AsiaLIFE

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and lovers across the city are making plans for the special day. Craig Gerard takes a look at those low-lit romantic hideaways.

Valentine’s Day seems to be growing more popular each year in Phnom Penh. Reservations are harder to get, flowers fly off the shelves, and the flurry of pink and red balloons can be blinding. The following restaurants all offer a quiet spot to connect with your lover. Many venues offer a special Valentine’s Day menu. Make reservations early – many places will be booked solid that night.

Khmer Surin
9 Street 57, Tel: 023 993 163
Let the lush garden and quiet tinkle of the water fountain wisk you away to tranquillity. The dark green of the abundant plants contrasts with comfortable red and orange cushions on the broad wicker and dark wood furniture to create a tantalising ambience. Book the South Gate portion for a more secluded experience. The green mango salad (US$3) has a nice spicy bite, as does the basil stir fry with your choice of meat (US$3). The tom kha soup (US$5) will warm your mouth as well as your heart.

K’nyay
25K Suramarit Road (St 268), Tel: 023 225 225
For the vegetarian or vegan Valentine, nothing beats K’nyay. Set back from the street in a relaxing garden, this restaurant exudes a rustic romanticism. With simple modern furniture, and dark interiors, you can melt into the couches after eating a fulfilling meal. The crunchy sweet corn fritters (US$2) are delicious to share. The hearty, sweet potato, pumpkin coconut curry (US$5) is full of opposites – the yellow sauce contrasts with the dark wild rice and the sweet vegetables mix with the spicy curry. Save room for sticky rice with sweet mango (US$3) to round off your meal.

Le Duo
17 Street 228, Tel: 023 991 906
Italians make good lovers, but they also make great food, as evidenced at Le Duo. Dine poolside and witness plenty of naked bodies under the gaudy-but-fun Sistine Chapel replica, or slip inside for some air-con and candlelight. Sweet (and cheesy) love songs are sure to serenade you while you eat cannelloni al forno, duck and spinach stuffed pasta (US$6.50 for a small plate) or a scrumptious calzone (US$7.75). If you are looking to avoid heavy pastas, the sea bass (US$9.50) is light and flaky, with a velvety butter sauce. No matter your choice, you’re sure to find a good pairing from the deep wine list. For dessert, indulge in the fluffy tiramisu (US$4.50). Close your eyes, and you can almost imagine you’re next to the canals of Venice.

Bai Thong
100 Sothearos Blvd., Tel: 023 211 054
Not sure if you are in the mood for Asian or European cuisine? Head to Bai Thong, one of the only venues in town that simultaneously does both well. The quaint dinning room has many pillars that create a sense of romantic seclusion. French onion soup is US$4.50, or its Thai counterpart tom kha gai is US$4.90. The pad thai (US$5.80) is refreshingly authentic, and the tenderloin steak (US$16.90) is juicy and well prepared. For a sweet and exotic dessert try the bua loi (US$2.80).

Pacharan
389 Sisowatch Quay, Tel: 023 224 394
A wine-themed décor with vibrant reds and oranges awaits diners at Pacharan, and the funky Spanish grooves will turn your meal into a fiesta. Make reservations early to ensure you get a table on the balcony. Watch the Tonle Sap drift by while sharing a bottle of Spanish wine and flavourful tapas. The calamares (US$4.40) are a great starter and pair well with the chorizo a la plancha (US$5.50). Nothing says “love” like sharing a paella de carne (US$8.25/person). Top it all off with Catalan crème brulée (US$3.85) washed down with a glass of ‘Pacharan’ liqueur.

Ocean
11 Street 288, Tel: 012 176 6690
Topping most expats’ “I’ve been meaning to try that restaurant” list, Ocean will not disappoint. The kitchen churns out consistently good seafood. The stark-white walls adorned by abstract paintings are simple enough to avoid distraction from either date or plate. The tuna tartar (US$6.50) served on a bed of arugula with a tangy citrus dressing is substantial enough for two. If it’s fresh, the red snapper fillet (US$10) is light and tender, with subtle Mediterranean spices. Reasonable wine prices (US$20/bottle) will get your evening on the right track. Finish the meal with the airy chocolate mousse (US$4) presented with cream and raspberry highlights.

Van’s
5 Street 102, Tel: 023 722 067
Stepping into this 150-year-old French Colonial building, you’re in for something special. From the dark wooden columns to the symmetrical tables settings, the entire restaurant is geometric perfection. The servers are attentive, but never hovering. For a treat, enjoy the foie gras stuffed raviolis (US$9) or warm your throat with the thick French onion soup (US$6.00). The rib-eye steak “Café de Paris” (US$17) is meat of the highest quality, served with buttery gravy and au gratin potatoes. Unless a bottle on the wine list really catches your fancy, stick with a glass of Australian De Bortoli Shiraz-Cabernet (US$4), which compliments many menu items. Hot on top and cold at the bottom, the raspberry crème brulée (US$5.50) is just as it should be.

La Résidence
22 Street 214, Tel: 023 224 582
One of Phnom Penh’s top restaurants, La Résidence combines elegance and luxury to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. From the dining area, watch the water cascade down the window, sending twinkling lights straight to your table. Or for a more intimate setting, reserve one of their four private rooms. The menu is as impressive as the Khmer art adorning the walls. The green salad (US$13.50) with papaya and smoked salmon dances on your taste buds. The rib of beef (US$89 for two) is slow cooked and topped with your choice of house-made sauces. It pairs well with the Fleur de Cap Pinotage (US$39.00). The passion fruit and lychee crème brulée (US$6) puts a local twist on the delicious dessert.