IN THE MOOD TO SPLURGE
• On Friday, February 14, Ellipsis, the fine dining restaurant in Colaba, will serve a three-course menu that will include popcorn shrimp; Schezwan snapper with long peppercorns and bok choy; and the kitchen sink (a dessert comprising humble pie, caramelised bananas, Oreo cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, marshmallows, candied nuts, caramel and hot fudge). The menu is priced at Rs2,500 per person (excluding taxes). You can also order treats such as cupcakes, cookies, and truffles from their bakery ahead of Valentine’s Day. B-1, Amarchand Mansion, 16 Madame Cama Road, next to the YWCA, Colaba. To place an order, call 022 6621 3333.
• If you’re the sort who believes in grand gestures, you can sign up for the Four Seasons Hotel‘s extravagant Dom Perignon dinner priced at Rs20,000 per couple (excluding taxes). The four-course meal, which is paired with a bottle of Dom Perignon vintage 2004, will include duo of tuna; mantou bun with garlic prawns; and sea bass green curry. San-Qi, Four Seasons Hotel, 114 Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli. To reserve a table, call 022 2481 8333.
• A three-course meal with two glasses of Chandon at the Silver Beach Café in Juhu is priced at Rs2,500 per person. You can pair the bubbly with grilled figs and fish; grilled chicken with glazed ginger; and chocolate and strawberry pizza. Jaldarshan Building, near the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, Gandhi Gram Road, Juhu. Tel: 022 2620 8930.
• Yauatcha, the dim sum restaurant and tea house in Bandra Kurla Complex, will serve a meal for two including truffle edamame dumplings; chicken char sui buns; crispy prawn cheung fun; crispy grouper in Thai chilli sauce; blood orange cake; and raspberry delice, for Rs5,500 per couple (including taxes and two glasses of wine). Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, near the IL&FS Building, Bandra (East). Tel: 022 2644 8888.
• The Tasting Room will throw in a bottle of Chandon Brut with its four-course dinner for two priced at Rs5,000 (including taxes). The menu will include baked Brie; kaffir lime and mascarpone risotto; chicken stew; three-layered chocolate cake; and hazelnut mousse torte. First Floor, Good Earth, Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 2495 1954.
• Hakkasan’s extravagant V-Day menu will include crispy tiger prawns; stir-fry duck with lotus root and asparagus; chicken clay pot; and strawberry panna cotta with elderflower jelly. The menu is priced at Rs3,500 per person (excluding taxes but including a bellini cocktail). Krystal, Waterfield Road, same building as ICICI Bank, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2644 4444.
• Masala Library will serve a gut-busting seven-course Valentine’s Day meal that will include galouti kebab with varqi paratha; braised lamb chops with maple and kokum glaze; ghee roast lamb shank; prawn balchao with XO fried rice; chilli chicken khurchan; dahi kebab with goat cheese mousse; jhajariya with caramel popcorn and raisin and goji berry ice cream; and New York cheesecake with strawberry macaroon. The vegetarian menu is priced at Rs1,900 per person, and the non-vegetarian at Rs2,100 per person (prices are excluding taxes). First International Financial Centre, opposite Sofitel Hotel, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East). Tel: 022 6642 4142.
• Indulge in a meal of foie gras; mussles Dijonnaise; crispy pork belly; banoffee pie; and coffee ice cream at the Khar outpost of Olive Bar and Kitchen on Friday, February 14. The Valentine’s Day dinner is priced at Rs3,000 per couple (excluding taxes). 14 Union Park, near Le Sutra Hotel, Khar. Tel: 022 3093 2030.
• Bungalow 9 in Bandra will serve a four-course meal with a choice of roast pork loin; Cajun-spiced fish; malfatti (ricotta and spinach dumplings); Callebaut chocolate mousse; and watermelon sorbet with strawberry cheesecake. The Valentine’s Day meal is priced at Rs4,000 per couple (including taxes and a bottle of sparkling wine). St. John Baptist Road, ahead of Salt Water Cafe, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 6117 9999.
• The budget-busting V-Day meal at Nido will include strawberry caviar; roasted asparagus and celery veloute; chicken and dark chocolate paillard; and quinoa and lentil salad. A meal for two is priced at Rs10,000 (including taxes and two glasses of sparkling wine). 21 Union Park, off Carter Road, Khar. Tel: 022 6770 6336.
• Jam Jar Diner in Andheri will celebrate the Valentine’s Day spirit until Friday, February 21. Through the Valentine’s week, starting on Friday, February 14, they will offer bottles of Chandon Brut (with chocolate-coated strawberries) and Chandon Rose (with a pitcher of gauava sangria) at Rs2,000 each (including taxes). Aram Nagar 2, next to The Washing Bay laundry, across the road from Subway, Versova, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 2636 8880.
