4 Perfect Valentine’s Day Experiences for Foodies

COY | Hidden in plain sight

Chef Ryan Cole’s newest addition to his portfolio puts head chefs Geoffrey Abrahams and Teenola Govender at the helm for an ocean-inspired, seafood-led exploration of Africa and its shorelines. Situated at the V&A Waterfront, COY is inconspicuously located on the water’s edge between the eye-catching marina with its luxury yachts and the brute of fishing boats. The chefs delve into the produce, ingredients, preparation techniques, and ways of cooking both in southern Africa and across the greater continent too. COY has collaborated with Creation Wines for a special edition wine-pairing on Valentine’s Day. Choose the seven-course menu for either lunch or dinner paired with Creation Wines, and you’ll get loads of delectable extras – a glass of Creation Elation MCC on arrival, a rose, oysters, and petit fours. You’ll also receive a red-is-the-colour-of-love R&R take-home cocktail. All for R1500 pp. Reservations recommended.

Instagram: @coy_capetown

Le Parc by tashas | A soundtrack for lovers

Early Valentine’s lovebirds will catch the best blooms this year, courtesy of Le Parc by tashas. Hyde Park’s very own ode to the fabulous, fashionable, ‘joie de vivre’ spirit of Paris is offering its guests a lush bouquet of blossoms and a dreamy Spotify playlist on the 14th of February. Curated by Tashas Group’s entertainment director, Vasileios Tsoka, the Spotify playlist is a heartwarming tribute to timeless romance and poetic longing, inspired by the enchanting tales woven through classic French and international songs. These melodies will create the perfect soundtrack for lovers and dreamers alike.

Instagram: @leparcbytashas

The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate | A passion for provenance

Durban foodies are in for a real treat this Valentine’s Day. The LivingRoom, which normally only offers its Experience menu in the evenings, is making an exception on Friday, 14 February. Lunchtime lovers can now enjoy one of the country’s top dining destinations from 12:00 (with last orders being taken at 13:00). Situated within Summerhill Guest Estate, Chef Johannes Richter’s The LivingRoom tells the story of KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary diversity through his use of hyper-endemic ingredients, ancient processes, modern thinking, and classic techniques. His sustainably centered fine-dining menu is paired with premium South African wines and exceptional service. Book now to reserve your spot.

Instagram: @thelivingroomatsummerhill

Upper Union | Enjoy the moment

Chef Amori Burger’s menu will not only take you on a global culinary journey, but a flavour-filled voyage this Valentine’s Day. Located in the heart of one of Cape Town’s oldest neighbourhoods, the bustling Kloof Street, Upper Union’s style of dining encourages the enjoyment of a shared moment. That point in a day, when people come together around a table, the food has arrived, the drinks have been poured, the conversation is flowing, and for that moment, it seems that time stands still. Choose the Seasonal Chef’s Menu – a big plate with four sides – designed for sharing – and now with the option of wine pairing. It takes the hard work – and guesswork – out of any day (even Valentine’s Day). Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, the team will also send you home with a delicious gift for trip home. Upper Union fills up quickly, so make a reservation fast.