Metro Herald, Valentine's Mini Edition

VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Free! Valentine’s special packed with great gift ideas, romance advice, fun and more…

Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it

Dear Dolly Valentine’s Mini Edition This special free edition of Dublin’s quality commuter newspaper is packed full of gift ideas, along with sage romance advice and plenty of Valentine’s war stories. We hope you enjoy reading it and have a great Valentine’s Day, whoever you spend it with (even if it’s just yourself!)

Contents 2-3

Dear Dolly

4-7

Gift Ideas

8

Do/Don’t

10-11

Play Away

12-13

Hit The Town

14-15 Rom-com Romance 16

Celeb Name Game

17

Sandra Harris’s Crummy Valentine

18-19 Yeh Big Ride 20

Ken Rogan’s Big Choc

How to contact us Email:

features@metroherald.ie sales@metroherald.ie Visit: www.e-metroherald.ie Twitter: @metrohnews Facebook: /metroherald Editorial: 01 705 5088 Advertising: 01 705 5010 Distribution: 01 705 5007 Ireland’s rate of newsprint recycling is now up to 79%.

Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you.

Celebs’ love lives are all over the shop.

Our resident agony aunt dispenses some Valentine’s advice

FREE ADVICE FOR...

Singletons

Dear singletons – that is, single persons gagging for a long-term mate, as o pposed to single persons happily feasting on a ‘buffet of choice’ (Michael Fassbender really should trademark that expression). The more romantic you are, the more disappointed you’ll be, so cast off those rose-tinted glasses and get real. Give off desperate vibes and people will take advantage. Give off ‘I’m So Happy In My Skin’ vibes and people will want to hang out with you.

It goes without saying that the more you go out, the more people you’ll meet – as in really meet, as opposed to swapping big fat lies and cyber-spunk with avatars on dating websites. So cast your net wide, from film/book clubs to salsa classes to

running groups to tofu knitting – whatever floats your boat.

Most importantly, don’t get slaughtered (see the above point about desperate vibes). Technology encourages instant gratification, so if you’re lucky enough to bag a hottie’s phone number, tread carefully. Cultivate insouciance; bring back The Three Day Rule to not only keep him/her tantalised but also protect yourself from a Sisyphian texting loop that will rob you of your sanity (‘now what do you think he really means by “I had a great time last night”…’). Be kind, not mean, to keep ’em keen.

Simone de Beauvoir once said ‘to catch a husband is an art; to hold him is a job’ – so remember, whatever hoops you jump through to woo, keeping a partner is much harder. Silly really, when the key to a blissful, sexually satisfying long-term relationship is blindingly obvious: separate bathrooms and sharing the housework.

Roses are red...

Metro Herald’s Valentine’s Gift Barometer ranks presents based on their Love/Lust ratio, giving each a totally scientifically-worked-out ‘Valentine’s Verdict’ so you can choose a gift based on your true feelings for that special someone…

La de da!

Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is upon us, and with it comes the problem of what to do on the day itself.

Angharad Williams lists the dos and don’ts

Advice For Her

Advice For Him

Today, she’s thinking rings end

So take her on the 77A

hat ok at ws network at lo a e v u l b ha Go on, one with the t w o r k N o e d e y the us.ie/N

Dublin

For whatever she’s thinking.

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Jean-Baptiste Vervier

03/02/2014 15:57

Playing away...

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS: Angharad Williams looks at the hotels offering packages this Valentine’s

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et your hearts aflutter with a night at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin. Enjoy its luxurious surroundings by taking advantage of the Retreat With Romance package, which includes accommodation and a four-course, Italian-inspired dinner for two prepared by executive sous chef Alberto Rossi. Relax with champagne cocktails before bed and wake up to a full Irish breakfast. If you want to go the extra mile for €40 the hotel’s concierge can arrange a chauffeur-driven limo to take you to the shrine of St. Valentine on Whitefriar Street, where it’s said the relics of the patron saint of love himself can be found. The Retreat With Romance package is available from €385.

For bookings visit www.fourseasons.com/dublin Tel: (01) 665 4000

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reat yourself and the one you love to some true luxury at the Clarence, one of Dublin’s top hotels located right in the heart of the city. Their fabulous Valentine’s Retreat package includes a one-night stay in a standard king room, a bouquet of seasonal flowers and two glasses of prosecco upon arrival.

