Stupid cupid

It’s the age of clubhopping, mobile phones and social networking sites, so the cupid strikes quite often, but, the real test comes with making ‘that thing called love’ last. And making it last means hard work (extra hard work nowadays considering we are the generation that has the term ‘falling out of love’ included in our vocabulary). But right in the middle of our crazy, jet paced, confused lives, love continues to give us the most beautiful of fairy tales. So we had these three couples who happen to be living the fairytale (and also know a thing or two about the city’s most romantic hotspots) pitch in with some great suggestions for valentines day on everything from the perfect coffee place to popping the question the right way


Chetan Acharya and Priyanka Palani

Says Priyanka “I told Chetan that I wanted him to cook us dinner for Valentine's Day, but for the sake of both our tongues and tummies I think we'll be having dinner at a nice restaurant. You don't have to make extravagant plans for the day, just spend time with your loved one.”
Popping the question: Someplace in nature would be truly romantic, but Chennai doesn't have much of that (other than the beach which is not private enough) so an elegant, quiet restaurant with romantic lighting would be the best. Our personal pick would be Prego in Taj Coromandel.
Quick weekend away: Kumarakom! The greenery and backwaters of Kerala inspire a peacefulness that is best enjoyed with your partner at your side.
Crazy for love: Hanging a banner over Anna flyover declaring their feelings. But for the record we definitely discourage this because it could cause an accident or two (laughs)


Craig Gallyot and Pooja Ramachandran

Says Craig “We are off to Ooty because it’s the only place where we can hold hands and walk on the roads and buy carrots and eat for just Rs 5 and of course also because the weather guarantees a lot of hugging(laughs).”
Coffee and conversation: ‘Paprika’ at Courtyard by Marriot is a great place for a nice cup of coffee and some privacy.
A ‘hearty’ meal: Our personal favourite is Sigree because we have this special place there that we are escorted to and also because we both share a weakness for their amazing dal makhani
Fun night out: Definitely Dublin or Blend!


Vivek Karunakaran and Shreya Kamalia

Says Vivek “Well we usually do not really sit down to make plans for special days like this. We try and go with the day and suit ourselves to the best of what the day has to offer. It might be a dinner out with close friends or maybe jus some wine & slow dancing at home”
Offbeat: Plan a surprise trip to bandipur national park or even a quick getaway to Pondicherry and enjoying the leisure of Auroville would be an interesting option.
DVD pick: Notting Hill / When harry met sally / Pretty woman
For last minute gifts (that are unfailingly romantic): Head to Amethyst or The Box