Where to woo your beau this Valentine’s Day
In the Middle Ages, enthusiastic young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. Once drawn, they would wear the name of their beau on their sleeves for one week, thus the origins of the phrase, to wear your heart on your sleeve. Thankfully, things have changed a little and our potential life’s happiness is not determined by the fate of a bowl, although it does lend itself to a great reality television show. Around the same time, women would eat unusual foods in the belief that it would make them dream of their future husband. Unfortunately the details of the success of this tradition are somewhat sketchy so instead of sourcing unusual foods, we’ve round up a few of the Gold Coast’s most romantic feasts so you can wear your heart on your sleeve, figuratively, that is.
Romance is on the menu at Jupiters Hotel and Casino with a lavish shared dining experience at Kiyomi. The feast includes a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne alongside a stunning seafood-inspired set-menu that includes Hiramasa kingfish, miso ceviche and crispy potato as well as Moreton Bay bugs with grapefruit, sambal mayo and vinegar. If Italian fare is more to taste, Cucina Vivo is offering three courses and a bottle of Domaine Chandon Sparkling for $119.00 per couple. QT Gold Coast is also feeling the love with a pop-up wedding and a special Valentine’s Day package at Bazaar that includes deliciously tempting desserts and a glass of Perrier Jouet. For some serious brownie points in the romance department, the hotel is offering a Two Night Suite Talking package from $399.00 per night.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like eating so much you leave the restaurant in the early stages of a food coma because everything tasted so darn good that you just couldn’t bare to leave a single bite on the plate. Hellenika in Nobby Beach is offering a set menu for $70.00 per person and includes all of the house-specials including the southern calamari, char-grilled pork belly and everyone’s favourite, the slow-baked junee lamb however there are only a couple of tables available for the early sitting at 5:00 pm so you best put some haste into booking if that’s your thing. Its sister venue, The Fish House, also has a set menu for the evening but unfortunately it is completely booked out so we won’t make the pain worse by elaborating.
If a romantic setting is what you seek then Finders Keepers in Burleigh is sure to satisfy. The full menu is available and they have special Valentine’s Day cocktails to wet your whistle. The intimate Cavalier Bar and Supper is also getting into the spirit and offering a sensory feast for $65.00 per person. And because no one is better at romance than the French, Champagne Cafe.Restaurant.Bar in Broadbeach is offering a delectable three-course meal for $75.00 per person.
Iconic Italian establishment Ristorante Fellini at Marina Mirage is sure to fuel the romantic flame with a seductive six-course degustation menu for $150.00 per person. Or for the carnivorous couples, Black Angus Bar & Grill at Sanctuary Cove is turning up the heat and offering a specialised A La Carte menu with live music until late. Carmody’s at Southport Sharks is also getting into the true Valentine’s Day spirit with a special three-course set dinner and complimentary chocolates for the ladies and a Crown Larger for the gents. After dinner, head across to the Cabana Bar & Lounge and indulge in a decadent Valentine’s dessert consisting of Baileys mousse and chocolate-coated strawberries.
Relive the romance of a time when women in hats were wooed by handsome strangers in the night at The Arts Centre Gold Coast and enjoy smooth sounds from Swing Central. My Funny Valentine is sure to have you dancing cheek to cheek. There’s also an exclusive Valentine’s Day screening of Pretty Woman, because nothing says romance quite like a story of a reformed prostitute. Burleigh Social is also hosting a pop-up outdoor cinema for the night for those who prefer to keep things low key.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more interactive, Tenteram Fine Foods in Currumbin is holding a special Valentine’s Day cooking class for five fortunate couples. Learn to cook a mouth-watering selection of exotic creations including beef rending, snake bean and coconut salad and nasi goreng using only authentic, healthy ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour by candlelight with a glass of Moet champagne.
If Valentine’s Day isn’t for you and you think Cupid is stupid, head along to Hard Rock Cafe in Surfers Paradise for their Anti-Valentine’s Day party. In the truly irreverent spirit of rock, enjoy a two-hour standard beverage package and munch on their Bitter Bites canapes from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Bring a photo of your ex-person and release some of that pent-up anger/hurt/frustration and play Shred Your Ex. For just $62.00 per person, you’re guaranteed to feel a lot better about things, for the night anyway. There’s a whole new world of hurt waiting for you after you make full use of the drinks package!
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants (and florists) and you know what they say, failing to plan is like planning to fail. But don’t worry; if your venue of choice is booked, we live on the Gold Coast. Pack a gourmet picnic and a blanket and head to your nearest beach, park or point because ultimately it isn’t the venue or the food but the company that makes it unforgettable. Cue Nat King Cole.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
