Many lament that Valentine’s Day is overpriced. I agree but girls, did you ever stop to think that the guy is willing to get scammed and pay ridiculous prices just for your smile?

I never liked packing the day with activities and this year was no different. It began with a stroll down the Labrador Nature & Coastal Walk, be sure to check it if you haven’t. My partner was already smiling when she got into the Picnic, she must have seen that a lovely surprise was waiting for her:

Valentine's Day roses

A bouquet of 11 roses (4 red, 4 white and 3 pink). Lovely right? Okay being #thickskin again. It is not about how many stalks you buy for a girl but the message you wish to tell her. And I want to tell my partner this:

You are the one I treasure the most

It was a little different from the previous years and no, it is not the color of the roses.

Teddybear as a bonus

There was a teddy-bear along with it, the ones which girls always have in their rooms. I love it because it is always giving a happy face. Whenever you look at it, you will smile along. Right now, I’m smiling just looking at this photo!

With her bouquet of flowers

Blue Potato Dining

Dinner was reserved with Blue Potato at Swissôtel Merchant Court. I have read some really good things about it and it was even one of the recommended places to dine at, so here we are.

A good dinner setting would be a place where I can have a good chat with my date and not struggle to make out what she is saying. Crowded buffets are a big no no! Blue Potato was located at the poolside on level 2 and fitted the bill nicely. With heart-shaped balloons attached to the chairs to create the mood, it was almost the perfect ambience. The only thing it was missing was a nice skyline view.

Swimming pool at Swissotel Merchant Court

The pool was just a step or two from where I was sitting. The gushing water reminded me of the Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands, just that there were no benches to lay on and the lights do change colors at intervals.

The entire place was very dimly lit and made it a challenge for any photo taking, that actually gave me an idea to do some light painting. I was very pleased with the result and coming from the Olympus PEN too. Tell me why I shouldn’t love that camera!

Light painting effect

It wasn’t too long before our food was served. They started with an assorted fruity-like appetizer which wasn’t originally on the menu. Don’t ask me for the name, I have no clue either but it definitely helped to open up our stomachs after the earlier walk.

Appetiser to start it off

#1: Assorted fruit appetizers

Alaskan King Crab, Cucumber jelly, Blue Swimmer Crab cake and Pomelo Salad

#2: Alaskan King Crab, Cucumber Jelly, Blue Swimmer Crab cake and Pomelo salad

Blue Potato Vichyssoise and shucked oyster

#3: Warm Blue Potato Vichyssoise and freshly shucked Oyster

I never liked oysters but I decided to give it one more chance to impress me. Tried it again but I still do not like it, probably my last ever time trying an oyster.

US Beef Short Ribs, Petuna Ocean Trout and Half Shell Scallop

#4: Platter for 2
36 Hours braised US Beef Short Ribs and Bordelaise sause
Petuna Ocean Trout and Half Half Shell Scallop and Chive Emulsion
Flageolet Beans and Cauliflower Pomme Puree

Duet of Chocolate Lover's Dessert pt 1

Duet of Chocolate Lover's Dessert pt 2

#5: Duet of Chocolate Lover’s Dessert

I can’t really have any complaints. The food was fresh when it mattered and the ambience was exactly how I wanted it. The waiters were attentive and my glass of water was never once empty until the end of our meal. The portions might have been a little tiny but it was flavored very nicely and enough not to get my tummy grumbling. A 3.5/5 from me.

Blue Potato
20 Merchant Road
2F Poolside Swissôtel Merchant Court
Tel: 6239 1899
Singapore 058281

A smiling Xinyi

After dinner photo

Of course, how could I forget a post-dinner photo? Chose the wrong position though and the photo was completely illuminated by the flash. Didn’t turn out nicely at all, ah well …

Crowded Clarke Quay

The entire Clarke Quay riverfront was packed with mostly lovebirds and the occasional group of friends. In all my years of Valentine’s Day celebrations, this was my first time to Clarke Quay. Unbelievable right? Managed to take a photo from the not so crowded part.

Couple shot

We don’t really get many couple shots together which escapes being deleted but this is one for keeps. It was definitely a memorable 14th February for me, everything went according to plan and smoothly. It is getting better with each year and hopefully I could plan an even awesome one next year.

How about you guys, how did your Valentine’s Day go?

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