With Valentine’s Day coming up fast we thought it wise to canvas the Scout Community to see what kinds of deliciousness members might have in store for our more romantically-minded readers. The response has been awesome, with ideas ranging from gemstones and ox hearts to Black Forest cakes and prix fixe feasts at some of the most celebrated restaurants in the city.

If you are going to head out for dinner on February 14th – and please forgive us for stating the painfully obvious – it’s critically important to remember that you won’t be alone. For the love of all that is holy, book your table early. We fully expect that every one of the restaurants listed below will be reserved to the hilt with a waiting list within the next few days, so be smart and make the commitment now while you still have a chance. Note that the items in the list below are presented in the order in which they’ve been received. Dig in, have fun, and bon appetit!

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L’ABATTOIR

Eat, drink and cozy up to your favourite person this Valentine’s Day at Gastown’s beloved French-inspired restaurant. This year, L’Abattoir will be offering a special four-course dinner in the private dining room. Executive Chef Lee Cooper has designed a set menu, which will include classic dishes along with his own additions, including baked Pacific oysters; lightly smoked duck breast; braised short rib; and Black Forest gateaux with dark chocolate mousse, milk chocolate cremeaux and cherry sorbet for dessert. Guests will also enjoy specially selected wines paired with each course. Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner for two and seductive cocktails in heart of Vancouver’s historic Gastown. Tickets are $145 per person, plus 18% gratuity (price is inclusive of tax and wine pairings). Tickets must be booked in advance. To reserve a table, please call 604-568-1701 or email [email protected]. Dinner seating at 7pm.

217 Carrall St. Gastown | 604.568.1701 | www.labattoir.ca

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EAST VAN ROASTERS

This Valentines we have the return of the Mayan Spiced Buddha, Cinnamon Heart and Lemon Lavender Truffles. Our 16 piece heart box will be on the shelves starting Feb.2nd and while we will be open on Saturday, February 13th…we will be closed February 14th so be sure to pick-up your sweetheart treats early! Olla Urban Flower Project floral arrangements and fair-trade roses be in the shop from February 11th-13th.

319 Carrall Street | 604.629.7562  | www.eastvanroasters.com

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ASK FOR LUIGI

Luigi has a special 5-course set menu for Valentine’s Day. The price is $75/person and the evening will be reservations only. Aperitivo: prosseco or Aperol spritz; Antipasti or Baccala fritters, saffron aioli; Primi of chicken liver pate, endive marmellata, brioche or radicchio panzanella & burrata (V) or seared albacore tuna, gigandes beans, tomato caper vinaigrette. Secondi: fried brussels sprouts, parmesan, herbs & aioli (V) or luigi’s meatballs or crispy polenta & mushroom ragu (V); Pasta: beet risotto, poppy seed fricco (V) or spaghetti nero, octopus, guanciale or pappardelle wild boar ragu, black olives and Dolci of panna cotta, fragola all’aceto & biscotti or olive oil cake, candied orange & whipped ricotta or chocolate budino, hazelnut praline and maldon salt

305 Alexander Street | 604-428-2544 | askforluigi.com

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PiDGiN

Guests can woo their loved one’s taste buds by picking between two menus. On this romantic occasion, choose from Pidgin’s everyday menu featuring tantalizing additional dishes not normally available; or sit back, relax, and enjoy an enchanting 7 course meal created exclusively for Valentine’s Day by chef Shin Suzuki, which will be available Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
No tickets necessary, but reservations are encouraged. For more information, or to make a reservation for the weekend, please call 604-620-9400.

350 Carrall St, Vancouver | 604.620.9400 | www.pidginvancouver.com

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BLUE MOUNTAIN WINERY

Make this Valentine’s Day sparkle! We would like to offer free shipping on a 3 bottle pack of our Vintage Sparkling wines!
The 3 bottle pack will consist of one 2007 Reserve Brut R.D., one 2008 Blanc de Blancs R.D., and one 2011 Brut Rosé R.D.
$113.00 (incl. tax) + Free Shipping in BC Please contact the winery directly to place your order: [email protected] or click here to fill out our order form. This special offer is only available until Friday, February 5th 2016.  All orders will be shipped on Tuesday, February 9th to arrive in time for Valentine’s Day. Order now to avoid disappointment.

