It’s that time of year again when thoughts turn to love, or at least a little bit of fine romance. In search of something other than gifts – yep, flowers for her, after shave for him, dull as – we decided to do a little digging on Valentine’s facts, from funny to downright foul, to give you a thought-provoking read while you’re getting ready for the big day on February 14. Don’t worry though, we’ve also got all the best dining ideas for romantic nights out sure to get you in the mood for love.

THE GOOD

CHOCOLOVE
Cacao originated from Mesoamerica, with records of the beans being used to flavour food and drink dating back to as early as 2000 B.C. Come the Mayans and Aztecs, the bean was used for ritual offerings, especially linked with fertility and love. The Aztecs famously considered the food more valuable than gold. Flavoured with spices and honey, the drink was offered by Aztec tribes at chief ceremonies, including the moment a suitor would come to ask a woman’s hand from his would-be father-in-law. The fearsome Aztec ruler Montezuma II is said to have used the drink as an aphrodisiac, drinking three gallons a day to increase his ability to “please the ladies”.

FOOD OF LOVE
Everyone’s heard that oysters are, supposedly, the food of love. Oysters and their link to lust go back to the Ancient Greeks, with the image of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, rising from the sea standing on a half-shell. Oysters have also been linked to love through science. Extremely rich in zinc, oysters provide this essential ingredient for testosterone production, not to mention dopamine production, increasing pleasure and satisfaction.

THE FIRST VALENTINE’S CARD
Charles, the Duke of Orleans, was the first to pen the word ‘Valentine’ in reference to a loved one. The French duke wrote a poem to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London after being captured by the Burgundians in 1415 at the age of 21. He wrote: “My very gentle Valentine, Since for me you were born too soon… My very gentle Valentine.” Charles was never able to see his wife again, being imprisoned for 25 years, far exceeding her death somewhere between 1430 to 1435.

SWEET AS CANDY
Necco, the 1901-born American company that produced its famous Sweethearts candy – chalky hearts with sweet little messages on them such as ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Love You’ – every year for Valentine’s Day, declared bankruptcy back in 2018 and there were no love hearts! The company sold the brand to Spangler Candy Company which then acquired the rights to Sweethearts and returned them to the shelves in 2020 but, due to equipment errors, most hearts turned out blank, and some had wonky printed messages on them. Luckily, Spangler got on the job to make sure they made the ultimate comeback in 2021.

A UNIQUE TRADITION
Valentines’s Day is supposedly the most common wedding anniversary in the Philippines. This tradition goes back to 2004, when 5,122 couples gathered on the Manila waterfront on the eve of Valentine’s to lock lips when the clock struck 12, setting a new world record. Even the city’s mayor at the time, Lito Atienza, attended with his wife, saying: “Let’s take a break from the troubles we have been having, from our work, from political bickerings. After all, it’s Valentine’s Day.” Ever since, mass Valentine’s Day weddings have become increasingly popular, with hundreds of husbands and wives-to-be coming together to say “I do”.

SEEING RED
According to a study by the University of Rochester, the colour red has a direct psychological link to desire and attraction. The lead author of the paper, Andrew Elliot, found that men dressed in red or who had a red background were seen as more attractive by female participants. He concluded that the colour was linked to feelings of dominance and confidence and was an ingrained biological perception.

LOVE LETTERS
Every year, thousands of lovesick romantics post letters to Verona, Italy to ‘Juliet’, derived from the classic Shakespearean tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. The letters are answered by a team of volunteers from the Juliet Club. Each Valentine’s Day the club awards the Cara Giulietta prize to the most touching letter members receive.

TOKENS OF AFFECTION
The ribbon’s attachment to love goes back to the Middle Ages. A time of ongoing warfare, this period saw knights frequently going into battle wearing a token given to them by their sweethearts. This token was usually a lace handkerchief or a ribbon from her hair for luck and protection, as well as a reminder of their love. From then on, lace and ribbons have been seen as common objects of love and desire, especially on Valentine’s Day.

THE BAD

VINEGAR VALENTINE’S
These cheeky postcards include mean-spirited messages from rejected lovers insulting the receiver’s looks, intelligence or occupation, with rather garish cartoons attached, including of ‘Dudes’ and ‘Floozies’. First produced in the United States in the 1840s, they reportedly boosted readership in the lower classes, costing only a penny.

