Gents, best you get planning for Valentine’s Day now or you will be in the proverbial dog house. And I’m pretty sure no one’s dog houses have air-con, and it will be February and excruciatingly hot.

I’ll give you a little tip – book dinner at HQ for you and your lover. Save yourself the stress of trying to do a picnic with the risk of the south easter picking up. It’s not worth it. Rather spend the evening in the wonderfully romantic interior of one of Cape Town’s favourite restaurants. Don’t want to be inside? You can also have dinner in the beautiful courtyard for those looking for a more “outdoors” feel.

(I must also quickly remind you boys that the day of love is on a Saturday this year, so our expectations are high. You do not have work and meetings as an excuse, and today golf and rugby are just not gonna cut it.)

Back to HQ.

Couples will be treated to a three-course menu at R550 per couple, which will include Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose Sparkling wine on arrival, HQ’s famous crisp salad to start, followed by a 250g sirloin steak, thin-cut fries and HQ’s signature Café de Paris butter, and perfectly finished with a dessert tasting plate to share.

The food sounds absolutely perfect (it always is, though) and it doesn’t end there.

You’ll be entertained all evening: first up is Ricky Botsis. He’s going to serenade you all through dinner, and has been known to even join guests at their table. If you ask nicely I’m sure he will do a rendition of this perfect song (doesn’t that make you want to do a little high school slow dance??).  After dinner you can move to the bar area for a little razzle. Gio Ricca and Brett Aitken (from We Love Summer fame) will give you some soulful house beats.

Have some friends join you after they go to their average restaurant for dinner. They’ll thank you for it.

For prepayment to secure booking – mail matt@hqrestaurant.co.za