2385 Allendale Road, Okanagan Falls BC | 250-497-8244 | www.bluemountainwinery.com

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CADEAUX BAKERY

Treat your sweetheart to something sweet from Cadeaux Bakery this year. We will be offering heart-shaped double chocolate mini cakes $9.99 or 6″ fruit mousse tarts for $12. We will also be offering our house made chocolate truffles and heart-shaped sugar cookies with special love messages, or if you’re not in the Valentine’s spirit, some not so romantic messages. Come on by or call to pre-order your cakes and tarts today.

172 Powell Street | 604-608-8889 | www.cadeauxbakery.com

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THE ACORN

Taking reservations for Valentines Day Prix fixe menu (3-Courses) – $45 / Person with an optional wine pairing for $20. Walk-ins will be accepted at the bar. Call the restaurant to book at 604-566-9001

3995 Main Street | 604-566-9001 | www.theacornrestaurant.ca

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THE RED WAGON

For families, couples, or singles, fun is what you will find at the Red Wagon diner on Hastings Street. Featuring root beer floats for sharing (both the kid-friendly and spiked versions) are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face this Valentine’s Day. Head on down for brunch or dinner with those you love and enjoy a good meal.

2296 East Hastings | 604 568 4565 |  www.redwagoncafe.com

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BISTRO WAGON ROUGE

Feel like showing the love a little early? Head on down to Bistro Wagon Rouge on Saturday, Feb.13 for a little Valentine’s Day foreplay (they are closed on Sundays). In addition to their classic French fare, diners can look forward to some fantastic Valentine’s Day inspired features such as beef heart tartare. They don’t take reservations – simply add your name to the list, whisk your date off on a romantic stroll to one of the nearby breweries or distilleries for a pre-dinner libation. They’ll call you when your table is ready.

1869 Powell St. | 604 251 4070 | www.bistrowagonrouge.com

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ROYAL DINETTE

This Valentine’s Day, Royal Dinette will open its doors on a Sunday to host a special multi-course Valentine’s dinner prepared by Chef Jack Chen and team. Available for $65 per person plus tax and gratuity with optional wine pairings available for an additional $45. Highlights from the farm-to-table-focused menu include Poached Oyster, Ling Cod with Clams and Winter Chanterelles, Beef Rib Eye, and a Barley Ice Cream dessert. Tickets here.

905 Dunsmuir Street | (604) 974 – 8077 | www.royaldinette.ca

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OKANAGAN CRUSH PAD WINERY

Each year we create 100 cases of Haywire Pink Bub to celebrate Valentine’s Day. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, bottle aged for 12 months we add a tiny about of Syrah to gives Pink Bub its lively colour. The results: mouthwatering acidity and tones of wild, earthy strawberries with a body that is fresh and lively with a lovely bready depth. Find this wine at select private wine stores around Vancouver or by ordering direct.

16576 Fosbery Road, Summerland | 250-494-4445 | www.okanagancrushpad.com

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CAFÉ MEDINA

This Valentine’s Day, Café Medina is flipping the script on all the hearts, flowers and unmet expectations with an “Anti-Valentine’s Day” celebration featuring a communal, all-inclusive feast for singles, couples, friends, family and groups alike. Available for $69 per person plus tax and gratuity via Eventbrite tickets to Café Medina’s Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration include a five-course gourmet menu by Chefs Deniz Tarakcioglu and Adam Perrier (with highlights such as Torchon of Foie Gras, Spiced Duck Breast and a Vanilla Cardamom Gâteau dessert), a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival and live entertainment. Tickets here.

780 Richards St. | 604-879-3114 | www.medinacafe.com

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FORAGE

At Forage we are celebrating our love of local food and wine on Valentine’s Day. We are serving up a romantic four course prix fixe menu for $75 per person and pouring a Meyer Family Vineyards ‘hard-to-get’ wine flight for $39. Book by calling Forage directly at 604-661-1400.

1300 Robson Street (@ Jervis) | 604-661-1400 | www.foragevancouver.com

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CULMINA FAMILY ESTATE WINERY

Surprise your Valentine with wine and the arts. For every 6-bottles purchased from our online Wine Boutique, you’ll have the chance to win two tickets to the sold-out opening night of the Art Club Theatre’s production of The (Post) Mistress (February 10th). Contest ends February 7th; complimentary shipping is offered on purchases of 12-bottles or more.

