Valentine's Day dining and gift ideas from Royal Hawaiian Center
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The Beatles have given you some great advice: Let it be. Tomorrow never knows. Think for yourself. All you need is love. But try telling that to your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day and chances are you’ll be hitting the long and winding road.
We know V-Day can be daunting, whether you’re trying to freshen up a long-term relationship or woo that cutie from psychology class. For the ultimate stress-free experience, turn to Royal Hawaiian Center. It provides the ambiance and mouth-watering cuisine while you *ahem* slip away to one of its many shops and nab the perfect gift.
Your honey pie will be singing “Oh! Darling.”
For the Adventurer
Make a reservation at: Five-Star International Buffet. Satisfy your date's wanderlust with an array of choices by executive chef Roberto Los Banos, from oishii sushi to delizioso pasta and everything in-between. Your palates can travel the globe without sacrificing the comforts of home. Building C, Level 3, lunch is $29 adults and $16 kids between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., dinner is $56 adults and $28 kids between 5 and 9:30 p.m., 380-9300.
Order: Everything! Buffets have no limits, just like your better half. Special Valentine’s Day additions to the dinner menu include king crab, gnocchi, eggplant parmesan, lobster bisque, spaghetti and meatballs, seafood risotto, herb-rubbed pork loin with raspberry coulis and red velvet cake.
Gift this: An adorable Ferrari Store Vintage Teddy Bear. This mini jetsetter and its classic bomber jacket and aviator goggles will win the heart of any traveler, straight from the foreign brand’s fast lane. Building C, Levels 1 and 2, $85, 924-3131.
For the Timeless Classic
Make a reservation at: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener. Wolfgang Zwiener hand-selects the restaurant’s beef, which is dry-aged on site, to provide only the best to diners. Simple but classy, upscale without pretentiousness, Wolfgang’s marries great taste with elegance, just like your one and only. Building C, Level 3, $104.95 per couple, 5-10:30 p.m., 922-3600.
Order: Caesar salad, a porterhouse for two, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and chocolate mousse pie with strawberries (nothing like sharing a meal to bring you two even closer).
Gift this: Honolulu Cookie Co.’s gift basket, which includes limited-edition heart-shaped, chocolate-dipped cookies in various flavors. You can’t go wrong with chocolate, the tried-and-true Valentine’s Day staple since before Cupid was born. Building B, Level 1, $5.95–$60, 931-3330.
For the Romantic
Make a reservation at: Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar, or grab a to-go basket for two so you can sneak away to a romantic picnic on the beach—don't forget the cozy blankets—and watch the sunset together. Building B, Level 1, 5–10:30 p.m., 922-3400.
Order: Panzanella, margherita pizza, penne arrabbiata (your amore is spicy!), and bread drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Gift this: The Strawberries and Creme collection from Island Soap & Candle Works for your post-dinner activities. Turn down the lights, ease into the tub and indulge the senses with this heart-shaped floating candle and luscious, handmade soap. Your sweetie will love the strawberry scent, relaxing massage *hint hint* and the knowledge that hey, she loves you (yeah, yeah, yeah!). Building B, Level 1, $3–$15, 922-7887.
Royal Hawaiian Center is open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., at 2201 Kalakaua Ave. Get one hour of free parking with validation ($10 minimum purchase required), then pay just $1 per hour for the next three hours. For more information, visit RoyalHawaiianCenter.com.
