Food Of Love

Deciding how to spend the occasion dubbed a ‘Hallmark Holiday’ is always a challenge. In an overpriced restaurant that is perhaps the least spontaneous, most unoriginal romantic gesture ever? Alternative ideas which are easy on the wallet, delivered with some tender loving care – and perhaps lots of alcohol – seem far preferable. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and let’s assume the same can be said of a woman (although perhaps lay off the super spicy). So take advantage of the local farmers' markets at Mansfield Park, Partick in Glasgow and Castle Terrace in Edinburgh. Full of fresh, seasonal local produce as well as some unusual cuts of meat and a wide range of seafood, there is an excellent choice of ingredients to form the basis of a home cooked meal for your other half. The Edinburgh website even provides recipes if you’re looking for divine inspiration.

However, if drinking is more appealing, a cocktail master class could be just the ticket. Creating a white russian or a mojito could be the closest you ever get to alchemy, and, more importantly, the start to a great night. Learn the tricks of the trade from Scotland’s top mixologists and impress your loved one before you enjoy consuming the results. Cocktail master class are available at Bar Soba and Bar Buddha, both Glasgow and the Vodoo Rooms in Edinburgh. Up on the fourth floor of Harvey Nick's Edinburgh branch, you'll find regular specialist spirit tastings (such as Papa Jules Mahiki Rum) to wow the object of your affection with your niche booze know-how. Bellini Blindness – so much classier than beer googles.

If you would prefer someone else to slave away in the kitchen on your behalf, but don’t want to spend your meal surrounded by other soppy couples, getting a takeaway may be the perfect solution. Edinburgh's Chop Chop, recently featured on Chef Ramsay’s The F Word, will help you avoid the neon sweet n sour route (MSG sweats = opposite of sexy) with their uber-moreish homemade dumplings stuffed with pork and chive or crispy veggies, less than £4 a portion. Cute finger food and no one will roll their eyes at you and make sick noises when you feed each other and make goo goo eyes in your own home (unless you live with your mum). On the other hand you could opt for an authentic Glaswegian experience by visiting ‘Glasgow’s Oldest Chippie’ across from the Barras in the Gallowgate (161 Gallowgate). Owner Luigi Corvi may treat you to one of his operatic classics as he rustles up your fish supper. You can even purchase the infamous deep fried mars bar...who said romance is dead?