Making memories: On Valentine’s Day, restaurants offer ‘love at first bite’

‘Indecent proposals’ mark February 14 celebrations in University Town.

PESHAWAR:

‘Heartache’ cost more than the ‘First Kiss’ on Valentine’s Day menus in the city. While some people ate ‘love bites’ for appetisers, others liked the ‘indecent proposal’ at Celeste in University Town.

Dense chocolate-flavoured smoke from a sheesha filled the restaurant where two varnished statues of nude deities stood on the side holding red and white flowers.

With Haddaway’s ‘What Is Love’ on repeat, couples walked into the dim-lit restaurant with hundreds of heart-shaped balloons inscribed with the words of the day: I Love You.

“We have arranged this so couples remember this special day for the rest of their lives,” said Manager Shabir Jan. Shabir said all the arrangements, including the menu, cost nearly Rs0.3 million.

There was First Kiss, Moon Shine and Lips Glow for drinks, while gossip, glimpse and glances, Adam and Eve Soup and hotshots were served as appetisers.



The main course comprised Heartache Chicken Grill, Love at First Bite (Mexican Prawns) and Thai food called Love Birds and Moon Kiss.

Ajmal Nabi, who owns the Central Perk nearby, was busy making arrangements for the night and instructing his staff on the music and lighting. “Couples will never forget the time they spend here at this candle-light dinner,” he said. The cafe had complimentary cappuccino served in red, heart-shaped mugs. “Although we only spent Rs 4,000 on this, the moment is worth millions for the people celebrating,” Nabi said, adding “Despite cultural and parental restrictions, a lot of teenagers have been coming in.”

Meanwhile, in Iqra Chowk, teenage girls and boys roamed around near restaurants, taking quick glances at each other as police deployed in the town watched over.

Policeman Naveed Shah, who was patrolling the road, was not as enthusiastic about the celebrations. “I don’t know why so many people are rushing to restaurants. These people are rich and they can celebrate, but I will not let them create any mess,” Shah said, adding that since morning he had arrested five boys for teasing a group of girls. The day, however, managed to touch Shah’s heart too. “It’s good that at least someone is happy in this nation,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2013.