Paise bachao, Valentine manao

Love is in the air and WHAT's ON tells you how to celebrate Valentine's Day on a shoestring budget

Economic recession and political parties' shenanigans notwithstanding, youngsters are still keen on celebrating V-Day. We tell you where to head for a night out or buy gifts without making a huge dent in your wallet.

They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. It is also proven scientifically that that some aromas of food can have a greater impact on the body and mind. So, a grand treat for your loved one can really spice up your Valentine's Day.

Barbeque Nation
If you want to try out some kebabs, then The Barbeque Nation can be the perfect choice. The lunch and dinner buffet offers six types of starters including kebabs, soup and the main course and ends with a yummy dessert. The added bonus is the live band, which will play soulful jazz numbers. The buffets are priced at Rs 275 plus taxes (lunch) and Rs 450 plus taxes (dinner).u00a0
At: The Barbeque Nation, behind Dass Electrical, near Agakhan Palace, Kalyani Nagar.
Call: 9371616424u00a0

Shisha Cafe
If you prefer the candle-lit dinner with soulful music, hookahs and plates of tandoori, biryani or kebabs, then head to Shisha Cafe. You can lounge around on beds as well, but it's better that you book a bed around 8 pm, so you don't have to wait outside.
At: Shisha Cafu00e9, ABC Farms, Koregaon Park.

Sweet touch

Chocolate bouquet with teddy at The Chocolate Story

Treat your loved one with some exotic chocolates as they are associated with passion, romance and love. They are also a source of spiritual wisdom, energy and elevated sexual power.

Post 91
If you and your partner want to gorge on desserts and candies, then Post 91 is the place for you. The dinner buffet offers 25 types of sweets and the house music is an added bonus. At Rs 499 plus taxes, you get unlimited drinks and food as well.
At: Lane No 5, Koregaon Park.
Call: 26109191

Indulgence
If your loved one has a sweet tooth, Indulgence offers special Strawberry Cheese Cakes (Rs 270 per pound) and Chocolate Mousse Cake (Rs 250 per pound), especially made for Valentine's Day. Though they are available in large quantities on the racks, it's better to order them a day in advance.
At: Lane 6, opposite Mad House Restaurant, Koregaon Park.
Call: 9823241003

The Chocolate Story
Flower bouquets will be very expensive on February 14 and will eventually wither away. Instead, we advise you to gift Chocolate Bouquets, which can be stored and eaten later too. At The Chocolate Store, you can find delicious chocolate bouquets and teddy bear holders. If that's not enough, check out their Valentine packages, including teddy bears, fancy pouches, fruit champagne and love story books, all wrapped in fancy pink and red paper.
At: Chocolate Story, Shop 5, Landmark Gardens, Kalyani Nagar. Call: 40047049.
Prices: Rs 175 onwards

A coffee specially prepared for Valentine's Day at Barista.
Barista
If you want to start off your love over coffee, then Barista is the place to head to. The new Sweet Nothings menu offers Cold Mayan Chocolate, Strawberry Dream and many others coffees, especially prepared for V-Day. The prices are between Rs 55 to Rs 109.
At: All Barista outlets.

Special gifts

This V-Day, forget the age-old teddy bear and cards, and try out some home du00e9cor items or clothing instead.

Krome
If you are looking for beautiful home du00e9cor and gift items, the furniture mall has come up with items called Love Tokens, which are beautiful statues of men and women in different poses, that can add beauty to your home.
At: Krome Mall, Sholapur Road, Hadapsar. Price Rs 600 onwards.

Shoppers Stop
If you want to shop for your lover, then check out the Valentine Collection at Shoppers Stop. The Life and Insense Collection for women are stylish and reasonably priced as well.
At: Wakdewadi and Camp.

Red Moments
If you want to splurge on gifts that have the pictures of your loved ones on them, coffee mugs, photo frames, T-shirts and chocolates are a good idea.
At: Red Moments, E-Square, Ganeshkhind Road; Foto Fast, MG Road.

Archies
Check out the heart-shaped pillows and photo frames.
At: Archies store on FC Road and MG Road.

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