OFF WITH HIS HEAD
On February 14, 270 A.D., St. Valentine, a respected Roman priest, was executed following his rebellion against the banning of marriages in Rome. This was in response to the then-ruler Claudius the Cruel, who forbade couples from getting engaged or married due to his belief that men were too attached to their sweethearts and wives to join his military leagues. Defying this decree, St Valentine decided to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. He unfortunately got found out and was sentenced to a beheading, which was performed on the now romantic holiday.

THE FOOD OF LOVE…NOT!
Ever wanted to watch your ex get eaten? Last year, the San Antonio Zoo in Texas, US, encouraged the broken-hearted to name a cockroach after their ex and watch it get eaten by a mammal, bird or reptile. If someone was particularly bitter about their former significant other, they could opt to choose a frozen rat instead, for an extra fee. The event was streamed live, allowing folks to watch their ex-turned-pest get gobbled up from the comfort of their homes.

PAINT IT BLACK
An unofficial holiday in South Korea, April 14 sees singletons across the country gathering to eat black food. Following Valentine’s on February 14 and White Day on March 14, both associated with celebrations of love and romance, this dark day became popular as more and more people decided singles deserve a celebration, too. The annual event sees singles wearing black and eating black-coloured foods, especially jajangmyeon, a black bean noodle dish, as they complain about their lack of intimate relationships.

PRICKLY PARTNERS
Porcupines have one of the most unusual attraction practices (to say the least). The Male North American porcupine first performs an elaborate dance to let their selected female know they want to get together. Eventually, they douse the female with their urine. The female, who is fertile just once a year for a period of eight to 12 hours, then decides whether or not to be receptive. If she is not, she will scream at him, shaking the urine off and running away!

DEADLY VALENTINE’S
The Valentine’s Day Massacre caused waves of shock on February 14, 1929, when Chicago’s North Side experience the height of violence due to gang rivalry. Chief gangster Al Capone was the face of the warfare, as he sought control through an elimination of his enemies in illegal activities, including those of bootlegging and gambling. On the fatal day of February 14, seven men associated with the Irish gangster and Capone’s longtime enemy George ‘Bugs’ Moran were brutally murdered by men dressed as policemen. Though it remains a mystery, Al Capone is generally considered responsible for the bloody event.

AND THE BRIDE WORE…
Probably one of the weirdest wedding traditions is Scotland’s ‘Blackening the Bride’ custom. Performed in the days or weeks prior to the special day, the bride and groom are ‘captured’ by their families and friends, covered with an assortment of disgusting foods, including rotten eggs, fish and treacle, and additionally garnished with flour and feathers. They are then driven in the back of a truck and paraded around town, accompanied by the banging of pots and pans.

WAILING BEFORE WEDDING
Despite appearances, weddings are a happy event for the tribe of Tujia in China. Nevertheless, brides are expected to cry for an hour a day every day for a month before their wedding night. Joined by female relatives as the days go by, this ritual signals the welcoming of a good marriage.

