VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL
From Ceviche to Champagne, find out how these chefs pamper their dates on Valentine’s Day.
Three chefs tell us what's meaningful about Valentine's Day.
NIC PHILIP EXECUTIVE CHEF OF MAMAKA BY OVOLO
What is the meaning of Valentine’s Day to you?
It’s a call to wine and dine that special someone, to flatter, impress and indulge together and reach a satisfying end.
What is your most memorable celebration and why?
I’m not normally the romantic type. A chef’s Valentine’s Day is usually just like any other busy service. Standing over the hot section barking orders and because it’s Valentine’s Day, they are generally two tops or tables of two, so I usually have a hundred dockets on fire. By the end of the big night, I’d be lucky to have the time to pick up my girl and found somewhere still open.
Describe your perfect Valentine’s meal. I’d start with some naked oysters. Then, I would move on to some hot grills over coals with seafood, meats and lambs, before ending the meal with a sexy chocolate dessert.
JOHN-PAUL FIECHTNER EXECUTIVE CHEF OF V-DINING BY V-ZUG
What is the meaning of Valentine’s Day to you?
The meaning of Valentine’s Day has changed the older I get. I have realised that taking time out of the busy day-today to celebrate the love in my life is very important. It should be done every day, not just on one day in a year. The love in our lives ought to be celebrated all the time. It is what makes the world go round.
What is your most memorable celebration and why?
On one of the very few years that I was not working flat out in the kitchen, I took my Valentine out on a motorcycle in the south of France. We had no real destination in mind and kept to no timeline. We simply enjoyed the time we had together, the place we were in, and the memories we were creating. It is easy to get caught up with the stress of buying the perfect gift or booking the best restaurant. Sometimes, the best memories come with the least effort when you have the right company.
Describe your perfect Valentine’s meal.
I would generally say the perfect Valentine’s meal starts with breakfast. To me, it begins with preparing a simple home-cooked meal cooked together with my Valentine. As we work, we would sip on Champagne, listen to our favourite playlist, chat, laugh, and generally forget about life’s stresses. Even the simple things in life become special when you have someone to share them with.
TAMARA CHAVEZ
HEAD CHEF OF OLA COCINA DEL MAR
What is the meaning of Valentine’s Day to you?
Although love doesn’t need a specific date, it’s always good to remember the love we have for each other. Be it between friends, couples or colleagues, we can make it a special occasion with different types of celebrations.
What is your most memorable celebration and why?
It was a celebration with my husband in Mexico City. We ate at Máximo Bistrot and it turned out to be unforgettable because we enjoyed the service, the food, and the music that they were playing outdoors. I think this is one of the special moments that keep playing in my mind and I remember it constantly.
Describe your perfect Valentine’s meal.
I would like to start with a delicious Patacones, Latin America’s crispy plantain. For starters, I’d love to have a serving of rich and cold Peruvian Ceviche and a slightly spicy Mexican-style Fish Tacos with zesty squeeze of lemon juice. Then, Paella to share as the main course before ending the meal with Tres Leches with a bit of strawberries on top.