For information or bookings contact reservations@theclarence.ie. Tel: (01) 407 0800

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Historic mansion: Carton House, Co. Kildare

or a Valentine’s treat with a difference, book a night in a lighthouse. Snuggle up in front of a roaring fire as the waves crash against the cliffs outside at Crookhaven Lighthouse in West Cork. Stay in the original cottage, which dates back to 1843, or the Long House. Find out more at www.crookhavenlighthouse.ie. Another option is the lighthouse penthouse apartment overlooking the golden sands of Enniscrone Beach in Co. Sligo, which has breathtaking panoramic views of the beach and Killala Bay. For this and other lighthouse properties, visit www.irishlandmark.com

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Luxury surroundings: Four Seasons Dublin

f you like to live green and want a Valentine’s Day that involves getting back to nature there are plenty of options around Ireland. Play Tarzan and Jane at one of the luxury treehouses nestled in the branches of spruce pines. Find your own quirky weekend at www.cottagesforcouples.ie. Croan Cottages in Co. Kilkenny have green, high-quality accommodation where you can also book a meal for two to be delivered to your house.

Find out more at www.croancottages.com

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ust a 30-minute drive from south Dublin you will find the perfect venue for a romantic break in the Wicklow countryside – the Druids Glen Resort.

It’s set on 400 acres between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, making it the ideal setting for a magical weekend. A Valentine’s stay for two including full Irish breakfast, dinner in Druids Brasserie with a glass of prosecco and rose petal turndown is available from €239 per night. For an extra treat enjoy a trip to the spa with a treatment and full access to the health club facilities, followed by lunch in the Pavilion Lounge for only €120 per couple.

Book your stay at www.druidsglenresort.com Tel: (01) 287 0800

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hisk your loved one away for a weekend in the historic Carton House where you can enjoy a two-night break from €235 per person. Enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival at the beautifully restored historic mansion, as well as roses and chocolates in your room after you have checked in.

Head chef Cathal Kavanagh will be cooking up a truly exquisite Valentine’s menu in the award-winning Linden Tree restaurant on one of your nights, and you will also have breakfast on both mornings.

For more information or to book your room visit www.cartonhouse.com Tel: (01) 505 2000

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ave a romantic retreat in Wicklow at the award-winning BrookLodge and Macreddin Village (below). On February 14 and 15, the special Valentine’s package allows you to enjoy a night’s bed and breakfast, a bubbly reception in The Waterside lounge, a seven-course tasting menu in the Strawberry Tree - Ireland’s only certified organic and wild restaurant - and a bottle of wine. Upgrades and extras are also available upon request.

For reservations, visit www.brooklodge.com Tel: 0402 36444

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f you really want to get away from it all, head to Cork for a sugar-coated weekend at the Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. The Sweets For My Sweet package includes a romantic champagne picnic at the foot of the West Cork headland overlooking the sandy Inchydoney beaches and an Elemis back massage in the couples suite, followed by afternoon tea. The two-night break also includes a deluxe ocean view room with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Prices for the package start from €275 per person sharing midweek, and €295 per person sharing at the weekend.

For more information visit www.inchydoneyisland.com Tel: (023) 883 3143

Enjoy a distinctive Valentine’s evening at The Brasserie in The Marker Hotel.

You will begin the evening with a delectable champagne cocktail before enjoying our Black Valentine’s four course tasting menu. To complete the dining experience you can select our wine pairing menu. After dinner guests of The Brasserie on Valentine’s night will also have priority access to our Rooftop Bar to take in some of the most romantic views in Dublin.

SOUL MEETS SOUL ON LOVERS' LIPS VA LEN TI N E S AT THE M A RK E R HOTE L

TASTING MENU €75PP WINE PAIRING MENU €30PP Book online themarkerhoteldublin.com Talk to us at 01 687 5193 Email us at brasserie@themarker.ie Tweet us at @themarkerhotel The Marker Hotel Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2, Ireland.

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31/01/2014 09:55

Nights on the town GOING OUT: From fine dining to a night on the tiles, there are plenty of options this Valentine’s, by Angharad Williams

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njoy an enchanting evening on the most romantic day of the year in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel – and while you’re there, add some passion to the night with the specially created four-course dinner in the Saddle Room restaurant, where the menu includes fresh Carlingford oysters, chicken liver parfait and a Charleville fillet of beef. If you would prefer a more informal setting, try the chocolate and champagne afternoon tea (right) in the Lord Mayor’s lounge, which is available from Februrary 10 to 17. Enjoy treats such as warm buttermilk scones with clotted cream and chocolate and mango passion crème.

For bookings visit www.shelbournedining.ie or call (01) 663 4500

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or a night to remember at The Cliff Townhouse in Dublin, start your evening off with a romantic, horse-drawn carriage ride around the city followed by a glass of prosecco on arrival. Then head to the dining room overlooking St Stephen’s Green where you will enjoy a large seafood platter to share – and a dessert platter filled with love. Available from February 11 to 17, this package is on offer at €49 per person.