• The Palladium Hotel in Lower Parel has lined-up a bunch of specials for Friday, February 14 including an aphrodisiac dinner spread at Seven Kitchens, priced at Rs2,100 per person (including taxes), and a set menu dinner featuring five spice-rubbed lamb chops with nectarines in a spicy ginger and plum sauce; shrimp and scallop dumplings; and stir-fried broccoli with Shimeji mushrooms at Mekong, the hotel’s South-East Asian restaurant. The set meal will be priced at Rs3,000 for vegetarians and at Rs3,800 for non-vegetarians (including taxes and a glass of champagne). Meanwhile, the city’s favourite classic rock cover band The Other People will perform at the Li Bar Bar from 7.30pm onwards, where there will be a cover charge of Rs1,500 per person. Palladium Hotel, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel. To make a reservation, call 022 6162 8000.
• Vista, Ming Yang, Masala Bay, and Maritime by San Lorenzo at the Taj Lands End will all serve Valentine’s Day set menus priced at Rs2,014 per person (excluding taxes but including a glass of rose). Taj Lands End, Bandstand, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 668 1234.
• Couples can enjoy a leisurely evening at Beachcomber, the bar by the poolside at the Sun-n-Sand hotel in Juhu, where a Rs5,999 per couple charge (including taxes) will entitle diners to unlimited drinks and food. Sun-n-Sand, 39 Juhu Beach, Juhu. Tel: 022 6693 8888.
• On Friday, February 14, both the Chembur and Ghatkopar outposts of fine dining restaurant Le Cafe will serve a set menu featuring goat cheese roulade with apple puree; chicken liver pate with toasted brioche; chestnut puree with chicken sausages; salmon with sweet potato and strawberry relish; fig cheesecake with raspberry coulis; and chocolate mousse with pistachio and cream. The meal is priced at Rs2,350 per person at the Chembur outpost and at Rs1,950 per person at the Ghatkopar branch (prices are excluding taxes). First Floor, Jewel of Chembur Hotel, Chembur (East). Tel: 022 6709 9999. Also at Ground Floor, R City Mall, Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar (West). Tel: 022 3313 0271.
• Made in Punjab will have you believe that the Punjabi way of celebrating Valentine’s Day is to indulge in a heaving buffet of specialities like murgh makhanwala; dal makhani; Nargisi kofta; and sarson da saag. The buffet is priced at Rs1,500 per couple without alcohol and at Rs3,000 per couple with alcohol (prices are excluding taxes). Level 2, Inorbit Mall, Malad (West). Tel: 022 6671 1187.
• Escobar, Bandra’s rooftop lounge, will offer a special menu on Friday, February 14 from 8.30pm onwards. The couple’s, meal priced at Rs5,500 (excluding taxes but including a bottle of wine), will include lemongrass and ginger prawns; watermelon and feta salad; jacket potatoes in pepper sauce; and a chocolate loaded dessert called chocolate ecstasy. 199, V. N. Sphere Mall, Fourth Floor, Linking Road, Bandra (West). To make a reservation, call 022 4267 0000.
• On Friday, February 14, Fort-based restaurant Town House Cafe will offer Valentine’s specials including baked goat cheese with lentils; lamb in tomato curry with dill rice; red grape salad with cous cous; and strawberry with white chocolate and balsamic glaze. The four-course menu is priced at Rs1,500 per person (including taxes and a beer or glass of wine). 16, Marzban Road, near Sterling Cinema, Fort. Tel: 022 2203 7356.
THRIFTY LOVE
• I Bar in Bandra will offer a 50 per cent discount on its entire bar menu from 7pm to midnight on Friday, February 14. ONGC Building Colony Building No.2, near Candies, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (West). Tel: 99305 88479.
• Everyone regardless of their relationship status can avail of free shots every hour at The Little Door bar in Andheri, from 9pm to 1am on Friday, February 14. The special vodka-based shots designed for the occasion will be circulated among the customers. B31, Shri Siddhivinayak Plaza, Ground Floor, New Link Road, in the Maruti Suzuki Showroom lane, opposite Fame Adlabs, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 2673 2527.
• On Friday, February 14, unlimited food and domestic liquor will be priced at Rs3,500 per couple (including taxes) at Andheri’s new shot-focused bar He Said She Said. The menu will offer fish tempura; cilantro prawns; mushroom risotto; and molten chocolate cake. Remi Bizcourt, behind Yash Raj Films Studios, off Link Road, Veera Desai Road, Andheri (West). Tel: 98675 15082.
• Partake in a budget Valentine’s Day dinner at Otto Infinito, the Mediterranean restaurant in Bandra Kurla Complex, on Friday, February 14. Priced at Rs2,500 per couple (including taxes), the set meal will offer grilled artichoke hearts; beetroot and ginger flan; kumquat risotto with water chestnuts and blue cheese; chocolate fondue with strawberry and figs; strawberry pizza; and raspberry cheesecake. Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East). Tel: 022 2656 7777.
