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Then mix in flour and beat well. 

Slowly add the chocolate to the egg mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Divide the mix equally between the moulds and pop a truffle in each one so fully submerged in the batter. Place on a baking tray and cook for 12 minutes. Leave for 1 minute then gently ease out onto a plate - using a knife if you need to. Add the vanilla to the cream and mix. Serve with the fondant and sprinkle with icing sugar.

https://international.kamadojoe.com

The Best, Splash-out Wine to Impress your Loved One with this Valentine's Day

Nothing says 'I love you' more than gifting them a truly showstopper wine to your loved one for Valentine's Day.

For those looking for wines that impress, look no further than Robert Mondavi Winery's 2018 To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Awarded 95 points by James Suckling in 2022, who praised it as an expressive wine with 'incredible depth and complexity' and impressive palate which 'just keeps going', this wine promises to amaze your special someone on Valentine's Day.

This wine boasts aromas of abundant black fruit, mingled with delicate violets, while the palate reveals layers of tobacco, molasses and liquorice, offering a dense, concentrated body with fresh acidity and a smooth finish.

As the wine hails from the 'To Kalon' vineyard in Napa Valley, California, translating as 'The Highest Beauty' in Greek, why not gift them a wine from a vineyard that is as beautiful as they are?

The 2018 To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is available from Vino.com for £135.00.

You can learn more here https://robertmondaviwinery.com.

Let's get fizzical this Valentine's Day with Porte Noire Champagne

As the late Olivia Newton-John almost said "Let's get fizzical!" 

And with the season of love quickly approaching, we'd like to tell our readers about a truly enchanting bottle of magical fizzical bubbles, the Petite Porte Noire Rosé Champagne.  

Porte Noire Wines was created after acclaimed actor Idris Elba, and wine entrepreneur, David Farber, visited the historical and prestigious Sanger viticultural school in Champagne in 2018. 

Since then, the outstanding Porte Noire wines, embodying elegance and sophistication, are much loved by the public.

"Porte Noire Wines was born out of true love for wines," says Idris Elba. "It represents my passion for elegance, artistry, and celebrating life's special moments.”  

Every bubble is an explosion of red fruit, each sip unveiling a deep, robust bouquet. Beyond being just a drink, it's a real experience, an embodiment of something special and something that's just undeniably sexy. 

Whether you're toasting to love, friendship, or simply savoring life's beautiful moments, the Petite Porte Noire Rosé Champagne is the perfect companion. Let it be the star of your Valentine's date night, adding a touch of elegance to the night ahead. Available from Harvey Nichols for £55.

To learn more please visit https://www.portenoire.co.uk

Indulge in Love: A Culinary Journey Through Traditional Valentine's Day Foods and Drinks

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and affection, and what better way to express your feelings than through the art of gastronomy? 

As Cupid prepares to strike his arrow, let's embark on a delectable journey exploring traditional Valentine's Day foods and drinks that have stood the test of time, tantalising taste buds and igniting romantic sparks.

Chocolate Delights:

No Valentine's Day celebration is complete without the rich, velvety allure of chocolate. Renowned for its aphrodisiac properties, chocolate is an indispensable element of this romantic occasion. From handcrafted truffles to decadent chocolate fondue, the possibilities are endless. Whether dark, milk, or white, chocolate is sure to sweeten the celebration and evoke feelings of warmth and affection.

Pairing Suggestion: A glass of velvety red wine or a cup of delicious aromatic coffee complements the indulgent sweetness of chocolate, creating a harmonious symphony for the senses.

Sensational Seafood:

Known for its association with luxury and sensuality, seafood is a classic choice for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Oysters, often revered as a natural aphrodisiac, take center stage, their briny succulence adding a touch of sophistication to the occasion. Lobster, shrimp, and scallops also make for exquisite choices, prepared with love and attention to detail.

Pairing Suggestion: A crisp glass of Champagne or a light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of seafood, creating a divine combination that dances on the palate.

Ambrosial Aphrodisiacs:

Certain foods have earned a reputation as aphrodisiacs, believed to boost desire and passion. Garlic, asparagus, and artichokes are not only delicious but also carry a sensual allure. Incorporate these ingredients into your Valentine's Day menu, creating dishes that tantalise the taste buds and ignite the flames of romance.

Pairing Suggestion: A bold red wine, perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the robust flavors of dishes featuring garlic and asparagus, creating a well-balanced and truly satisfying experience.

Heartfelt Desserts:

As the saying goes, the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, and what better way to showcase your love than with heart-shaped desserts? From classic red velvet cakes to luscious berry tarts, there are endless possibilities to express your affection through sweet treats. Get creative with your dessert presentation, adding a touch of romance to each bite.

Pairing Suggestion: A sweet dessert wine, like a late-harvest Riesling or a port, elevates the flavors of your decadent desserts, concluding the meal on a blissful note.

Love Libations:

Crafting the perfect cocktail can set the mood for a romantic evening. Consider concoctions with aphrodisiac ingredients like strawberries, pomegranates, and cinnamon. Classic cocktails such as the French Kiss or the Love Potion add a playful element to the celebration, creating an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere.

Pairing Suggestion: Champagne cocktails or fruity sangrias complement the festive spirit of Valentine's Day, providing a refreshing and effervescent touch to your libations.

This Valentine's Day, let your love blossom through the art of culinary expression. Indulge in the timeless allure of chocolate, savor the sophistication of seafood, embrace the aphrodisiac wonders of the kitchen, and share heartfelt desserts and love-infused libations. As you embark on this gastronomic journey, may your Valentine's Day be filled with delectable delights and cherished moments of connection. Cheers to love, laughter, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the one you hold dear.

(Image courtesy of Jill Wellington from Pixabay)