For bookings or information visit www.theclifftownhouse.com or call (01) 638 3939

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f you would rather be in the kitchen this Valentine’s Day, then a couples cookery class at Donnybrook Fair might be just the thing. Chef Robert Jacob has created a master class for two, which will take place in the purpose-built, state-of-the-art cookery school located above the Donnybrook Fair store on Morehampton Road. The class will then be followed by a Valentine’s supper featuring all of the dishes created during the evening. The Valentine’s Day cooking class for two is priced at €120 per couple.

For bookings or information visit www.donnybrookfair.ie Tel: (01) 668 3556

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ead to Temple Bar for some retro love this year at the Vintage Cocktail Club. On February 14, dress to impress for one of Dublin’s hippest venues where you can cosy up by the fire, enjoy some Valentine cocktails and have dinner in the lavish surroundings. Open from 5pm – you will need to book to get in on the action.

For more information, email heythere@vintagecocktailclub.com

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he Queen of Hearts will be in residence at the Liquor Rooms on Wellington Quay this Valentine’s Day, where she will be setting couples up and giving Cupid a helping hand. You can write a little note of your intentions to a certain someone and he will pass them on to your beloved. There will be white roses painted red on the night – and plenty of cocktails, which you enjoy to a stylish soundtrack of jazz, funk and soul.

Night to remember: The Cliff Townhouse

To find out more, email hello@theliquorrooms.com

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here will be plenty of love at The Marker, where couples can enjoy a specially created menu for Valentine’s night. Enjoy the evening at The Brasserie where this year’s chosen theme is black: begin the evening with a champagne cocktail before choosing from the Black Valentine’s menu (€75pp), which has been designed by executive chef Gareth Mullins. For an additional €30pp, enjoy the wine pairing menu to perfectly match each course. After dinner you will have priority access to the Rooftop Lounge to take in some of the most romantic views in Dublin.

Find out more or book at www.themarkerhoteldublin.com Tel: (01) 687 5193

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f you’re single this Valentine’s Day you don’t have to sit at home and hide under the duvet. Everleigh Garden is putting on a doubles or singles night – and couples and singles are welcome. The singles can enjoy shots including Cupid’s Helper, Walk of Shame and the One-Night Stand, while the loved-up couples can have some Love Potion, Ying‘n’Yang and Jellybaby Jacuzzi.

Valentines views Day 154x118mm ad5_Layout 1 Romantic of Dublin:metro The Marker

For details email hello@everleighgarden.com

3/02/14 12:30 1 Tel:PM 083Page 445 4556

Available from all authorised Sennheiser premium retailers.

A Valentine’s guide

Don’t blame us if you keep choosing the wrong one – movies have been telling us for years who to avoid. By Ross McDonagh

Take me to church: Roberts

to movie dating

Worst. Valentine’s Day. Ever Gearóid Farrelly

bos m o C e m a N C e l eb Do you know your Brangelinas from your K-Patzes?

Take the following 20 celebs and mash their names up into your best dream celeb couple names.

Send a picture of your page @metrohnews or comps@metroherald.ie

Enter for your chance to

win a year’s supply of Häagen-Dazs ice-cream! *

What’s you & your partner’s Celeb Name Combo?

Your Celeb Name Combos:

Write it down here, then take a picture of it and tweet it to @metrohnews or email comps@metroherald.ie

1.

2.

Your name:

3.

Your partner’s name:

4.

5.

Your Celeb Name Combo:

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

* A voucher booklet to include 52 x 1 pints of Häagen-Dazs ice-cream so 1 per week

Enter for your chance to win a year’s supply of Häagen-Dazs ice-cream! *

My crummy Valentine NOMANCE: Sandra Harris recounts the story of her worst Valentine’s date ever

‘He bought me spoons from the two euro shop’

The ride RUSH-HOUR CRUSH By now, Metro Herald’s legendary Yeh Big Ride column on its Mailbox page has achieved cult status. We compiled some of our favourite Yeh Big Rides • To the brown-haired man who wears the pink shirt and works in Penneys on O’Connell Street, you can be a Christian Grey, and nice bum ; ) Anonymous

• Will the girl who gets the No 83 bus every morning from Rathmines to Church St please marry me or at least give me ur mobile no? Our eyes always meet. Be brave.

D6

• To the Baggot St Boots girl with the incredible eyes. I’ll be in for my prescription soon ; ) NuttR

• To the burly, bald guy in the black hoody and glasses on the 66 bus on the way back to Maynooth after Slayer a few weeks back. I really like your smile, maybe we could rock out together sometime?

Avril

• To the red-haired, brown eyed, blue jumpered goddess who got off the 66a bus at the Ball Alley in Lucan at 12.10 on Friday afternoon, I was the guy sitting behind you. You smiled at me. I’m sorry I didn’t smile back, I had just messed up an exam and was deep in thought but I would love to see your beautiful eyes and beautiful smile again.

