On 14th February its Valentine’s Day  – a day that evokes such an amazing energy at Sweet Mandarin because the room is filled with love. The banquet this year comprises of amazing dishes  including blackbeans dried in spring sunshine and steamed with tender chunks of beef or the Love Dare which is tender strips of chicken breast lightly battered in a fruity Shanghai inspired sauce.

As the couples enter Sweet Mandarin, the excitement level is electric; as if they were on a first date. I see the ladies smooth their silky dresses, their fingers play across their hair to make sure all their pins are in place and some even resting a hand across their heart – probably to stop its desperate, anxious beating. The dimly lit room provides some solace for blushing men who delight in their partner’s soft mist of hair, their rosebud shaped painted lips and the warmth emanating from their body.

As each of the three courses are enjoyed the couples build up courage and they reach out to hold hands resting on the cool wenge wood surface. In between the courses, they don’t seem to move and their eyes interlock almost paralysed, too in love to move, too in love to speak. Finally I hear a gentleman look intently to his date and say ‘You are beautiful here (touches her heart) and here (touches her face).’ Her face glows with joy and love. It is such a tender moment that I am transfixed. It took willpower for me to turn away and head back to the kitchen and I could hear the blood pounding in my ears as the temperature soared.

The Valentine’s Menu at Sweet Mandarin is available for the whole of February 2012. To book a table click here

Dear Friends,

Wishing you all a very Happy Chinese New Year for 2012 and thank you for your continued support and friendship.

1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be soft-hearted which sometimes gives others an advantage over them. They are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.

Please do book via our Book a Table page (below or click here) and we look forward to accomodating you.

Follow me on Twitter @sweetmandarin

Wishing you a very Happy Chinese New Year

All the best and see you soon.

Lisa, Helen and Janet
www.sweetmandarin.com

Hold on! I don’t mean that Kiss. The Kiss band don’t belong on this list. Nah. That’s not sweet. Rewind.

That’s better. Now your talking. This is more the Kiss I’m talking about. Sweet, tender, loving. Sunset or no sunset. Do you keep your eyes shut when you’re kissing and is it therefore sweeter?

Love is not just a single day on 14 February, but a journey. I am honoured to share the stories of couples whom I have met at Sweet Mandarin, who told me that during a dinner or during the cooking school, they found that spark again or the humour that  initially brought them together. Over a romantic meal, there is nothing quite like making eye contact with your loved one, talking one-to -one and just escaping from the world for a few hours together. The couples who participate in the Sweet Mandarin cookery school learn things about each other they never really knew about – and the time spent on cooking and learning new techniques together is something that they cherish and can share together.

Love cannot be taken lightly. Its not just the butterflies or chemistry, but its also working through the difficulties and challenges together. As you take the steps together on this wonderful journey, keep a resolute mind and a steadfast determination toward each other.  Love should not be the brief interlude that is sampled or briefly tested. Keep talking, keep eating together and commit a day at a time to your relationships.

Lunchtime and dinner times are the most important events in our household. Its a time to share our lives, our highs or lows around the table over good wholesome food. Its the glue that will bind and strengthen a love, a family, a marriage. I am honoured to serve you and may your love continue to grow at Sweet Mandarin.

I’ve designed a Sweet Sweet menu for Valentines www.sweetmandarin.com which I know you will love and savour with your loved ones, family and friends.

We’ve also got the Sweet Mandarin Cookery School for couples who want to book on the Sweet Mandarin Cookery School together – learn which foods are natural aphrodisiacs – and rekindle your relationship with an amazing dinner (taught by us, cooked by you – its true, a way to a man or woman’s heart is through the stomach!) and lots and lots of laughter.

Wishing you best wishes and sweet dishes

Love

Lisa

www.sweetmandarin.com

BOOK A TABLE HERE