Auckland — By theaucklandguide on January 29, 2010 at 12:30 am
Filed under: Auckland Domain, La Bocca, Music in Parks, parnell, Portofino, St. Tropez, valentine's day

Posh Passion in Parnell

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with that special someone need not be limited to the traditional dinners at hotels or high-end restaurants. Often times, the most romantic dates are the simple and intimate ones, like spending Valentine’s at Parnell.

Start the date on 14 February at the park, particularly at the Auckland Domain Band Rotunda, Domain Drive/The Crescent, Parnell, Auckland, where LippizanEars will be performing from 2:00 to 5:00pm as part of the free Music in the Parks events. Just bring along an afternoon picnic for two of fresh fruit, cheese, and wine.

LippizanEars will feature John Bell on vibraphone, Jim Langabeer on saxophone and flute, Chris O’Connor on drums, Joe Pineapple on bass, and Phil Dadson on his self-invented instruments. In celebration of Valentine’s day, French Toast will also perform some of the most well-loved French chansons of all time.

For more information, contact the Auckland City Council at Phone (09)379 2020 or email requiresinfo@musicinparks.co.nz.

The day does not end there, since Parnell, being the oldest suburb in Auckland, is quite known for its galleries, cafés, restaurants, and quaint boutique-style stores. After the concert, before dinner, exploring Parnell’s beautiful parks and historic buildings would certainly be a romantic treat.

For dinner, Parnell houses some of the best restaurants with al fresco dining options:

La Bocca, an authentic Italian restaurant located at 251 Parnell Road, is a modest place that has heaps of character and a cozy ambience. Dine ala carte or choose set menus at only $40, $50, $60, or $70 per person. For more information or reservation, call 09 375 0083.

Portofino Cucina Italiana, located at 156 Parnell Road, has a warm and inviting interior that makes diners feel as if they are in Italy with the European staff and the restaurant’s authentic and exquisite food. Menu and wine list are available online at www.portofino.co.nz. For more information and booking, call 09 373 3740.

St. Tropez Resturant & Bar, located at 149 Parnell Road, is a miniature part of France regarded as one of the best French Restaurants in Auckland, offering classic French cuisine with an accent of the South Pacific, with an enchanting atmosphere. For Valentine’s Day, St. Tropez has for lunch (from 11:30am) a two-course set menu at $45 per person; and for dinner (early seating from 6pm to 8:15pm and late seating from 8:15pm up) a three-course set menu @ $75 per person. For drinks, simply bring your own wine. For booking or more information, call 09 309 0996.

Photo credit: MusicinParks.co.nz