4790 Wild Rose St, Oliver, BC | 250-498-0789 | www.culmina.ca

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CHOCOLATAS

The tower of love will keep you out of the dog house this Valentine’s Day! With decadent selections from Master Chocolatier Wim Tas’ favourite creations, you will for sure win your lover’s heart.

Granville Island, Public Market  |  604-488-1226  | www.Chocolatas.com

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FABLE

Fable’s four course $50/person “Menu for Two” sees a different course for each guest.  Tickets need to be purchased in advance to confirm seats and reservation time.  To book, call 604-732-1322 or email food [at] fablekitchen.ca.

1944 West 4th | 604-732-1322  | www.fablekitchen.ca

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ESPAÑA

On this one night only, Chef Neil Taylor offers succulent ox heart. Get the blood pumping with a Spanish-influenced grilled ox heart, matched with crispy fingerling potatoes, lardo, and romesco ($13). España does not take reservations, and seating will be on a first-come first-served basis.

Espana | 1118 Denman Street | 604-558-4040 | www.espanarestaurant.ca

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MISSION

Mission is serving up a special Valentine’s Day five course tasting menu for $55, plus optional recommended wine pairings. Tickets need to be purchased in advance to confirm seats and reservation time. Call 604-739-2042 to arrange or email eat [at] missionkits.ca.

2042 West 4th | 604-739-2042 | www.missionkits.ca

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THOMAS HAAS

Thomas Haas’ Kitsilano location will be open on Sunday, Feb. 14 (typically closed Sunday/Monday) Acclaimed chocolatier Thomas Haas has unveiled his 2016 lineup of signature Valentine’s Day creations, with highlights that include ‘Love Birds’, a whimsical handcrafted pair of ornately decorated love birds, accented with a selection of chocolates and truffles ($55); a ‘Chocolate Heart’, airbrushed and decorated with 23-karat gold leaf and containing an assortment of mouthwatering chocolates and truffles ($19.90, small or $25, large); a ‘Valentine’s Jewellery Box’, filled with nine assorted dark, milk or white gourmet chocolate truffle hearts ($39); and a ‘Valentine’s Flowerpot’, a bright and beautiful edible chocolate flowerpot, decorated with a selection of chocolates and truffles ($45).  Available at the two Thomas Haas cafés in North Vancouver and Kitsilano by the end of January, with a limited selection available at high-end retailers such as Whole Foods and Urban Fare. Details here.

North Vancouver store: 128-998 Harbourside Drive | 604-924-1847 | www.thomashaas.com
Kitsilano store: 2539 West Broadway | 604-736-1848 | www.thomashaas.com

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BEAUCOUP BAKERY & CAFE

Beaucoup Bakery’s Chocolate Lovers’ Box will definitely add a little flavour of “amour” on Valentine’s Day. Filled with some of Beaucoup’s most beloved chocolate treats, such as the Salted Chocolate Rosemary Cookie, Valrhona Chocolate Brownie, Valrhona 64% Tainori Chocolate Tart, and a jar of White Velvet Hot Chocolate Mix, the box is a sweet highlight for February. Contains six pieces for $35. Buy one for your significant other, friends, or even for yourself. Pre-orders welcome starting February 1st until February 13th. 24 hours notice required.

2150 Fir St.| 604-732-4222 | www.beaucoupbakery.com

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MAENAM

For Valentine’s Day, Maenam is serving a multi-course family-style set menu. $75 per person ($65 vegetarian), plus tax and gratuity. Please reserve a seat by calling the restaurant.

1938 West 4th Avenue | 604-730-5579 | www.maenam.ca

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EARNEST ICE CREAM

We’re offering a few special Valentine’s flavours; Sour Cherry Chip, Cinnamon Heart and Serious Chocolate in both scoops and pints. We’ll also have our Hot Fudge Sundae and Turtle Brownie Sundae available; perfect for sharing.

