As you might expect from the city that is home to the final resting place of the relics of the patron saint of love, Dublin is all about the grá on St Valentine’s Day, with plenty to satiate the taste buds of even the fussiest food lover.
As restaurant kitchens get all loved up with some great value Set Menu offerings available in honour of the big day, the city’s chefs are busy wooing diners and tempting lovers with a variety of creative potions and culinary concoctions.
One Dublin restaurant has even dedicated itself to the pursuit of puppy love, while there’s also plenty of inspiration for those electing to go the DIY route this year, with lots of easy ways to show some love to the gal/pal/val in your life.
Check out our suggestions for some good lovin’ below…
Ooh La La – French Dining at Pichet
Love is very much in the air over on Trinity Street, where award-winning French Bistro Pichet have coupled a special three course menu with a refreshing St Valentine signature cocktail.
Their elixir of love is made using Rhubarb Gin and Vodka, Crème de Cassis, Quince Syrup, and Tonic with a Lemon Twist. Mains include such delights as Risotto of Wild Mushroom, Grilled Loin of Venison and Beef Wellington for two, all of which can be enjoyed for €72pp.
We’ve also spotted a number of other Set Menu deals in honour of Valentine’s Day, with some tempting offers available at Fire Steakhouse, Bang, and NoLita amongst many, many others.
Valentine’s Meal Deal at Hang Dai
Meanwhile the folk at Hang Dai claim to have killed the Porn Star Martini with a brilliantly executed Szechuan pepper infused Tanqueray gin with grapefruit zest vermouth, strawberry and rosè cordial, yuzu and cardamom, topped with a can of Prosecco.
Perfect on its own, but even better with their Valentine’s Meal deal which comes with four bottles (155ml) of pre-mixed cocktails and two cans of Prosecco included. hangdaichinese.com
Doggy Valentine’s Ball
Over on Dublin’s Southside, Pye Dundrum are quite literally doing the dog on it with their inaugural Doggy Valentine’s Ball. Their offering includes a three course dinner for two ‘hoomans’ and a special deal including gnawsome Dexter Beef Pawtare rounded off with a Brewski Doggy Beer for your furry pal. Sure where else would you get it? @pyedundrum
Sweet Ideas For A Great Night In
Those planning on bringing the magic home on February 14th might find it useful to let their fingers do the walking in pursuit of some cool ideas for a Galentine’s/Valentine’s /Palentine’s cosy night in. Over on Insta Food Dolls have put together some sweet ideas for a Charcuterie Board packed with treats that’s super quick and easy to prepare, while the Lismore Food Company boasts the Perfect Box of Romance with chocolatey treats and bubbles just part of an amazing collection that’s sure to set hearts aflutter.
Cups of Love by Nicholas Mosse
While chocolates and romance and nights out are lovely ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day, sometimes it’s nice to have a more permanent reminder. Potter Nicholas Mosse has been crafting lovely handmade Valentine’s mugs for a number of years now, and they make for very special gifts indeed.
Handmade from strong earthenware, this year’s limited edition comes decorated with hearts that form flowers, and holds generous amounts of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or anything else your love desires. They are scarce, but we spotted them online and available for delivery from the Design Gallery in Drogheda, where they tell us that gift wrapping is their pleasure. designgallery.ie
Feature Image by Laura Ockel on Unsplash
