With Valentine’s on the horizon, this Hallmark occasion is a perfect excuse to indulge and treat those special ones in our life; or equally an opportunity to show ourselves and our friends a little love. It came to me at the end of last year, that sharing a truly special meal with those chosen ones, can create more happiness, memories and connections than most other gifts. Something I had really gotten out of the way of doing post kids and pandemic. But, dining together can actually boost our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as being as romantic as you like. So if you need an excuse to indulge, now you’ve got one. It’s good for you!

How different life is now from the time, pre-kids, when I inadvertently became a star chaser. Michelin starred restaurants were a big deal. Alain Ducasse in Monaco, Taillevent in Paris, and Daniel in New York, to name but a few.  They were exciting, glamorous and exclusive. Getting a table at The Fat Duck was like winning a Golden Ticket. When our flight south was cancelled due to snow, it was a no-brainer that we’d of course hop in the car and drive for ten hours in treacherous conditions to make our reservation. But then there was the dreaded pandemic. So much changed for so many including the importance attached to things such as fine dining and Michelin Stars. Eating out in itself changed. We had all gotten out of the habit of doing it and delivery services were, well, pretty much it. I found that my preferences changed too. I no longer had an interest in the pomp and ceremony of a tasting menu and the richness of fancy food no longer appealed. With kids, a late night laced with booze and a not insignificant bill to boot, was definitely not a priority.

It wasn’t until last December, with a birthday and impending wedding to celebrate, that we had another Michelin meal. At the request of the happy couple to be, we turned up for our table at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles.

I’m very fortunate to have enjoyed some special nights at Andrew Fairlie since it opened its doors in 2001. But, I hadn’t been for at least six or seven years as I really had lost my interest in such affairs. The question was, would this once again be a night of exquisite tastes, like it had been all those years ago? Or had fine dining and all its pomp had its day?

I really shouldn’t have questioned this! From the moment we arrived in the exquisite dining room, I can quite honestly say, everything was perfect. A flashback to why restaurants such as these can truly serve up magic. Service was at the ideal pace, not rushed and not protracted, by the most attentive, knowledgeable and personable staff.  The courses and all of the lovely little intermediaries were a parade of perfection. Each one tastier than the last. The ideal balance of indulgence without being overwhelming. There wasn’t a moment of questioning whether you could face what was coming, but rather excitement at how they could possibly triumph what we had just enjoyed. A carnival of a meal with every sense indulged.

The memories of a meal such as this can last a lifetime. Every sense is engaged and endorphins are free flowing; far more so than when you’re presented with a material gift. As Valentine’s approaches, if you’re looking for something truly special to do, be it with a loved one, a friend or family member, maybe you’d enjoy sharing the magic of an incredible meal. Not a novel idea, I know, but probably not a priority either. Restaurant Andrew Fairlie was a reminder of the voyage of discovery and amazement that such an experience can be, with so much thought and work going into every element of every bite. It’s a beacon of perfection and while unquestionably an indulgence, we had a lot to celebrate and it was the perfect way to do so!

The fun and the many benefits of such as occasion isn’t, however, the exclusive preserve of a Michelin star restaurant. There are so many incredible eating places that are also turning out exquisite food in lovely surroundings all over the country. The end result of enjoying an exceptional meal with friends and family is super boosting our happy hormones and is a reminder of how good moments in life can be! A meal such as this is a form of escapism; you’re so immersed in the food, drinks and surroundings due to the knowledge and enthusiasm of the people serving you, for those few hours that you are emersed in culinary wizardry, you are entirely distracted from everything else you have going on. It’s truly a gift of memories, happiness and connections. So if you, like me, have forgotten the thrill you can get from a night with friends focused on great food in a beautiful setting, maybe Valentine’s is the perfect time to rekindle or discover this love! It’s absolutely worth the fuss, every once in a while. And it’s good for you! Happy Valentine’s Day.