Well, at least in Norwich it is.
I can't concede to being 'lovie-dovie', but I have been married over 25 years, and with the same fella since 1990. So, although I am not an authoritarian on all matters of love - I am on Norwich food, and there is some corkers of valentines or galentines foodie things to do in the city and beyond.
My top three suggestions for a terminal marriage, or relationship:
- Date night - always enjoy each other's company, just you two doing something delicious. At least once a month, but preferably twice.
- Food is the elixir of life - the best food is that made with love - food is the way to the heart after all. Cook for each other, something the other one loves, but you'll enjoy too.
- Share food - if you love each other, let them nick a chip. Don't be like 'Smithy', the most romantic countries have sharing dishes. But actually share - don't be a greedy guts and scoff over 3/4 - that's not romantic.
So, what's pure L-O-V-E in Norfolk? - let's dive into some tastebuds....
Crumpetorium - they have doubled up on the love this year, probably because Kat's still in her honeymoon stage in marriage and wants to share the love.
You can buy her crumpet-making kits with a heart-shaped cutter - making perfectly tasty heart-shaped crumpets on valentines.
She has also teamed up with Chilli Willy's again and Draft Kitchen on St. Giles Street, to bring you a whole weekend from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th of a romantic crumpet menu, BUT I would happily go solo for some self-love. They have a delightful bar seating area where you can people-watch and think of all the many benefits of being single. You can book here.
Love is - crumpets
Sweet Tree Patisserie - are offering their bottomless cake experience for just £17.50pp Friday 14th and Saturday 15th from 11am - 7:30pm (last booking). They have some special love-themed cakes for example: red velvet and Baileys tiramisu, don't worry, there will be at least 15 other cakes, cheesecakes, cookie pies and tray bakes to choose from.
Love is having your cake - and eating it!
Emporium Norwich - offer their chocolate experience, but on steroids, including a chocolate fondu. Just £60 for two. Plus they offer their chocolate experience as a takeaway.
Love is - the endorphins you get from chocolate - FACT!
Love Norwich Food - it's all in the title, buy a self-guided pay-as-you-go food tour for valentines to enjoy Tuesday - Saturday.
Love is - thinking that walking cancels out the calories in the food you eat. But true love is not agreeing when someone says 'do I look big in this?'
Christopher's Crepes - are creating a sharing platter of fruits, sauces and fluffy heart-shaped mini pancakes.
Love is - in the words of Christophe himself 'pancakes are for life baby'
Assembly Rooms - the kings of the afternoon tea have their Peter Pan themed affair, including a Captain Hook trifle. Plus, they can always cater for gluten free, vegan and anyone between.
Love is - sitting in a Georgian dining room and scoffing cakes and not having to share because everybody gets the same, and there is more than enough!
Tallow - the new steak restaurant down Benedict's Street, in the old ironic Tipsy Vegan site. From the boys who brought you Brick, Yard and Weavers. Enjoy £10 butler steak 7 days a week with £4 sides. Romance hasn't got to be expensive, and love is free.
Love is - the Tallows' burnt butter mash, but it is valentines so you can order fries as well.
Many bakers are making gorgeous bakes - like Cuppie Huts love message cookies. Which you can buy online or in the shop on St. Giles Street. Risky Biscuits have a whole valentines range including cute ladybugs and message hearts.
Love is - eating half an 'And Eat It' brookie on the Norwich Market and sharing the other half with a loved one later. P.S my intention is always to do this, but it never happens. I ashamedly eat it all...
And lastly, what about a top-end tasting menu like Benedicts, they are probably all booked up by now, but you don't have to just show your love on one day of the year.
Love is - a taster menu - an afternoon or evening dedicated to dish after dish of sheer perfection, a wine flight is a copious kind of love, adding a cheese course means you'll probably get to your next anniversary!
'There is no great love than loving yourself' - Whitney Houston was right, treat yourself, treat others and if you don't have anyone to treat, but a goldfish. They are very low maintenance and don't answer you back - but know you are loved.
For more LOVE, follow me on Instagram!
Author: Zena Leech-Carlton, Love Norwich Food
