“All you need is love,” wrote John Lennon in 1967 – a gushing sentiment to which American cartoonist Charles M Schulz, creator of the comic strip Peanuts, later added the rather more realistic line: “But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” And so it is, once again, that we find ourselves in a V-Day vortex: that annual love fest marking the day a saint named either Valentine or perhaps Valentinus may or may not have been put to death way back in AD270. Whether you’re lovestruck, lovelorn or simply a fan of the Pagan fertility festival Lupercalia, here’s our pick of where to be on February 14 (but we haven’t ruled out pinning your partner to a firing-range target).
Lucky lovers
Doors’ celebrity chef Aitor Olabegoya prepares a five-course meal for ‘lucky lovers’ with live jazz from Ritchie and Phil, plus free-flowing wine. 6pm at Doors Phnom Penh, Street 84 & 47.
Valentine to remember
Food for love and love in a bottle. 6pm at Red Apron, Street 240 & 19.
Come away with me
If music be the food of love, play on: renaissance pianist Amanda Bloom, And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead frontman Conrad Keely and Brett Creswell, who fronts an INXS tribute band in Australia, combine forces for this international line-up of live music from 7pm. The Village, #1 Street 360; 016 865597.
The Vagina Monologues
You may have seen it before but you’ve never seen it like this! To celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Vagina Monologues, tonight it will be presented in multiple languages. Proceeds support domestic violence prevention by Women Peace Makers. Tickets are $7 at Java Café on Sihanouk Boulevard. 7pm at Meta House, #37 Sothearos Blvd.
Romeo & Juliet
Srey Chanthy and Scott Bywater of the Cambodian Space Project serve up a Valentine’s Day serenade with a rose, Belgian chocolates and your very own photo with Cupid. 7pm at Riverhouse, Sisowath Quay.
Elyxir of love
Savour your Valentine’s celebrations in the city’s most intimate and exclusive setting. 7pm at Elyxir, St. 466.
Valentin, je t’aime…
Topaz promises ‘an unforgettable dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day’. 7pm at Topaz Restaurant, Norodom Blvd.
Will you be my Valentine?
Candlelight, the grand piano and a six-course set menu under the stars at Raffles Le Royal, #92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, near Wat Phnom.
Valentine’s Party @ Memphis
The best of blues & rock love songs, performed live. 9:30pm at Memphis Pub, St. 108.
Valentine’s Party @ Nova
‘The rose is red, the violet’s blue; the honey’s sweet, and so are you. Thou art my love and I am thine; I drew thee to my Valentine. The lot was cast and then I drew, And Fortune said it shou’d be you.’ Enough said. 10pm at Nova Club, St. 214.