3992 Fraser Street | 604-428-0697 | www.earnesticecream.com
1829 Quebec Street | 778-379-0697 | www.earnesticecream.com

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ODD SOCIETY SPIRITS

Odd Society spirits will be offering a cocktail tasting flight for two with the Creme de Cassis being used in all three cocktails.

1725 Powell St. | 604 559 6745 | www.oddsocietyspirits.com

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THE STABLE HOUSE BISTRO

For Valentine’s Day this year, we will be offering a 4 course set menu ($45) as well as an optional wine pairing ($30). Oyster Duo with Champagne-Terragon Foam and an apple/celeriac salad / Red Beet Terrine with B.C. smoked salmon and rye crackers / Braised Lamb Shank with pomme pureé, garlic and glazed carrots / Chocolate Cheese Cake with cranberry custard and almond brittle. For Reservations, call 604 736 1520. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or special requests.

1520 W. 13th Ave | 604-736-1520 | www.thestablehouse.ca

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OYAMA SAUSAGE CO.

Fall in love all over again this Valentines with some delicious goodies from Oyama Sausage!  Our very own special “Love Terrine” with a heart inside, Elk and White Chocolate Sausages, Truffled Duck or Champagne Truffled Chicken Sausages and so many more wonderful Oyama specialties!

Granville Island Public Market 1689 Johnston St. | 604-327-7407 | www.oyamasausage.ca

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TERRA BREADS

We’re sweet on you! Our Raspberry Kiss thumbprint, Raspberry Heart shortbread and Double Baked Chocolate Hazelnut croissant are available until Feb 14. Happy Valentine’s Day! #sweetonyou

Mount Pleasant Bakery + Café | 53 5th Ave West, Vancouver | 604 873 8111 | terrabreads.com
Olympic Village Café | 1605 Manitoba St., Vancouver | 604 877 1183 | terrabreads.com
Kitsilano Bakery + Café | 2380 W 4th Ave, Vancouver | 604 736 1838 | terrabreads.com
Granville Island Bakery | Granville Island Public Market, 1661 Duranleau St., Vancouver | 604 685 3102 | terrabreads.com

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CAVALIER

If you’re really feeling romantic this Valentine’s Day, get the ball rolling on a custom design! All rings are customized to your preferences and are made in our in-house workshop. Hand select one of our ethically sourced diamonds or gemstones and design a gift to make this Valentine’s Day one for the books! Visit us anytime or if you would like to set up an appointment, give us a call at 604.681.0047 shoot us an email to info [at] cavaliergastown.com.

#217-207 W. Hastings St | 604-681-0047 | www.cavaliergastown.com

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HART HOUSE

Make your night special with Valentine’s at Hart House, voted Top Ten Most Romantic Restaurants by OpenTable Diners.
We are featuring a Five Course Menu with shared dessert. Reservations by phone: 604-298-4278

6664 Deer Lake Avenue Burnaby | 604-298-4278 | www.harthouserestaurant.com

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FAT BADGER

This Valentine’s Day, cupid’s arrow aims straight at the heart, with special dishes heating things up at The Fat Badger. On this one night only, Chef Neil Taylor will create succulent ox heart for sharing with your true love. The Fat Badger will give some love to British-style pub fare, with peppered ox heart steak, served with its soul-mate of bone marrow and breadcrumb sauce with hand cut chips ($23).   To make a reservation, visit the website.

Fat Badger | 1616 Alberni St. | 604-336-5577 | www.fatbadger.ca

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CHAMBAR RESTAURANT 

Forget the fuss this Valentine’s Day. We’re offering our a la carte menu for Brunch and Dinner. Reservations recommended!

568 Beatty St. | 604-879-7119 | www.Chambar.com

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ROAD 13 VINEYARDS

Show your sweetheart you are thinking of them with one of our Secret Admirer 6-packs: White Package: 2 bottles of each VRM, Old Vines Chenin, and Stemwinder Red Package: 2 bottles of each 5th Element, Castle Pinot Noir, and Seventy-Four K. Or a Mixed Package: 1 bottle of each VRM, Old Vines Chenin, Stemwinder, 5th Element, Castle Pinot, and Seventy-Four K. Want to include a love note? Just tell us what you want to say and we will include a card with your message.  Want to add some PINK to your order? Well now you can. The Honest John’s Rosé 2015 is now available.

