Why should Valentine’s Day be reserved for couples only? It’s the one evening of the year when restaurants divide their tables into loved-up and cosy two seaters – perfect for those with eyes only for each other, but not exactly ideal for singletons, friends or even double-dates that want to eat out. In refreshing and somewhat quirky defiance of the two-seater system, Chef Brad Ball and his team at Bistro Sixteen82 are presenting their Tapas Long Table of Friends for Valentine’s Day this year, exclusively for singles and friends.

“Valentine’s Day is a special day, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t also be celebrated by single people, raising a glass to their love of life,” says Chef Brad. “The idea is to create a happy occasion with absolutely no romantic overtones for unattached folk who love dining out, and who would like to spend an evening of laughter and fun in the company of their friends and other like-minded people.” Hear hear!

The Valentine’s Tapas Long Table of Friends will seat a total of 20 diners at two sittings, once at 17h30 and one at 18h30. Platters of what is arguably the world’s most social style of food, and the signature of Bistro Sixteen82, will be served to delight our dinner table guests whilst they get on with chatting and meeting new friends. Guests may look forward to a mouth-watering line-up, which celebrates the true origins of tapas, with dishes such as Pollo a la Plancha, a dish of grilled chicken thighs in a tangy harissa and lemon sauce, and Solomillo a la Trinchado, tender cubes of Chalmar beef fillet in a decadent red wine and chilli sauce, to tempt the palate. Dishes will include delicious meat free options too, such as Papas Con Romero, a blend of crushed new potatoes with garlic and rosemary, and the hugely popular Jamón y Queso, a serving of Puglia mozzarella with prosciutto and caper berries. Always a ‘hot’ favourite is Ball’s signature standard Gambas Pil Pil, consisting of shelled tiger prawns smothered in lip-smacking garlic and chilli oil. To round off this perfect occasion, a selection of melt-in-the-mouth desserts will be served in true tapas style.

This relaxed, early-evening rendezvous of great conversation and gourmet cuisine in a glorious vineyards setting is offered at R200 per person, including a glass of Steenberg 1682 ‘bubbly’. Bookings for the Valentine’s Day Tapas Long Table of Friends should be made in advance, as seating is limited. (Tel 021 713-2211; Reservations@bistro1682.co.za)