Roses are red, traffic lights too: Eateries welcome diners
From heart-shaped pizzas and romantic tents over tables, restaurants are doing all they can to lure Valentine’s Day diners.
The hard-hit hospitality industry is hoping Cupid’s arrow will fire diners its way and eateries are offering free desserts, glasses of bubbles and special menus to sweeten the deal.
A survey sent to restaurant managers by the Restaurant Association revealed about 40 per cent said bookings were “a lot worse” than last year.
At The Proper Pizza Company on O’Connell St in Auckland, Valentine’s Day pizza lovers can dine in with a 40cm heart-shaped pizza, two drinks, a small appetiser and fries for $69 (or $59 for those using GrabOne).
“We will have candles and perhaps some roses so it will be really lovely,” manager Angelica Sosa said.
At Howick eatery Daisy Chang, simple tents adorn tables, providing an intimate setting but also protection from the spread of Omicron.
The plastic tents were installed when Covid first hit but proved so popular they have stayed.
“People call and request them and for Valentine’s Day we will add a bit of bling,” said owner Carmen Holmes. “When you are sitting under them it is so lovely and intimate you forget the pandemic.”
Soul Bar and Bistro’s commercial and events manager Olivia Carter said the restaurant had plenty of
outdoor seating and air purifiers to keep romantic couples safe.
“We know people love our a la carte menu so we are sticking to that.”
New research from global comparison site Finder forecasts Kiwis will lavish $796.4 million on their loved ones tomorrow. A survey of 1507 respondents revealed loved-up consumers spend $216 each on average on their significant others.
But food Instagrammer Nic Chan said the cash needed to be spread throughout the coming months. The industry was hurting under the red traffic light setting and needed support, she said.
“As someone who lives to dine and dines to live, I took freedom day quite literally and booked the entire day off for a long lunch.”
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois said 88 per cent of restaurants had a downturn in patronage in the red setting.
“It is safe to be supporting your local restaurant in red, there are good procedures in place. We know there are restaurants opening especially for Valentine’s Day so I hope people will get out there and support them.”