799 Ponderosa Road, Oliver, BC | 250-498-8330 | www.road13vineyards.com

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WESTSIDE WINE TRAIL

From noon to 4 pm on February 7th sipping sweethearts will be able to enjoy an afternoon of chocolate indulgence and tasty sips during the 5th Annual Sip with Your Sweetheart event. Eleven wineries along the Westside Wine Trail in West Kelowna will be participating in this complimentary, open house event.

Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna | 250-768-2712 | www.thewestsidewinetrail.com

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TINHORN CREEK VINEYARDS

Join us for Red Wine & Chocolate 10:00 – 16:00 Saturday February 13, 2016. A decadent afternoon of Valentine’s Day fun. There will be chocolate treats paired with red wine, harpist Ingrid Schellenberg, door prizes and wine specials.

537 Tinhorn Creek Road, Oliver, BC | 1-888-484-6467 | www.tinhorn.com

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BEACH BAY CAFE

This year, celebrate Valentine’s Day with delectable West Coast cuisine and a picturesque beachside setting. Diners can choose from a four-course tasting menu ($49 per person, wine pairings available at an additional cost), or order à la carte.Prepared by Executive Chef Felix Zhou, the menus’ palate-please delights include seared albacore tuna with carrot escabeche and saffron; scallops with sea urchin and granny smith apple; a duo of duck with lentils, mushroom ragout and kale; and coconut sorbet with apples and raspberries. Diners can also opt for Bar Manager Adrian Lindner’s special Valentine’s Day cocktail, The French Affair – a seductive mixture of sparkling wine, lillet, jasmine, chamomile and fresh green apple. To book, call 604.685.7337 or email [email protected]

1193 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC | 604.685.7337 | www.beachbaycafe.com

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LATAB

Join us on this special evening for bubbles, bivalves and special dishes for two. Book your table at 604-428-7004

983 Helmcken Street | 604-428-7004 | www.latab.ca

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THE LIBERTY DISTILLERY

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the return of Liberty’s Endeavour Pink – A Navy Strength Rose Gin.  Come in Sun. Feb. 14th for a ‘free’ tasting of our 3rd release of Endeavour Pink!

1494 Old Bridge Street, Granville Island | 604-558-1998 | www.thelibertydistillery.com

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CIBO TRATTORIA

This Valentine’s Day, Cibo Trattoria is offering a palate-pleasing five-course tasting menu for just $65 per person. Prepared by Executive Chef Faizal Kassam, guests can feast on highlights such as local oysters, black pepper tagliatelle with venison ragu, and the choice of a main course (options include coho salmon, grilled rib-eye or crispy polenta.) Reserve your table at 604.602.9570 or email  [email protected]

900 Seymour Street | 604-602-9570 |  www.cibotrattoria.com

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SAI WOO

Join us for a special Valentines Day Brunch (11am-2pm). Valentines Day mark the first day of brunch service for Sai Woo and to celebrate, we will have $7 caesars and mimosas (Veuve and Veuve Rose) and special guest Toronto-based drag star Cassandra, who will be making the rounds with her DIY caesar dim sum cart throughout the brunch and many new menu items to try (think cashew pancakes and Szechuan peppercorn syrup; farm fresh eggs, with lemongrass chicken and hash browns or fried rice with egg on top). We also have a 3 course Valentine’s Day dinner ($50) per person starting at 5pm.

158 East Pender Street, Vancouver | 604-568-1117 | www.saiwoo.ca

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DOI CHAANG COFFEE Co.

If you have a loved one who loves coffee they’ll be sure to swoon over our famous Wild Thai Civet Coffee. Visit our online shop between February 1-14 and enter the coupon code ‘cupid’ to get $5 off on this delicious, organic, ‘beyond fair trade’, cruelty-free coffee. Happy Valentine’s!

110-807 Powell St. | 604-689-3312 | www.doichaangcoffee.com

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SIENA

Celebrate your Valentine at Siena! We are offering a special four-course menu for $65 per person. If you prefer to celebrate on Saturday night, you can enjoy our a la carte menu or the Valentine’s Day menu.

1485 West 12th Avenue | 604-558-1485 | eatsiena.com

To add to this list, email michelle [at] scoutmagazine.ca.