What you do on Valentine’s Day says a lot about who you are, so don’t be the one handing over a mix tape and box of assorted Belgian chocolates. Put a creative spin on the commercial with one of these irresistible V-day experiences, from old school prom parties to cakes made entirely of curdled milk. Sometimes cheesier is better.

Valentine’s Day Sydney Guide 2013

Salt Meats Cheese Valentine’s Day Cooking Class

Nothing says romance like a generous bowl of homemade pasta, but squares and elbows aren’t exactly the sexiest of shapes. Salt Meats Cheese’s ‘amore’ inspired Italian cooking classes will teach you how to make a heart shaped pasta with the perfect dough and set up a delicious apertivo plate. If all goes to plan you might be returning for one of their cheese wheel wedding ‘cakes’. Salt Meats Cheese Valentines Day Cooking Classes, Thursday 14 February, 7.30pm, $75pp includes wine, tasting plates and goody bag to take home. Bookings via 02 9690 2406 or cookingclass@saltmeatscheese.com.au.

Picnic on the Waterfront

Walk on the wild side and do it outdoors this V-day. HelloFresh’s Picnic Menu box takes just 30 minutes of preparation and includes a Maggie Beer pate, Lavosh crackers and proscuitto to start, a smoked duck noodle salad, fresh strawberries and chocolate dipping sauce — we presume that’s for the strawberries. If you’re serious about the art of seduction, The Sydney Picnic Co. have assembled an aphrodisiac-rich riot of flavours including slow roast tomatoes, King prawns, pasture-fed fillet of beef and much, much, much more. HelloFresh Extravagant Picnic Menu box $64 delivered; Sydney Picnic Co. Valentine’s Day Picnic $210.

Ms. G’s Prom Night

Break out the corsage, puff out your sleeves and kick it old school at Ms. G’s Prom Night banquet. The punch is spiked, the DJ spins disco and there’s even a prize for prom queen and king. Ms. G’s Prom Night, Thursday 14 February, 6.30pm, $80pp includes a seven dish shared menu with spiked punch. Bookings essential via 02 9240 3000.

The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks Valentine’s Day Dinner

There’s nothing stuffy about this Valentine’s Day dinner — one night a year the stunning Gunners’ Barracks flings open its doors so lovebirds can raise a toast to their union as the sun sets over one of the best views in Sydney. Dine under crystal chandeliers in the main room or al fresco on the harbour deck and enjoy a special menu from Head Chef Marc Philpott. The Tea Room Gunners Barracks Valentine’s Day Dinner, Thursday 14 February, two courses $55pp or three courses $70pp. Bookings via 02 8962 5900.

Botanic Gardens Restaurant

Join a select few lovebirds for exclusive twilight access to the Restaurant and Gardens, both of which are usually closed in the evenings. Make your booking to receive a secret password and instructions for entry into the Gardens after hours.
Botanic Gardens Valentine’s Day Dinner, Thursday 14 February, 3 course dinner including glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Bookings essential via 02 02 9241 2419

Sydney Observatory’s Starry Starry Night

For even more spectacular vistas, head to the Sydney Observatory for an evening of indulgent stargazing at a special viewing session in The Rocks. Lunar Lovers (7 – 8.30pm) can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, Valentines-inspired canapés and sweet treats on arrival plus views of the new crescent moon and the Great Orion Nebula — the perfect entrée to any Valentine’s evening. The Jupiter’s Delight session (9.30 – 11pm) begins with a glass of sparkling and Valentines-inspired cupcakes before you catch Jupiter, the King of the planets, the Great Orion Nebula and clusters of stars. Sydney Observatory’s Starry Starry Night, Thursday 14 December, $42pp. Bookings via 02 9921 3485 or sydneyobservatory.com.au.

Paddington Pub Fest

For a Valentine’s Day minus any glitter, glam, sparkle or schmaltz, hit up an Aussie institution of more humble sorts — the pub. Share a schooner (or a sauv) with Waratah’s legends at The Imperial or with the Bondi Hipsters at the Fringe Bar to hear their take on Paddington life. Just be sure your beer is craft and your bar snacks artisanal. Paddington Pub Fest, Thursday 14 February.