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Faking It

Chinese Valentine's Day: in-town specials for you and your mate - By Melanie, Aug 07, 08

So everyone knows it's not really Valentine's Day - but the seventh day of the seventh lunar month (today) marks Chinese Valentine's Day. The history of this lover's landmark harkens back to legends of yore that include naked maidens frolicking and that's about all you need to know. Are you looking for an excuse to celebrate love? Although the paucity of Hallmark-y events in Shanghai has got my brain twisted up in all sorts of knots, I did manage to locate a few deals for you.

Aroma @ Villa Oro

One of the few venues to jump aboard the humble Valentine's bandwagon. Villa Oro's promotional flyer makes clear that this special is "only for valentines," which means you'd better be fo' real or damn good at fakin' it. Touted as a "romantic dinner" the Aroma Restaurant in ORO brings out a variety of four course dinner sets ranging from 588-688rmb. After the dinner, scurry upstairs to Bar Salotto with your love-muffin for some complimentary house wine and free flow jazzy tunes. Goes from 6-11pm.

Kathleen's 5 Rooftop Valentine's Dinner

Nothing says "It's Valentine's Day in China" like a rooftop dinner replete with skyscraper gazing. Kathleen's 5 has been crafting a four-course meal for you and your beloved, one cocktail and a surprise dessert by the Chef included. Not only will you be fed, watered and loved, you will leave with a complimentary gift. What gift could be better than amore? I haven't the faintest but apparently Kathleen's 5 is in the know. 788rmb per couple. 5:30pm-11:30pm

Macrobiotic Teppanyaki Set Menu Coupons at Moonsha

So this fantabulous deal is in no way related to Valentine's Day or any other day for that matter. These awesome, and actually quite valuable coupons to Moonsha belong to me and are teetering on the crux of expiration. I am unable to use them myself (red-hot date) and would be remiss to see hundreds of kuais worth of free food go to waste. Macrobiotic: very sexy. Lounging on the Bund: very romantic. Not paying a jiao: very practical. Price: cab fare to my office to pick up coupons. Contact author.

Party at Mural

If you've made it through dinner without picking a fight or rehashing grievances over former trysts, you could try "Valentine's Day round two" party at Mural. Couples arriving in unison receive free chocolates. Triumvirate mood-setting equation of clubbing, slamming music and shots. 50rmb cover includes a drink.

Secret Garden Flower Promotion:

Not to sound crass when we're speaking of romance but let's get real. Love costs money. Here's the breakdown for Secret Garden's flower promotion. Secret Garden's titles are followed by SmartShanghai's interpretation in parens.

1: Baby Love: 190RMB (baby love)
2: Wo Ai Ni: 110RMB (cheapskate)
3: Shining Love: 250RMB (oh, so you're in that place)
4: Precious One: 315RMB (trying to buy your way out of an unforgivable transgression)

So, I guess there's not much doin' for Chinese Valentine's Day after all. But never you mind. You're in love! And seriously, if anyone wants those Moonsha coupons, blow up my email. They're yours.

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