Rare One


There’s one thing that every couple is looking for on Valentine’s Day: A big hunk of juicy meat. Yes sir, nothing says “I love you” quite like being given some well seasoned slabs of bleeding animal carcass. That’s where Rare One comes in. This chic Vancouver eatery caters chophouse items to the foodie set. You’ll get the menu of steakhouse favorites with the careful preparation, décor, and cost of a fine dining establishment. It’s really the best of both worlds. The menu changes regularly, so it’s difficult to predict exactly what chef Quang Dang has in store for the big day, but it’s sure to be something special. Maybe he’ll prepare gourmet beef heart. Wouldn’t that be sweet? 1355 Hornby Street, 604-669-1256




Sanafir


Sanafir is a bi-level spot dressed in middle-eastern flair. Handcrafted Egyptian amber urns, glass chandeliers, harem style draperies, and richly upholstered beds perfectly decorate the space for Valentines Day. After all, nothing says monogamous love quite like harems and empty beds. The opulent design creates an exciting dinging atmosphere that is perfectly complimented by a chic menu with an Eastern/Western fusion. The menu, simply divided into Chicken, Tuna, Beef, Prawn, Lamb, Scallop, Salmon, Pork, and Vegetarian selections, is diverse enough to placate, tempt, and ravish even the most fickle diner. An upstairs drinking lounge filled with plush beds and silk pillows should help set the mood for what lies ahead in the evening. Just be careful not to get too carried away. Public indecency laws still apply on Valentine’s Day. 1026 Granville Street, 604-678-1049




So.cial at Le Magasin


A bar and grill for the hipster crowd (now there’s a contradiction in terms). The Chef butcher’s his own meat, so you’re sure to get a fresh cut on every order. The fish, filleted by the chef, includes the maple-seared salmon with glazed baby beats. If this is causing you to drool, I’ll only make it worse. The air-dried beef served with bordelaise sauce is borderline perfect. And don’t worry if you’re date’s a health nut, its all organic. The ritzy design includes a polished ceiling with pressed-tin, mosaic-tiled floors, plush red chairs, and glass chandeliers. The result is a glamorous environment that is ideal for celebrities, but way to classy for you. Of course, this also makes it a great Valentine’s Day spot as your date will be momentarily tricked into thinking that he/she is dating a celebrity. You’ll have a night of bliss before reality rears its fugly head. 332 Water Street, Vancouver, BC. 604-669-4488.




Vij’s


French food on Valentine’s Day? What is this the 1950s? If you’re caught in a time warp, or old enough to qualify for a senior’s menu, then you’re excused for making that mistake. Everyone else needs to step up their dating creativity. The new romantic cuisine is Indian (nothing says “I love you” quite like a sharing a chutney). Vij’s is possibly the most ambitious Indian restaurant in Vancouver. A dining room adorned with die-cut lanterns and glowing elephants brighten up the space and provides patrons with an appropriately exotic eating environment. The menu is comprised of home cooked favorites by a kitchen staff who all have at least a decade of experience with Indian cuisine. The resulting dishes boast a strong traditional flavor that taste like they came straight from the Motherland. Enjoy such items as coconut curried chicken and saffron rice, the perfect dish to devour while gazing longingly into your dates eyes and furtively trading foot taps and hand caresses. Vij’s doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to show up early and be prepared to share a few drinks in the lounge while you wait for your table. On the bright side, you’ll have more time for drinking and flirting. 1480 West 11th Avenue, 604-736-6664