Valentine’s Day Gold Coast 2021: What’s on, what to buy
Dried and native flowers may be the trend at the moment, but a more traditional choice has been revealed as the top seller for Valentine’s Day.
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DRIED and native flowers may be the trend at the moment, but a dozen red roses is still the top pick for Valentine’s Day.
Yuen’s Fruit and Vegetable Specialists’ in-house florist Leanne Erhard has spent months preparing for the year’s biggest celebration of love this Sunday.
The fourth-generation florist, who has been in the industry for more than two decades, said classic red roses were still the most popular choice.
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“Traditional red roses are the best way to say ‘I love you’ whether it’s a single rose, half dozen or a dozen,” Ms Erhard said.
“Valentine’s Day to a florist is like Boxing Day for a clothes store — it’s one of the busiest days of the year.
“Everyone in my family is a florist. We do it because we love it and Valentine’s Day is the best day of the year for me,
“I really enjoy connecting with people and hearing their stories, no matter if they are heartbreaking or love stories.”
Bulk loads of the long-stemmed, crimson flowers started arriving at Yuen’s on Thursday (11/02), with some of them pre-ordered by the more organised lovers.
“For those who have left it to the last minute, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year so it’s the perfect opportunity to head to Yuen’s Journal Café, take your partner out for breakfast and pick up a rose while you’re there,” Ms Erhard said.
IRON ATHLETES’ VALENTINE’S DAY WITH A DIFFERENCE
WHILE Gold Coast couples will be sharing roses, chocolates and presents, two loving duos will be sharing Kingscliff Beach with the best iron athletes in the country.
The Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman series kicks off on Friday with three rounds in three days, meaning the sport’s power couple Matt Bevilacqua and Brielle Cooper, along with new couple on the sand Wes Gould and Olivia Corrin will be spending their Valentine’s Day competing.
Bevilacqua and Cooper are used to spending the special day in competition, with the pair both winning the Eckstein Ironman Classic last year on the day in their respective fields.
Cooper said the couple had spoken briefly about how they’ll spend the rest of Valentine’s Day this year.
“Matt asked me what we should do, if we should go out for dinner or get takeaway and I chose takeaway,” she said.
“We’ll both be very tired after the events, so it’ll be nice to sit down and have dinner together and reflect on our day competing.”
Bevilacqua said he was pleased with his partner’s decision and is looking forward to some downtime after months of training for the event that has been postponed twice due to Sydney COVID-19 outbreaks.
“I don’t really enjoy going out to a restaurant for dinner and having to sit in a crowded place,” he said.
“I’d rather have a nice dinner at the comfort of home or on the beach.”
New Zealander Olivia Corrin and Western Australian Wes Gould both call the Gold Coast home and the couple will have their first Valentine’s Day this year after six months together.
“We’ll be focusing on competing but if we have any plans after that is up to Wes,” Corrin said, who earned a spot on the series in November’s qualifier.
Gould received a wildcard to get the last spot on the series and wouldn’t reveal what he has up his sleeve for the day.
“We’ll just have to wait and see. I’m not giving away any secrets,” he said.
All of the series can be seen on Channel 9GO from Friday to Sunday.
LIST: What to do on Valentine’s Day on Coast
LOCAL lovers looking to pop some bottles – and maybe the question – still have enough time to plot the perfect Valentine’s Day before the big day on Sunday.
For those who like their romance hopped and yeasty, BOBs Beer is opening its brewery floor to allow three tables of two to dine among the heady aromas of the 12 hectolitre drums that produce the Surfers Paradise craft beer.
For $200, guests will enjoy a three-course set menu personally curated, delivered and presented by head chef Norbert Szlama, accompanied by lead brewer Ryan Fullerton to complement a bottomless beer offering.
As a special Valentine’s gift, couples who get engaged on the day will receive the value of their meal back in vouchers to use next time.
BOBs owner Dhi Wig said while chef’s tables were usually set up in kitchens, the opportunity to wine and dine in a brewery in the centre of Surfers Paradise was unique.
“There’s nothing better than proposing to someone in a working brewery if you love beer,” he said.
FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $1 FOR FIRST 28 DAYS
Eateries across the Coast have planned special menus and experiences for the day.
Over by the shore at Main Beach, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is serving an impressive five-course menu curated by head chef Christopher Dodds at its Oyster Bar & Grill.
The $220 price tag includes a glass of Perrier-Jouet, then tuna dukkah, spiced duck, strawberry and champagne sorbet and a choice of lamb rack or ocean trout.
Valentine’s Day ideas
The Lucky Squire, Broadbeach
James Squire beer or glass of Chandon on arrival and a two-course meal. Entrees range from a seafood platter for two, to wood fired lamb skewers, with four mains on offer, including roast barramundi, eye fillet, and gnocchi with blue cheese.
Cost: $59
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Main Beach
Terraces Restaurant seafood feast with two-hour drinks package; five-course menu at Oyster Bar & Grill.
Cost: $119 and $220 respectively
Lost Kingdom Nightclub, Surfers Paradise
Love Island Valentine’s Day party
Cost: Free entry
The Cavill Hotel
A delicious meal and bottle of prosecco, with a surprise gift
Cost: $99
Sofia’s Broadbeach
Sumptuous meal with king prawns, wagyu and more – with dessert and a drink.
Cost: $110
Yamagen, Surfers Paradise
A decadent seven-course lovers Omakase feast.
Cost: $135
Nineteen at The Star
A glass of champagne, caviar and a choice of three amazing mains.
Cost: $150
Asylum Night Club, Surfers Paradise
Traffic light party with coloured accessories to indicate your relationship status.
Cost: Free entry
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