• On Valentine’s Day, the Smoke House Deli chain of all-day restaurants will serve a la carte specials including braised broccoli with wasabi cream; sumac-crusted grouper; pot roast chicken with green pepper cream; eight-hour braised tenderloin with kaffir lime; and red velvet cake. Next to Spaghetti Kitchen, High Street Phoenix, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 6561 9618. Also at 3A, Ground Floor, FIFC building, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East). Tel: 022 2653 0762. Clove at 33rd Road, B. R. Ambedkar Road, opposite Brownie Point, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 6528 7800.
• Until Friday, February 14, The White Owl in Lower Parel is serving a Valentine’s special a la carte menu of sweet pea and mint soup; Brie soufflé; grilled asparagus; strawberry-glazed chicken; dark chocolate fondue; and red velvet hearts. One Indiabulls Center, Tower 2, Lobby Level, Jupiter Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 2421 0231.
• V-Day will be an extended affair at Trikaya, the Andheri-based South-East Asian restaurant, which will serve a special a la carte menu of kimchi fried rice; roti canai; lemon, chilli and basil prawns; and chocolate fondue from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16. 6/11 Meera Apartments, Juhu Versova Link Road, Seven Bungalows , near Urban Tadka restaurant, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 6502 1389.
• The Valentine’s Day special menu at the Salt Water Café chain of restaurants will include roasted red pepper and strawberry with smoked crème fraiche on sourdough; lamb ravioli; rawas with black lentil ragout; corn and barley risotto with red carrot butter; and roasted strawberries with basil seeds and lemon oil. Rose Minar Annexe, 87 Chapel Road, next to Mount Carmel Church, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2643 4441. Also at 82, Nagin Mahal, opposite Gaylord, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate. Tel: 022 6633 6070.
• Mocha, the coffee shop chain, is luring lovers with several V-Day treats. You can order their heart shaped pizzas inscribed with a personal message or tuck into a meal for two priced at Rs2,000 (excluding taxes but including unlimited food and domestic liquor). See here for locations.
• The budget diner can feast on tuna tartare; fillet mignon with a soy glaze; linguine with Asian pesto; chocolate fondant; and banoffee pie from Busaba’s Valentine’s Day menu. The meal is priced at Rs2,499 per couple (including taxes and a bottle of sparkling wine). See here for locations.
• Thalassa’s Valentine’s Day a la carte menu will feature fit-for-two platters such as the Greek platter (tzatziki, olives, pita bread, and spanakopita); and grill platter (chicken souvlaki, marinated prawns, and lamb kebabs). The special menu also will include feta, mandarin and poppy seed salad; honey and yoghurt cheesecake; and molten lava cake. Amateur Riders Club Building, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Gate No.8, Mahalaxmi. Tel: 022 4085 9595.
• The chefs at Aoi, the Japanese restaurant in Bandra, will whip up a surprise six-course meal for couples on Friday, February 14. The meal, which is likely to comprise sushi, donburi, and yakitori, will be priced at Rs799 per person (including taxes). 1, Gloria , St. Baptist Road, ahead of Bungalow 9, near Mount Mary Steps and Dilshad’s Salon, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2640 4004.
• Boveda, the lounge and restaurant in Andheri, will spread the love on Valentine’s Day by offering all customers a complimentary glass of wine and dessert. G04, Morya Landmark One, near Infiniti Mall, off New Link Road, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 6708 0858.
• California Pizza Kitchen’s meal for two, which will comprise an appetiser, a pizza, a pasta dish and a dessert, is priced at Rs1,499 (excluding taxes but including two beers or non-alcoholic drinks). See here for locations.
• Marie-Antoinette, the French patisserie in Bandra, will serve a special tea menu from Friday, February 14 to Wednesday, February 19. The patisserie has tied up with Radhika Batra of Radhika’s Fine Teas to provide the infusions to pair with their menu of macaroons, quiches and finger sandwiches. White Rose Building, Shirley Rajan Road, near Rizvi College, Bandra (West). Tel: 98194 35957.
• The Pizza Express chain has partnered with the food deals website Gourmetitup.com to offer a double deal that involves a masterclass with the chain’s pizzaiolo, followed by a four-course meal that comprises an appetiser, a pizza of your choice, pasta, and a dessert. The masterclass and meal for two is priced at Rs2,041 (excluding taxes but including a glass of wine or beer per person). To reserve a spot and view the full menu, see here.
