The celebration of love will be here in just a few days! Candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of Saint Valentine.

According to legend the good Saint Valentine was a martyr for love, flaunting the marital ban of a militaristic emperor, to wed young soldiers and their maids secretly, and paying the ultimate price when he was found out.

One doesn’t have to die for love like Saint Valentine did, but paying attention to the details with your Valentine certainly does the day justice.

Besides candies and flowers, Valentine’s is about wining and dining – and by wine I mean bubble.

If you choose to dine out or dazzle your loved one with your culinary flair at home, be sure to plan ahead.

Here are a few things I think about when planning my Valentine’s dinner. If you haven’t already done so, pick up the phone now and reserve your table. Valentine’s is a very busy evening for restaurants because reservations are for two, so space is at a premium.

Champagne or sparkling wine is a must. Order it ahead of time and whether you dine in or out have it at the table on arrival – this is a nice touch and your Valentine will feel special.

Kick it up a notch – the food should be upscale and that doesn’t mean difficult to prepare if you choose to do it yourself.

Freshly shucked oysters, caviar, foie gras, pan seared scallops, salmon or tuna tartar, Dungeness crab or fresh Atlantic lobster are a few of my favorites. If seafood isn’t your thing, then a rack of lamb, venison or beef tenderloin are good options.

Review the menu and wine list ahead of time if you’re going out, so that you’re familiar with the various selections available.

If you are cooking for your valentine then plan your menu and pick up your wine and bubble in advance to avoid the rush (remember – if you want to do wine pairings in a restaurant or at home, half bottles or wine by the glass are a good option).

Atmosphere is important for a memorable evening. Mountain, city or ocean views are always nice, but a restaurant with cozy ambiance including soft music and warm lighting is what you want.

There is no wine in the world that says ‘I love you’ more than bubble, so plan to sip and celebrate with that special someone on Valentine’s with a beautiful sparkler. Here are two that I recommend

Kumkani Infiniti – This wine has a creamy entrance with a rich complex palate of nuts, warm toast and medium spicy, fruity candy flavours with a complex, full persistent finish.

Arniston Bay Sparkling -This sparkling wine has elegant zesty tropical fruit flavours with fresh bubbles and a clean crisp finish

Source: bclocalnews.com