THE HUNGRY

They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, so, if you’re planning a Valentine’s feast for your loved one, look no further, we’ve got some of the best romantic meal deals around.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN
Waves Restaurant
Treat your loved one to a magical evening of Asian Love Affair and have a romantic candle-lit dinner in a unique Asian ambiance from music to food. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, from 6pm to 12am and is priced at BD25 net exclusive of selected beverages and BD35 net inclusive of selected beverages.
GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3992 0163 for more information or to make a reservation.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN
La Mosaique
Enjoy a Poolside Dinner and celebrate Valentine’s with your loved one this year with a romantic dinner serenaded by charming music and a very intimate Italian ambiance. The Executive Head Chef at La Mosaique has designed fabulously romantic fivecourse set menus for the occasion. The offer runs on February 14 from 6pm to 12am and is priced at BD20 net exclusive of selected beverages and BD30 net inclusive of selected beverages.
GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3992 0163 for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA
Rasoi by Vineet
This Valentine’s Day, bring your special person and enjoy an incredible evening of Indian cuisine with the Valentine’s Day special set menu, plus live instrumental tunes to set the mood. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, and is priced at BD29 per person for regular guests and BD26 for prestige club members.
GO: Call 1774 6461 for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA
Margarita Mexicana
Live entertainment, coupled with an exclusive set menu, a selected beverage and a live performance by a Caribbean duo, Margarita Mexicana has got the perfect Valentine’s Day set up you are looking for. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, and is priced at BD50 per couple for guests and BD46 per couple for prestige members.
GO: Call 1774 6462 for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA
La Pergola
Nothing says “I love you!” more than a beautifully laid out Italian dinner, coupled with a selected beverage. Join La Pergola on Monday, February 14. The offer is priced at BD50 per couple for guests and BD46 per couple for prestige members.
GO: Call 1774 6419 for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN
Elements Pool and Lounge
This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with your loved one again. Celebrate a Romantic Cabana Dinner under a beautifully lit Cabana near the poolside. Under the tranquil ambience, the couple can savour an exquisite dinner with unlimited pink drinks and bites. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, from 7pm to 10.30pm and is priced at BD59 net for two.
GO: Call 1722 7777 for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN
Legendz Steakhouse
Say it with Dinner and Stay at the InterCon. Put everyday life on hold and treat your loved one to something special. Enjoy a luxurious romantic stay and experience the culinary delights at Legendz dining with its relaxed romantic atmosphere and enjoy the chef’s creation of a four-course dinner with the beautiful tones of a live piano playing in the background. The offer runs on Monday, February 14 and includes a welcome bubbly, endless selected beverages and a romantic room set up with breakfast the next morning on the Selections terrace, at a price of BD99 net per couple.
GO: Call 1722 7777 for more information or to make a reservation.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN
Silk’s Restaurant
Impress your Valentine this year with a Valentine’s Day Dinner, an evening of true romance and great food, delicious drinks and a live violin performance. You will be served with a Love at First Sip welcome cocktail on arrival, followed by a fresh seafood buffet, mouth wavering cuisine for meat-lovers, and an array of sweet treats. Enjoy four hours of unlimited soft drinks and selected beverages, as well as a live performance by a violinist and DJ. To top it all off, there is a special surprise for your loved one. It’s a date with a difference and guaranteed to impress your significant other. The offer runs on Monday, February 14 from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD52 per couple.
GO: Call 1746 0017 or 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB
Links
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Links with your loved one with a special romantic four-course set menu dinner and live music overlooking the golf course. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, from 6pm onwards and is priced at BD25 per person.
GO: Call 1775 1262 for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA AND SPA
Pashawat
Enjoy a romantic and magical night this Valentine’s Day with your love at Pashawat restaurant, immersed with exotic flavours and the finest selection of authentic Lebanese delicacies featuring magnificent, live Arabic performances and exotic belly-dancing. Surely a night to remember! The offer runs on Monday, February 14, and is priced at BD90 net per couple with a set menu and selected beverages.
GO: Call 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA AND SPA
Maison Sushi
Explore the true meaning of Art de Vivre and escape to a world of love and refined luxury, as you fall in love all over again by the majestic Arabian Sea at the lavish, JapaneseFrench fusion seafood restaurant, Maison Sushi. Venture to a wonderland of love with top notch live entertainment, great food and a romantic atmosphere by the sea. Maison Sushi is offering a memorable dine-in experience with heightened ALL SAFE measures and Ministry of Health protocols. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, from 7pm to 11pm, and is priced at BD90 per couple, inclusive of a special set menu and a selected beverage.