• Couples can indulge in a Valentine’s meal of carrot and ginger soup; spaghetti Bolognese; pumpkin risotto; heart-shaped pizza with mozzarella and seasonal greens; and chocolate orange torte with passion fruit eclair at Serafina, the Italian restaurant in Lower Parel. The meal is priced at Rs2,000 per couple (excluding tax but including two glasses of Sula Rose). Palladium Mall, Level 3, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 4023 7711.
• Belgian bakery chain Le Pain Quotidien will serve a six-course Valentine’s meal of porcini mushrooms in phyllo pastry; five spiced chicken; grilled prawns with ginger and kaffir lime; and chocolate and hazelnut pudding, from 7pm onwards at their Colaba, Bandra Kurla Complex, and Powai branches. The meal is priced at Rs1,000 per person without alcohol and at Rs1,400 with alcohol (prices are excluding taxes). See here for locations.
• The Barking Deer, the city’s first and as of now only microbrewery, has developed a chocolate and strawberry stout to mark Valentine’s Day. The brewpub will serve the limited edition beer at Rs325 per glass (excluding taxes) all through Friday, February 14. The beer will also be included in their four-course Valentine’s menu that will include seafood and kokum risotto; shepherd’s pie; vegetable lasagne; and a date and almond torte with pink peppercorn cream and jaggery rum sauce. The set meal is priced at Rs1,500 per person (including taxes). Mathuradas Mills Compound, opposite Blue Frog, next to Busaba, Lower Parel. Tel: 022 6141 7400.
• Valentine’s Day dinner at Cheval will feature a special menu that will include beetroot ravioli with goat’s cheese; smoked salmon blinis with mandarin crème fraiche; crab and avocado salad; braised lamb with artichoke puree; black truffle gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream; salted caramel mousse; and raspberry soufflé with berry sorbet. The dinner is priced at Rs1,350 per person (excluding taxes). Above Khyber, 145 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort. Tel: 022 4039 6632.
• Shiro, the South-East Asian restaurant in Lower Parel, is serving a la carte Valentine’s specials including honey ginger chicken; chilli bean marinated prawns; and strawberry pavlova until Friday, February 14. Bombay Dyeing Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli. Tel: 022 6651 1207.
• Couples can share a menu of pesto chicken skewers; cheddar toasties; minute steak with wild mushrooms; and chocolate mousse with strawberry compote at Woodside in Andheri on Friday, February 14. The meal is priced at Rs2,600 per couple (including taxes and two glasses of wine). New Link Plaza, next to Oshiwara Police Station, Andheri (West). Tel: 022 2632 8963.
LONELY HEARTS CLUB
• Valentine’s Day antagonists can turn to social networking group Covalence, which will host the second edition of its “Anti-Valentine’s Day Bar Hop” on Thursday, February 13, from 8.30pm onwards in Bandra. Those who register via the website Covalence.in can cash in on deals on food and alcohol at select bars across the suburb. The locations will be disclosed just 24 hours before the event.
• Pali Bhavan, the Bandra-based restaurant and bar, will host a pre-Valentines bash on Thursday, February 13, from 10pm onwards. There is no entry fee for the mid-week rager titled Heartbreak Hotel, which will feature music by pystrance DJ Karan Bhoj. The catch: only couples and single women will be allowed to enter. 10 Pali Naka, near Costa Coffee, Bandra (West). Tel: 022 2651 9400.
• Sign up to watch a handful of strangers narrate their tales of Love Won, Love Lost at the special Valentine’s Day edition of Tall Tales on Friday, February 14, from 7pm onwards. Tickets are priced at Rs600 and Rs1,200 per head and will be sold at the venue from 6pm onwards. Ministry of New, Super Processors Compound, Lalbaug Industrial Estate, Parel. Tel: 976933 0848.
• Tag Thursday, the social networking club that holds monthly soirees, will host a singles-only party aptly called Find Your Valentine, at Cheval on Thursday, February 13, from 9pm onwards. Entry to the party, which has a formal dress code, is strictly via a guestlist. To get on the guestlist, mail rsvp@tagthursday.com. Cheval, 145, M.G. Road, Fort. Tel: 022 4039 6632.
• The two-day Valentine’s Day edition of Balagan, an event inspired by London and Milan’s Bacanal, a monthly, by invitaton-only series of champagne parties that feature music performances, will take place on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 at Dome, the rooftop lounge at the InterContinental Marine Drive. Billed the Love Fest, the celebrations will involve back-to-back house, EDM, and commercial music (barring Bollywood) DJ sets by Anish Sood, Sa, Rahul Chhab, and Orbs and Zen among others. On Friday, the party will begin at 7pm, and on Saturday at 5pm, and on both days Dome will have happy hours from 7pm to 10pm. There will be a Rs500 per person entry fee on Saturday after 8pm. Entry is via a guestlist only. To get on their guestlist, RSVP here.