Morning to Night Foodie Ideas For Valentine’s Day

For the fourth time in a row, Victoria has been named Canada’s most romantic city, according to a study done by Amazon.ca. The study considers consumers buying habits, and found Victorian’s to purchase all kinds of love inspired treats from books to music.

Though no where did the findings seem to mention food. As much as Valentine’s Day is about spoiling and spending the holiday with the one you love, isn’t it also about eating your favourite foods, with the one you love? It should be, if it’s true that the way to one’s heart is through their stomach. And Victorian’s do love to eat!

So when it comes to dining this Valentine’s Day why not throw caution to the wind and indulge in the foods that really do it for you and your sweetheart. If it’s a big ol plate of nachos and guacamole. Go for it. Let spontaneity be the spice of life when it comes to your love, and your food.

Keep in mind too that Valentine’s doesn’t have to be restricted to dinner at the best restaurant in town. Maybe you’re not too keen on getting all dolled up and going out for fancy spread. Perhaps you and your honey prefer to relax at home, or pack a picnic and take a walk on the beach. Or, maybe you’re all about happy hour and then after, well, that’s your business.

Celebrate this romantic holiday morning noon and/or night and consider the following foodie suggestions as fuel for the heart and the belly.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!

Breakfast

The Beach House 

5109 Cordova Bay Road

(250) 658-5224

Avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown and take your honey out for brunch for waterfront dining at the Beach House Restaurant. Their menu includes several free-range eggs benny variations; build your own omelets and waffles, plus gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options. Afterward, bundle up and head down to the beach for a cozy walk along the water.

The London Chef 

953 Fort Street

250) 590-1865

Cooking with the one you love can be a fun and memorable way to spend the day. Check out the brunch cooking class at the London Chef on Sunday, February 14.

Time: 11:00am -1:00pm

Price: $150

Join Chef Dan Hayes and learn how to cook and serve “simple, elegant and delicious dishes at your next brunch!”

Menu: Sauteed potatoes with classic hollandaise sauce, zucchini and goat cheese frittata with oven roast roma tomatoes and nutella crepes with fresh berry compote

Please note that the price is per couple!

Book online here:

Or…

Spending the day with the kids? How about signing up your little chef for a special Sweet Little Valentine’s cooking class at the London Chef?

When: Saturday, February 13th.

Time: 1:00pm -3:00pm

Price: $40.00

The class will begin with a fun craft project after which the kids will make their own jam filled sweet tarts, work with melted chocolate and decorate lollipops followed by a hot cup of home-made cinnamon apple cider.

Book online here:

Lunch

Forget about squeezing in to a crowded restaurant and consider going for a nice romantic picnic. It’s a great way to get outside, relax and enjoy a delicious spread of foods without having to deal with finding parking, and the noise of the lunch rush. Instead, plan a drive to a special spot and pack a selection your lover’s favourite treats to take along. Consider a gathering items for your picnic at the following locations:

Choux Choux Charcuterie

• locally sourced and house cured meats and pate’s

Fol Epi 

• Fresh breads and pastries

Cheryls Gourmet Pantry

• “For Lovers Only Picnic” (Cheryl’s most popular picnic) – a fully prepared picnic ready-to-go with:

 Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Plate with Capers & Red Onion

 Crisp Baguette with Herb Butter

 Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette

 Raspberry Glaze Breast of Chicken

 French Brie Cheese & Fresh Fruit Plate with Grand Marnier Cream

$59.95 (for two)

Don’t forget the flowers!

THORN & Thistle

• A lovely little boutique flower shop. The arrangements are whimsical, romantic with an air of vintage meets contemporary. Whether it’s rare or classic blooms you’re after, this little shop have what you need.

Charellis 

Find a broad selection of domestic and imported cheese located right next door to the THORN & Thistle. Charellis offers a wide selection of cheese with all kinds of spreads, olives and perfect picnic accompaniments.

Happy Hour

Lure

100 Harbour Road

(250) 360-5873

Cozy up and enjoy the view overlooking Victoria’s inner harbor, while sipping on a yummy drink and a tasty snack at Lure. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, you’ll find caesars, mojitos, high-balls and half-priced snacks between 3-6pm.

Veneto

1450 Douglas Street

(250) 383-7310

Not sure what you want to drink, but certain you want it to be special? Leave your worries to the bartenders at Veneto. It’s called Spin the Wheel. No, not spin the bottle that’s for kids. You simply tell your bartender your spirit of choice and whether you lean toward sweet, spicy or sour and they’ll help you out and create a cocktail just right for the occasion.

Dinner

Incorporate a nice Sunday drive into your Valentine’s Day for a mini adventure and a temporary escape before having a romantic dinner at:

Merridale Estate Cidery

1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill

(250) 743-4293

This Valentine’s Merridale is hosting a special dinner at the estate. Owner and Distiller, Rick Pipes will start off the evening in the Brandihouse where guests will learn about the 2016 product releases while sipping on signature cocktails. Afterward, you and your date will dine on a locally inspired 3-course menu.

See the Valentine’s Day menu

Price: $45.00 per person (plus gratuity and tax)

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. To request a reservation, please contact info@merridalecider.com.

Or, head west and visit:

Sooke Harbour House

1528 Whiffen Spit Road, Sooke

(250) 642-3421

On Saturday, February 13th & Sunday, February 14th, Sooke Harbour House is hosting Valentine’s Day Dinner with a view and a menu that won’t disappoint. Sooke Harbour House features ingredients that are local, seasonal, organic and wild harvested. Make the most of your day and plan a walk along the beach to Whiffen Spit before or after dinner.

3-course dinner priced at $75.00 per person. Seating begins at 5:00pm.

5-course dinner priced at $95.00 per person. Seating begins at 7:30pm.

Call for more info and to book your reservations.

Dessert

Whether is decadent chocolate, cheesecake or creme brulee your sweetheart desires, indulge that sweet tooth until your heart’s content.

Café Brio

944 Fort Street

(250) 383-0009

It’s as much about the food as it is the ambiance at Cafe Brio. Sink into the coziness of the room and let love fill the air with an after dinner dessert date for two. The menu includes creme brulee, cheesecake, panna cotta and house made truffles. Each dessert has a suggested wine pairing, or choose your own from their extensive wine list and finish the evening with a sampling of local and imported cheeses.

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

308 Catherine Street

(250) 386-2739

This one come as a surprise to some but not only does Spinnakers brew their own craft ales and specialty beers, they also make artisan chocolates that are delicious. It’s a win win for all; satisfy your hops cravings before (or after) choosing from an assortment of handmade truffles, chocolate bark and clusters with unique and enticing ingredients like lavender, earl grey tea, honey and sea salt, cinnamon and chilies.