Valentine's Day Evening Menu

Aah yes, indeed - Lovers' Day is almost upon us! A day for poetry; romance; confessions of adoration; smiles; kisses... and good food!

Saint Valentine’s Day
The True(?) Story

There are a fair few ideas knocking around as to the “when?” and the “why?” of Valentine’s. The most likeable is the historically plausible story of a Roman called Valentine, who was condemned to death for refusing to give up his Christian faith. He was executed on February 14th 269AD., but not before leaving a farewell note to the jailer’s daughter, with whom he had become ‘good friends’. He signed the letter ‘Your Valentine’.

Other expert historians are convinced that Valentine was a priest under Emperor Claudius II (aka ‘Claudius the Cruel’), who fell out of favour because he defied a decree preventing the marriage of young men – the Emperor wanted single men in his army since they made better soldiers than those with families! Valentine was jailed for life, only to be ‘Sainted’ 500 years later by Pope Gelasius who presumably had records of what had happened (either that, or a very long memory).

There are other stories of how February 14th came to be so celebrated, and they’re all different. But they all have a common theme – and that’s history. Valentine’s Day is old. It’s certainly been celebrated since Roman times, when it was a holiday to Juno, the queen of all Gods and Goddesses (and also the queen of marriage..)

Gradually, whatever the reason, 14/2 became a date for exchanging love messages, and Saint Valentine became synonymous with it.

So take heart, and remember – despite all the commercialism surrounding St Valentine’s Day, you are still celebrating something special which many, many before you have done for thousands of years. And with good reason.

On Valentine's Day, you can set time aside to rejoice in love and romance – and at the same time, others around will be doing the same.

Valentine Dinner Menu 2010

"THE FIRST GLANCE"

A Choice of:

'Love Apple Soup' with heart-shaped herb croutons

Asparagus wrapped in Parma Ham, served with red onion salsa

Pan-fried fresh scallops, served with garlic and chilli

Mushrooms oven-baked with ricotta cheese and spinach

"WHEN THE EYES MEET"

(For all customers)

Smoked Halibut Salad

"WOULD YOU LIKE TO DANCE?!"

A Choice of:

Fillet Steak Rossini (red wine, red onion and brandy sauce)

Local Lamb Shank with creamy mash and roasted market vegetables

Individual Vegetable Lasagne with Piri Piri sauce

Poached Cod with Atlantic prawn & Mornay sauce, fresh market vegetables

Pan-fried Duck Breast with sweet & sour sauce, stirfry vegetables

"THE SWEETEST FEELING..."

A choice of:

Chocolate Truffle

Strawberry Cheesecake

Swan Profiteroles

Ice Cream & Banana

"THE TAXI HOME.."

Fresh filtered coffee, a range of leaf and fruit teas

£24.50 per person, or £85 for a table of four