GO: Call 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA AND SPA
Beachside
Embark on an unforgettable journey this Valentine’s evening and invite your soulmate to a candle-lit dinner by the private beach with a one-of-a-kind tailor-made package. Book your very own cabana by the open beach and rekindle your love, as you indulge in a specially designed set menu with appetizing dishes and beverages to spark your cravings for a night to cherish. Celebrate the beauty of your love with this unique bundle of passion and let the sparks fly. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD199 net, inclusive of an international set menu, special romantic décor and a selected beverage.
GO: Call 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT AMWAJ ISLANDS
WU Restaurant & Lounge
Enjoy a night of ‘Love is in the Air’ with a dreamy dinner atmosphere overlooking Amwaj Islands beach. Delight in the finest international set menu, welcome drink and enjoy a live violin performance along with romantic tracks by DJ Ellena to complete your night. Offer runs on Monday, February 14 from 7pm to 1am and is priced at BD48 net per couple and BD58 net inclusive of selected beverages.
GO: Call 3380 8288 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT AMWAJ ISLANDS
Rosso Restaurant and Terrace
Enjoy a night of Amore Mio, an Italian candle-lit dinner with your sweetheart with a Valentine’s Day dinner set menu filled with delectable Italian dishes to share, along with live musical entertainment by our in-house band, The Angels. The offer runs on Monday, February 14 from 7pm to 1am and is priced at BD44 net per couple and BD54 net inclusive of selected beverages.
GO: Call 1600 0111 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT AMWAJ ISLANDS
Choices Restaurant & Terrace
Treat your loved ones to a memorable ‘Be My Valentine’ dinner under the magical Choices Terrace Tree. Delight in a delicious dinner set menu and live entertainment to set the romantic mood. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, from 7pm to 10.30pm and is priced at BD15 net per person and BD25 net inclusive of selected beverages.
GO: Call 1600 0111 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN
Furn Bistro
Enjoy a Valentine’s Afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly to celebrate a day of love and happiness with your special someone. The offer runs from February 10 to 14, and is priced at BD12 without bubbly and BD15 with the sparkling drink.
GO: Call 1717 1000 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN
Mezzanine Lounge
Enjoy an offer of ‘Burger in Love’ available from February 9 to 14 for BD20 per couple inclusive of a selected beverage.
GO: Call 1717 1000 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN
Salero
Delight your special one with a romantic evening of ‘Solo Tu y Yo’ and celebrate San Valentin the Spanish way. The offer runs on Monday, February 14 from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD25 per person, inclusive of a selected beverage.
GO: Call 1717 1300 or visit @salerobahrain for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN
The Bistro by Origins
Valentine’s evening just got more interesting at Vida Bahrain. In partnership with Maserati Bahrain, they are offering an exclusively limited dining package Valentine’s Dinner Date With Maserati @Vida*. Impress your date with a chauffeur-driven Maserati, where they pick up the special couple and drive them to the fabulous St. Valentine’s dinner featuring live entertainment and a delectable set menu at The Bistro by Origins. After the lovethemed evening comes to an end, you’ll be dropped back home in your personal, chauffeur-driven Maserati. The offer runs on the evening of February 14 from 7pm to 10pm, and is priced at BD99 net per couple.
GO: Call 7748 8100 for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN
The Bistro by Origins
Looking for a glamourous new dining escapade to treat your soulmate during the most romantic evening of the year? Rediscover romance ‘the Vida way’ at The Bistro by Origins, the contemporary Mediterranean brasserie, and enjoy culinary delights courtesy of the rich St. Valentine’s set menu curated for and with love. The offer runs on Monday, February 14, and is priced at BD35 net per person. Top off the experience with a swoon-worthy Vida Valentine’s Staycation Package, starting from BD139 net, inclusive of breakfast and Vida’s Valentine Dinner for two at The Bistro by Origins.
GO: Call 7748 8100 for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN
Origins Restaurant
Friday Red Brunch
Whether you’re planning to spend your Valentine’s weekend with a dear one or just looking to have a great time with your friends, it’s the perfect spot for you. Reinvent your Valentine’s plans and celebrate love with Vida Bahrain’s delicious Friday Red Brunch complemented by top-notch live entertainment, an amazing culinary spread and a variety of bevvies. Live it up with a special 15% off for all couples dressed in red. So maybe do dress and tell! The offer runs on Friday, February 11, from 1pm to 4pm and is priced at BD28 net inclusive of soft beverages and BD34 net inclusive of selected beverages, with BD14 for children from the ages of six to 12 and no charge for children under the age of six. If you are looking for a lengthier celebration, go with a Vida Valentine’s Brunch Staycation Package starting from BD113 net inclusive of breakfast and a Valentine’s Brunch for two.
GO: Call 7748 8100 for more information or to make a reservation.