Big Mick from Dublin

• Dear Big Mick, I saw your message in the Metro Herald today and I’m sorry to hear about your exam. I’d love the opportunity to put a smile back on your face. Get in touch : ) The blue-jumpered goddess, Dublin.

(We passed on their number but haven’t heard what became of them)

• To the guy with the brown hair and brown eyes who gets the train from Blackrock in the evenings, I think you are a work of art. I try get a seat or standing space next to you and when I get the opportunity I smell your hair. It smells so beautifully clean and gorgeous, just like you. I hope you reply to this as I would love to meet you. I was thinking of surprising you by going around to your house with a bunch of flowers but I thought I would leave that for another day. Please get in touch. I’m the girl who is always standing next to you staring at you. Hope to hear from you.

The future Mrs. Brown Hair And Eyes

• Mandy, you said you’re from Greystones and your dad was a

guard. Thanks for the cheese and onion crisps on the 4am Nitelink. I should have asked for your number.

Regretful, Dublin (Mandy called and we passed on Regretful’s details, but didn’t hear any more from them)

• To the unpatriotic Meath fan outside McGrath’s on Sunday after the Dublin v Meath match.

I gave you my Meath plait. Can I have it back – and your phone number?

Meath girl

• To the AC/DC Luas driver, can I be your whole lotta Rosie?

City centre Rock Chic

• To the girl who got the 7:50am Dart from Malahide yesterday, wearing the black and white striped dress. You have legs that make every morning feel like summer.

An admirer

• To the stunning blonde girl who almost got her phone snatched on the Luas on Friday afternoon, sorry, I was too distracted by your beauty to stop the wannabe thief...

The man in the suit

• To the cute guy who said hello to me as I was walking past Insomnia on Pembroke Street on Wednesday around 11am, would have preferred if you had taken my number ; ) Shy girl

• To the stunningly handsome man who wears glasses and drives a grey Volkswagen Passat through the Ranelagh/

of your life...

Clonskeagh crossroads at 7.45 each morning, your smile and occasional singing along to the radio gives me the lift I need to hit the day running.

Girl on blue bike with pink helmet

• To the beautiful brunette who gets the 25b bus into town most mornings – you sometimes wear glasses – you start my day off perfectly. I have to pick my jaw back up off the floor when I see you get on.

The baby faced creeper

• To the girl in the pink pyjamas standing on Talbot Street on Wednesday afternoon with a cigarette in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other, roaring down the street – you’re absolutely gorgeous. Want to get together for the weekend?

I’m that bloke with one hand down the front of his grey tracksuit bottoms, slurring my words every time ask a tourist for 50 cent for the bus home.

Micka, via e-mail

I doubt it, since you can have nothing but contempt for women in general with such a heading. Then again maybe you have nothing but contempt for the women I have mentioned. It is a disgraceful heading to see anywhere. Please get a bit of respect for your readers and yourself.

Joe, Raheny

• Joe, I have no idea why you think ‘Yeh Big Ride’ shows contempt for women. There’s no mention of this column being exclusive to men or women. What’s the harm in having an opportunity to compliment strangers?

Sinéad, Dublin

• To the blonde-haired girl with the yellow jacket who gets the early train from Newbridge to Heuston most days, I saw you shivering this morning. Want me to warm you up?

• Any cat-loving men out there? I’ve just dumped my bf cos he thought the Love/Hate scene was funny. Wltm a kind, sensitive man who loves (all) animals.

Furball Fiona

• To John (or Sean?) who I met in O’Donoghue’s and dragged to the Hairy Lemon, I know we pretended to annoy each other, but I’d like to meet for a drink and maybe another trip in a rickshaw! Without taking your hat this time.

Sue

• To Ian who I met in the Workman’s Club on Sunday night, we should have done karaoke together. Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s go to the zoo, because I really wanna monkey with you.

Catriona, D4

Slender

Any cat-loving men out there? I’ve just dumped my bf cos he thought the Love/Hate scene was funny. Wltm a kind, sensitive man who loves (all) animals.

Furball Fiona • To the Editor, I write to you regarding the heading on the column ‘Yeh Big Ride’.

I wanted to know if you are publishing this for your mother, your wife, your daughter or your girlfriend?

• To the insanely cute blonde with lip piercing getting on at Clontarf at 4pm last Wednesday, our eyes met as we looked back. Drinks?

Scarfed guy

Smitten on your commute? mail@metroherald.ie @metrohnews Facebook.com/metroherald

Choc revelation KEN ROGAN on his long-term affair with a very dark-hearted lover

Everything changes when you meet The One: Red Lindor chocolate balls

AS SHE’S EX T R A SPECIA L SO ARE OUR ROSES Visit in store to discover our range of beautiful bouquets.

12 Red Roses from

€14.50

#ShareTheLove

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