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Published on February 13, 2008

These days, strawberries are easily found in Thailand. And besides the unique taste, these local fruits are cheaper than those imported from the US or Australia. Thai strawberry growers have long benefited from HM the King's Royal Project for crop substitution, which has seen hilltribe farmers in the North replace their opium poppies with crops like strawberries.

If you want to know more about the heart-shaped fruit, the Royal Project Foundation and Central Department Store are holding a big strawberry fair to celebrate Valentine's Day at Central Chidlom's Event Hall from today through Sunday.

Besides presenting their hand-picked fruit, strawberry farms are offering dried strawberries, strawberry jam, concentrated strawberry juice and many more products.

A chocolate fondness

Looking for a sweet gift for your loved one? For Valentine's Day 2008, pastry chef Slawek of the Conrad Hotel has created the Diamond Heart Chocolate confectionery as a special Valentine's gift for your beloved.

Made from dark chocolate with strawberry filling and imported sugar diamonds, the sweets come in a lovely jewellery-style box at Bt220 per box.

Other seasonal fare on offer includes chocolate roses, chocolate apples, chocolate hearts with pralines, a chocolate puzzle heart and more.

Orders can be made today only at the Deli by Conrad, on the second floor of All Seasons Retail Centre or the ground floor of Siam Paragon. Call (02) 690 9999.

Let romance flow

If you're planning a night of dining with your lover, Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa offers magnificent views of the Chao Phya River plus special meals and services.

At Trader Vic's restaurant and bar couples can savour the exotic ambience, relax to the sounds of the in-house band or sit outside on the deck with a signature cocktail. Set dinner is Bt6,500 per couple rising to Bt9,500 for a private sala by the river.

Benihana Japanese Steakhouse offers tables where diners can interact with the skilful culinary show put on by the teppanyaki chefs. Private rooms are also available. Set dinner is Bt4,500 per couple.

Call (02) 476 0022, ext 1416.

Fine food and music

Several venues at the Shangri-La Hotel are gearing up for those who want to spend a luxurious evening with their loved one on Valentine's Day.

Guests can take to the water for a Horizon Cruise on the Chao Phya, enjoying the views over dinner. The cost is Bt5,200 for two persons.

Then there's the riverside Sunset Bar, where the J-Twins band is on hand with the food of love and Mediterranean cuisine with champagne in a breezy riverside setting is served. Order a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne (750ml) here, and you'll get a second bottle (375ml) for free.

Available at the newly reopened Angelini Restaurant & Bar, is the set menu from Bt8,200 to Bt9,000 for two persons, including cocktails or wines.

For reservations call (02) 236 7777 extension 6250.

Home for the holiday

If you can't get a table or you want an intimate night at home, then order in - many fine restaurants deliver food in and around Bangkok.

And while you're waiting for your dinner to arrive, you could try this recipe for sexy smoothies. First you'll need to have frozen 120ml of Perrier sparkling mineral water. Toss this together with 12 seedless grapes and 120ml of green grape juice into a blender and give it all a whirl. The sherbet-like results are sweet and smooth. Garnish with fresh grapes.

Compiled by Juthamas Cholthavornpong,

The Nation

The Food Page can be contacted at foodlife@nationgroup.com.