ASPIRE Velentine’s Edit: Say ‘I Love You’ with Deliciously Decadent Dishes

Let’s face it: as we grow older, themed celebrations like Valentine’s Day lose their lustre and with life constantly getting in our way, the magic of riding on the platform of a universal day to treat that special person to a beautiful, romantic experience fades away.

But, challenges are never-ending, which is why it would always be a great idea to take advantage of special days to celebrate love, whatever that means to you and whether or not you choose to direct it to someone other than a romantic partner.

close up of hands forming a heart
Valentine’s day provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the most universal emotion. Image courtesy of Fahd Dajani via Pexels.

So maybe this year’s Valentine’s day may not be the perfect moment for extravagance, but it is definitely a superb time to celebrate the most enduring and universal emotion ever. And, to help you indulge in the beauty of love on this special day, our edit this year is on food, a theme that is just as universal and important.

If, like us, you believe a romantic meal is the best way to say ‘I love you’, check out these delicious ideas curated specially for you

Celebrate your love with The Atije Experience

Chef Moyo is no stranger to ASPIRE, and for good reason. For the Swiss-trained chef, cooking – and by extension, food – is a journey and one she is clearly not afraid to go on.

The Atije Ayanfe menu for Valentine's day
Love does not get better than a meal that features all the dishes from your childhood. Image courtesy of The Atije Experience

According to Chef Moyo, the Atije table is where new connections are made and old ones renewed. But for those of us who have sat at it, the table is an expression of love — love of good food and a deep-seated love for the dishes that have nurtured us from birth.

If you’re looking to celebrate your love over a 5-course meal that offers you an experience of Nigerian food like no other, book a seat at Ayanfe, the Atije’s special culinary pop-up for the month of February.

Express love with the chocolate packages from Chocolate Works Gourmet

What do you get when you combine ‘love’ and ‘food’ together?

Chocolate. Yes, we know that it isn’t food food, but the answer nonetheless is chocolates.

A chocolate bouquet from chocolate works gourmet
This beautiful chocolate bouquet is a very sweet way to express your love this Valentine’s day. Image courtesy of Chocolate Works Gourmet

This Valentine’s day, express your love in the most creative and sweetest, most decadent,  way possible with a chocolatey-themed gift box from Chocolate Works Gourmet by Chef Oyin. And if you’re feeling a bit more festive, there is the option of adding fresh roses to your order.

Trust us, it does not get more Valentine-y than that!

Spoon Catering

It may not be a destination Valentine for you and your loved one this season, but you can explore different cultures with Spoon Catering Valentine’s menu.

Spoon Catering's Valentine's day menu
Go on a love-themed culinary adventure with Spoon catering’s Valentine’s offer. Image courtesy of Spoon Catering

From its shredded duck vegetable wrap to its goat meat & jollof rice croquettes and its charcoal buttermilk chicken roll nori mayonnaise, there is something in each plate promising an experience that transcends whatever location you would be having the meal at.

Although it says February 12th is the last day for orders, you may check with them here to see if there would be an extension or a suitable alternative.