Keeping love in the air on Valentine’s Day

Whether you celebrate on February 14 or 24, on St Valentine’s Day or Dragobete, the Romanian equivalent, this is a month to switch the focus from business and give in to your romantic side, even if it’s just for one day. For both those in love and those looking for it, here are some of our suggestions for this beautiful time of year.

Dana Niculescu

Where to go

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 Concert: Directia 5
The band continues its tradition of spending the most romantic day of the year with its fans. Monica Anghel, Paula Seling, Giulia will make guest appearances.
February 14, 19.30, Palace Hall (Sala Palatului). Tickets cost RON 50, 70, 100, 150.

Party: Valentine’s Extravaganza
A new party concept, an extravaganza for free spirits, supported by an acrobatic show, will take place at the Silver Church Club. The legendary band Snap! will also perform live on the Silver Church stage. February 14, 22.00; regular tickets on sale at RON 49 and VIP seats at RON 79.

Valentine’s Day for Singles: Let’s Meet parties
Singletons in the mood for finding a partner are being catered for at two parties organized by the offline social network for singles, Let’s Meet. Some 80 single people aged between 25 and 40 are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 18. More mature singletons, aged between 38 and 60, will have their own party on February 25 to mark the traditional Romanian celebration of love, Dragobete. Let’s Meet is Romania’s largest offline social network for singles with six communities all around the country.  
Reservations and details at 0748 140 781.

Anti Valentine’s Day: Club A
A traditional event now on its 10th run, with music by the band Tapinarii.
February 14, from 22.00, 14, Blanari Street, tickets available at RON 10.

What to buy

Sweets
Candy shops are always popular on this particular day if the object of your affection has a sweet tooth. If you have not had the chance to taste the sublime flavor of the authentic Italian chocolate Venchi, visit Caramel Lounge at 214 Calea Victoriei. On the same street, Chocolat,  at 12A Calea Victoriei (entrance via Stavropoleos) has a large variety of fine cakes decorated with fresh fruit not to mention the famous Belgian chocolate. With packaging specially designed for Valentine’s Day, Leonidas, the candy shop on 27 Strada Doamnei, has a special assortment of famous Belgian pralines in the shape of a pink heart and a big candy box full of chocolates. For up to RON 50 give your beloved a box of chocolates accompanied by a stabilized rose, a natural flower specially treated to retail its original form for almost two years.

Flowers
Bouquets of red roses are the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift but florists are ready with any kind of flower arrangements. For a personalized bouquet visit the traditional open flower market Piata Cosbuc or the Dalmi shop in Piata Amzei. The famous Iris network has several shops in the center or can be accessed online at www.florariairis.ro. A passionate master florist, Irene van der Geest is behind the arrangements of Floraria olandeza (the Dutch flower shop). One outlet can be found close to Piata Victoriei, at 11, Strada A.I. Cuza, on the corner with Dr. Iacob Felix, or check their website: www.florariaolandeza.ro.
And until late into the night, small flower stalls on street corners are there for
last-minute acquisitions as you make your way home to your mate or out to meet your date.

Fairs
A one-stop-shop to get prepared for the present exchange is the Valentine’s Day Fair at Sala Dalles. Handmade jewelry and aromatic candles, decorations made by the Tiffany method, Venetian masks and exotic creations from India, Peru and Great Britain could impress your loved one. February 9-14, Sala Dalles.

Jewelry
Our favorite is the Messager d’Amour pendant from the Ode to the Joy of Love collection, a Frey Wille piece. Your message of Love can be hidden in an original way, worn inside the clothing and kept safe from prying eyes. Your beloved can wear your love openly and close to his or her heart.
 
Where to dine

La Bonne Bouche
30 Strada Franceza
If you want to take a romantic stroll on the narrow streets of the Old City and then exchange romantic glances over a glass of wine in a small and intimate place, but one that is perfectly balanced in terms of space and light, then every day can become a Valentine’s Day. Still, the menu put together by the La Bonne Bouche chef for this romantic day is very specific: carpaccio beef, followed by  main course of monkfish and a “love revelation” dessert (pineapple carpaccio with saffron). Prices range from RON 25 and RON 60. The evening also promises live music from a pianist or a saxophonist.
Reservations: 0731 BISTRO

Market 8
8 Serban Petrescu
A place where the art of cooking fuses perfectly with the art of living in the inimitable style of the fashion designer Venera Arapu, who mixes classic and avant-garde. For those who feel like leaving behind the excitement and noise of the city and prefer French cuisine with Asian influences, this is the place. Love is in the Plate is the special Valentine’s menu for this year, featuring salmon tartare with sweet mayonnaise (RON 36), hot shrimps, saffron risotto and beetroot mousse (RON 59), plus two heart-shaped chocolate delice (RON 15) and complimentary drinks and cocktails. Reservations: 021 231 5143

La Cantine du Nicolai
Strada Povernei 15-17
A cup of Cham Cham and an authentic Mille Feuilles dessert are just a few of the culinary  attractions organized by Nicolai. It seems that he loves Paris so much that for one night he wants to transport us to the Lover’s City through all the flavors and refined atmosphere he has created.
Reservations: 0725 210 608

18Lounge
3-5 Presei Libere Square
A splendid view gives 18Lounge, the rooftop restaurant of the City Gate South Tour (near Pullman Hotel) its place on our Valentine’s Day shortlist this year. A classic but very tasteful menu with influences from all around the globe is supported by a carefully selected drinks menu. The restaurant is large and can be used as a bar or club as well. But the big draw remains the view: 18Lounge has the best panoramic view in Bucharest. Book a table at the window and a romantic night is assured!
Reservations: 0733 501 401

dana.niculescu@business-review.ro