LOVE IN THE AIR

WHAT BETTER WAY TO WOO YOUR VALENTINE THAN WITH ACOSY, ROMANTIC EVENING BY SOAKING IN THE GENTLE SOUND OF SPLASHING WAVES TO THE ACCOMPANIMENT OF AN IDEALISTIC DINNER SPREAD, ASKS GITA HARI. OF LOVE

It is raining, quite literally, strawberries and chocolates at many eateries this season and one of them is at the plush Hotel Sunn- Sands swish sea- facing restaurant Aqua which is hosting a food fest where pink is the theme.

In case you have forgotten, Valentines Day is around the corner and Aqua has started its festival ( from 10th Feb to 17th Feb) of recipes with major ingredients of ardour, that is, strawberries and chocolates, served with élan. What better way to woo your Valentine than with a cosy, romantic evening by soaking in the gentle sound of splashing waves to the accompaniment of an idealistic dinner spread.

The special global cuisine created by celebrity Chef Gautam Mehrishi tempts you with its unique ingredients and striking presentation. Not to forget the bartenders exotic martinis to set the mood on a roll like Flirtini, Mojito Mint, Dirty Martini. Don't worry if your Valentine is a teetotaller, you can indulge your dear one with luscious fruit- based martinis like gooseberry, strawberry, watermelon or kiwi.

Strawberry inspired Gazpacho is a cold soup with the pink fruit dipped in peppered chocolate.

The Mexican Quesadillas filled with strawberry and leek, have jalapeno and milk chocolate Salsa for company. We went with Spinach- asparagus and strawberry Salad - the green- pink colour combo itself was stimulating.

Try chocolate and cheese filled black or green olives. Top your Bruschetta with chocolate, basil and grape tomato or chocolate and bacon. Seafood, often associated with aphrodisiacal qualities, finds its way in the menu by way of Sicilian Chocolate

Seafood, Grilled Strawberry & Shrimp Skewers, Wasabi & Strawberry crusted Salmon and Salmon with White Chocolate sauce. Still not had enough of them, dig into dessert of Milk Chocolate & Strawberry Cube.

As Cupid gets ready to shoot his arrow, you know where to take your Valentine this year for a dreamy, romantic dinner date.

In case you wish to celebrate this day in the cozy confines of your house, celebrity Chef Gautam Mehrishi helps you to surprise your loved ones with his inimitable recipes!