Durban - Valentine’s Day is more than exchanging cards, flowers and chocolates. What can couples do on this most romantic of days, which this year falls on a Friday, giving them the excuse to turn the weekend into a romantic splurge.
For restaurants and florists, Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest of the year. Many restaurants will be offering special menus and creating the right atmosphere, not just on the 14th but over the whole weekend. Prices will vary from reasonable to ridiculous, but it’s all in the name of love.
Among those on the steep side is the Oyster Box hotel, where Valentine’s Day will be celebrated in The Grill Room and The Ocean Terrace restaurants.
A five-course meal at R590 a person is offered at The Grill Room.
The more casual Ocean Terrace Restaurant offers four courses at R490 a head.
Each restaurant will offer set menus and live entertainment on the evening. Fresh oysters and champagne or cocktails in the Lighthouse and Oyster Bars, overlooking the lighthouse and the sea, will set the tone for the evening.
If guests prefer something simpler, but equally stylish, High Tea at The Oyster Box is a popular choice. Served daily in The Palm Court, the freshly-baked treats and the live piano music make for a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
To make a booking, contact restaurant reservations on 031 514 5018, or e-mail [email protected]
Love at uShaka
Celebrating its 10th anniversary and February as the love month, uShaka Marine’s new campaign “I love uShaka” ushers in a range on entertainment. This will take place from February 14-16.
The Cargo Hold restaurant offer special menus at the weekend at R325 per person or R695 for the cupid’s admiral platter for two which also includes live entertainment.
Other places to choose from include Mediterranean Kitchen, Centre Court, Moyo, Panarotti’s, Ocean Basket, and Café Java.
Guests can visit the kissing couch in The Village Walk where couples can have pictures taken which will be uploaded to the uShaka Marine World Facebook page, and will stand a chance to win prizes.
Guests are also invited to salsa dancing in the Village Walk with qualified dance teachers. On Valentine’s night, characters will hand out chocolates at night.
For more information contact 031 328 8000.
Having a ball
With an Eiffel Tower set within a Moulin Rouge theme, the Durban North Conference Centre will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Ball. The Paris-inspired event will feature French singers and waiters, Champagne and a three-course meal.
Paris with American singer Angela Val Verde; winner of season 1 of Gateway to Fame Amanda Kunene, SA Idols finalist Winston Moonsamy, and Sam E Marais.
Guests are invited to bring padlocks with their own and partners’ names to participate in the French tradition of “locking” their love at a monument that can be revisited in the years to come.
Prizes such as romantic getaways and beauty treatments are up for grabs.
The ball begins at 7pm and tickets cost R225. To purchase tickets, contact Shiksha on 082 827 8882.
Dinner in the dark
At Sibaya Casino the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind will be hosting a fund-raising Valentine’s “dinner in the dark” in commemoration of the organisation’s 95th anniversary.
Fund-raising co-ordinator Bobby Pillay said tickets cost R500 a person and they are available through Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers.
The dinner, which includes a three-course meal, welcome drinks, gifts and dance entertainment, will start at 7pm on February 14.
“The society really urges everyone to come out and support us in making this function a success,” she said.
Botanic bash
Durban’s Gangs of Ballet and the Durban City Orchestra will collaborate for a Valentine’s Day concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens on February 14 at 7pm.
Marking the beginning of this year’s Old Mutual Music at the Lake concert series, this performance offers a break from mainstream music while offering something different and fun.
“This is a mind and soul-blowing collaboration that has challenged our comfort zones. We have created some very special music in the process,” said Gangs of Ballet lead vocalist and guitarist Brad Klynsmith.
The band will perform chart toppers such as Hello Sweet World and Breaking the Silence, and their new single, Daydream, from their debut album Yes/No/Grey.
Because it is the height of summer, the Durban Botanic Gardens is looking its best and kids are welcome at the KidZone for fun and games.
For more information visit www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za or call the Information Centre on 031 322 4021.
Tickets are available online at www.webtickets.co.za and pre-sold tickets are R120 and ticket on the day R140. Children aged between 8-12 will pay R50. Entrance is free for those under eight.
Idol chatter
Idols winner Lloyd Cele will give Pietermaritzburg fans a superb treat on February 14, performing at the Golden Horse Casino in a special Valentine’s concert on Friday.
He will perform his hit songs Thanks To You and Make It Easy, which was nominated for a South African Music Award in 2012.
Currently promoting his second album, Lloyd will also treat his fans to some of his latest material, such as Hero.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing the inimitable Lloyd Cele to our stage.
“Come and sway with your Valentine as he takes you on a trip of beautiful love songs. This is the ultimate spoil for your Valentine,” said the casino’s marketing manager, Prabashni Reddy.
The concert will take place at the Conference Centre from 7pm. Tickets cost R120 per person and are available at the casino’s Customer Service Desk.
For more information, visit the Golden Horse Customer Service Desk or call 033 395 8136.
Deadly sins
Durban’s star entertainers, Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert, will perform their latest show, The Seven Deadly Sins, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from February 6 to March 9.
Some side-splitting scenarios will range from a wannabe style police figure to a socially responsible television chat show host.
The show’s director is Steven Stead, with Sue Monteregge as co-writer, lighting designer Michael Broderick, choreographer David Gouldie, and stylists Kevin Ellis and Gareth Greaves of Rocco Kage on board.
Shows are at 7.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 6pm Sundays. Tickets are R140. Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000. - Independent on Saturday