something for the weekend valentine?

So, here we are with our first commercialized celebration of 2009... but what better celebration than that of love?

Doubtless many are wondering how they can make an impression on their beloved this Saturday.  I've been racking my brains thinking of what the ideal venue for an intimate valentine's evening would be. Somewhat predictably, my mind drifted to places that naturally evoke romantic scenes. Paris, the epitome of romance of course immediately springs to mind. So, if I were fortunate enough to be whisked off to either, here's where my heart would be set... aptly named L'Avenue is located on the Avenue Montaigne (41), one of the cities most exclusive shopping havens (from a designer's point of view - if you ain't on it, you ain't). On the terrace and inside its doors you will find an outer circle of window tables, simply and elegantly styled with simple chairs and crisp white linen - perfect for watching the world go by and spying all the beautiful people come and go - and they do all seem to frequent this place.  The inner circle, however, hidden behind the heavy velvet drape, is all sumptuous red velvet and a low lights - perfect for a valentines evening. The food is simple, elegant and delicious and includes dishes such as asparagus, artichoke and Parmesan salad, tuna carpaccio, grilled sole and panned fried calves liver with crushed potatoes. Oh, and the most divine deserts - I tucked into the fresh raspberries with Chantilly cream - delicious but light enough not to hinder any post dinner, ehem, scrabble. L'Avenue Restaurant, 41 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, www.avenue-restaurant.com.

Something for the lady to wear? I've been meaning to write about this wonderful designer for some time, and the run up to valentines day seems most appropriate as this is the kind of place that you chaps just couldn't go wrong in. Maria Grachvogel has only one flagship store in London, on Sloane Avenue. I walked past its windows looking lovingly at the beautiful gowns in the window on several occasions. Finally, I thought I must go in and take a closer look (just coincidentally during sale week). This is the stuff of goddesses - the fabrics, fluid lines, contemporary styles expertly interpreted onto classic designs combine to make a stunning collection of dresses, trousers, knits and evening wear. The great thing is that, most of the pieces are unlikely to ever look out of place year on year, making them a worthwhile investment. My favorites are the asymmetric all in ones and palazzo style pants - a very chic take on classic seventies and eighties styling. If you do present one of these masterpieces to the lady in your life, take your smelling salts ... she may actually pass out in wonderment (and be ready to deliver a kiss of life pretty sharp-ish). www.mariagrachvogel.com.