Valentine’s Day is just around the corner folks, where men shiver in their boots wondering how they’ll get it wrong this year and restaurants prepare to be the ones having something handed to them on a plate as the reservation books fill to brimmin’ level. This can either be a date that looms or is eagerly anticipated based on a number of factors. Let’s call this article The Survival Guide to Valentine’s Day (or Don’t bother with the glass, just pass me the bottle).

Early days
If you are presently dating someone but it’s early days, you may be wondering how to tackle the minefield that is Cupid’s celebration. Unless you are both effusively over-the-top people, simply going out for drinks with a light meal might be the way forward. A single flower rather than the whole garden, a garnet instead of a diamond. You know where I’m going with this. If you play it well, it’s a nice way to move things forward a bit and show your romantic side without scaring someone off. Perhaps a walk on the beach, a stop at a bar or restaurant overlooking the water to watch the sun go down?

Something different
Living in or visiting the Cayman Islands sets the stage without much effort on your part, so take advantage of Mother Nature’s beauty and add your own personal touch. Why not make it simple and different by barbecuing some food and washing it down with a nice wine? Just don’t forget the bug spray. It’s no Chanel No. 5 but mosquito bites and resulting lumps are literally no picnic.
 
Are you a practical couple that shuns the obvious? How about kayaking together or snorkelling/scuba diving? Take a horse ride along the beach with one of the professional companies to be found in the business listings. Be inventive, be different!

Relight the flame
Those who have been together for years can reignite that spark on 14 February by arranging a fab night that pulls out all the stops. Rent a limousine and arrive at your favourite restaurant in style, or better yet, travel by helicopter – like the President! Obviously this is not possible with all fine dining establishments – Casanovas has not yet installed a helipad on its roof – but Pappagallo Restaurant is well-prepared for such unusual arrivals courtesy of Cayman Islands Helicopters. Ending the evening with a room at one of Cayman’s finest hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton should definitely rack up the brownie points that can hopefully be spread through the year until the next Valentine’s Day.

Remember reservations
There are so many brilliant restaurants that serve everything from Italian to Indian, sushi to steak, that you’ll be spoiled for choice. The most important thing you have to remember is to make a reservation. Nothing ruins plans like no plans until you’re standing at that host’s podium asking if maybe they could squeeze you in with that other couple sitting at a table made only for two. You’re sure they won’t mind. Valentine’s night is one of the busiest of the year for dinner – prepare and make a booking.

Me, myself and I
So what about the singletons? The free-spirited? The unfettered? Well let’s all just take a deep breath and thank the powers-that-be that in 2010 this day in the second month of the year conveniently falls on a Sunday. Do you know what that means? Brunch, brunch, brunch! Major resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and the Westin Casuarina lay out a stunning spread with bottomless mimosas – exactly what you need with a group of friends to celebrate your independence. There are several restaurants that also offer a la carte or buffet brunches with or without champagne. Sunday brunch is a tradition here in Cayman, and what better day to indulge than on Valentine’s Day? Treating yourself like a king or queen is an excellent way to honour the date. How single am I that I am quoting such Dr. Phil-isms? What would he say – you can’t love the house if you can’t stand the furniture or some such homespun equivalent? Never mind the bumper sticker stuff – just get a bunch of great company together and head to brunch, trust me.
 
The most important piece of advice I can give you is that no matter what you choose to do, if it involves alcoholic beverages of any kind, take a limo or a taxi home. Drunk driving is about as unromantic as it gets and so is your best outfit in central lock-up at the RCIPS station downtown. Law & Order: Special Valentine’s Unit. Not a good idea. WH