Single and lovin’ it at Sofitel’s Le Bar

MANILA, Philippines - Tell your friends that you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone and they’ll give you a nasty look as if you’ve just told them you’ll be the next Pope. But what’s so odd about spending the day of hearts with the one you love most — yourself?

Being alone on Valentine’s Day can be just as fun as hanging out with some random date. For one, it’s cheaper, easier and probably a good idea. And since you don’t have to worry about spending a huge sum on gifts or a dinner date, you can now take this opportunity to pamper yourself — splurge on a new wardrobe or have a soothing massage.

At Sofitel’s Le Bar, singlehood reigns supreme today as it holds its Black Valentine’s promo. Here, dateless folks can enjoy live entertainment while having a round of special cocktails or a glass of Johnny Walker Double Black Label. As an added treat, they’ll get three homemade pralines from Le Bar chocolatier for free!

If it’s a massage you want, head over to Le Spa, a place where a fusion of refined French elegance and the warm Filipino touch revitalize the mind, body and spirit. And before you know it, Valentine’s Day is over!

Food is the way to everyone’s heart

Couples in love can share a love-filled evening at Spiral, the go-to place when cards and flowers aren’t enough to express your love. With 21 dining ateliers to choose from, you and your date can indulge in seared foie gras with strawberry and roasted prime ribs with morel sauce while being serenaded by a live band.

Rose petals are showered in the most romantic of ways — on desserts to cocktail drinks. Cap the romantic evening with French Champagne. Each couple will receive a complimentary box of chocolates and the lady will be given a rose.

Those who prefer something intimate and more romantic can dine under the stars at the Canopy located at the Sunset Bar at Sofitel.

“There are only five specially decorated canopies available. And for P25,000, you and your date can enjoy a five-course set menu prepared by French chef Anne Cecile Degenne while being served by a personal butler,” enthuses Yasmine Hidalgo, director of public relations, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

For starters, there’s caviar and Champagne, foie gras terrine, strawberry chutney, and herbs and flowers salad followed by black truffle-scented scallop pumpkin and aged Parmesan risotto. And if that’s not enough to tickle your palate, there’s still beef mignon and lobster duo, red wine, crunchy asparagus with Serrano ham and grilled porcini mushrooms.

For dessert, indulge in a heart-shaped cheese, pear salad, chocolate and red berries.

According to chef Degenne, the menu is a celebration of passion and love.

“Premium ingredients were flown in such as Oscietra caviars (touted as one of the most exclusive caviar in the world), foie gras, strawberries, black truffle, lobsters and a special heart-shaped Neuchatel cheese. Some of the dishes are aphrodisiacs so couples are definitely in for a treat. This menu is aimed to evoke and inspire passion and make the gourmand in you satisfied,” chef Degenne says with an impish grin.

 As they say, French is the most romantic language in the world. You might not be able to speak it, but you can still show him/her your affection over French cuisine specially whipped up on Valentine’s Day by chef Degenne at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the only French luxury hotel brand that offers a genuine experience of the French art de vivre!

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For reservations, call 832-6988 or 551-5555 local 6988.