Fancy footsie?

There’s no better place to flirt with your love than in a nice restaurant, and there’s no better time than Valentine’s Day.

By ELIE LESHEM
Food and romance go hand in hand all year round, but never generate as much amorous fascination as on Valentine’s Day. With this promise-filled evening in mind, some of Israel’s best chefs have assembled sensual menus specially designed to hit that hot spot. So why not clink champagne glasses with the one you love and gaze deep into each other’s eyes through the steam rising from plates of delicious food?
OLIVE YOU
At the Olive Leaf restaurant in the Tel Aviv Sheraton Hotel diners can choose from Valentine’s Day specials created by Chef Charlie Fadida, as well as sample the regular menu. An especially delicious-sounding entree is the roasted duck breast in chili and honey, with caramelized shallots, crispy potatoes and spinach on the side (NIS 80).
Olive Leaf, Sheraton Hotel, Rehov Hayarkon 115, Tel Aviv, (03)-521-9300. Kosher.
YOUR PLACE OR WINE
Banahala in Nahariya is teaming up with the Golan Heights Wineries to offer an evening of lustful pleasures. Chef Omri Shahar has concocted a six-course meal which is sure to get the love flowing once each dish is paired with its bashert – a specially selected wine. First up is a salmon ceviche on a bed of beet carpaccio with the white of a quail’s egg and a celery salad. Needles to say, it only gets better from there. The evening kicks off at 8 p.m. and runs NIS 420 per couple.
Banahala, Rehov Yitzhak Sadeh 17a, Nahariya, (04) 951-2074.
FOR A BUNDLE OF JOY
Located in the heart of Jerusalem’s German Colony, Joy is preparing for a magical evening of red-toned food and ambiance. Upon entering the restaurant, which will be decked out with red balloons, the better half of each couple will be presented with a red rose from the hostess. Live jazz and two complementary glasses of champagne (with the purchase of a full meal for two) should round out the evening.
Joy, Rehov Emek Refaim 24, Jerusalem. 1-599-530-033. Kosher.
ROYAL COUPLE
Scala, in Jerusalem’s David Citadel Hotel, is inviting the romantically inclined to enjoy a rich dinner and wine tasting on Valentine’s Day. The luxurious seven-course meal will be accompanied by a selection of Golan Heights vintage wine to complement each course. The evening will be hosted by a wine expert from the Golan Heights Wineries. NIS 350 per person.
If a deeper pampering is your pleasure, you can opt for a candle-lit romantic celebration for two at the David Citadel Spa, starting with a massage and followed by pure relaxation in a double Jacuzzi with champagne and a sampling of the finest seasonal fruits.
The David Citadel Hotel, Rehov Hamelech David 7, Jerusalem, (02) 621-2030 (Scala), (02) 621-2040 (spa).
SPANISH ROMANCE
Kadita and Chef Sahar Rafael have decided to inject Valentine’s Day with a Spain tang, opting for an evening of tapas for two on top of the regular menu.
The restaurant is located in Moshav Timurim, near Kiryat Malachi Junction off Highway 40, 1-700-55-58-56. Kosher.
SWEET LOVE
The Alma restaurant and the Shizen bar, both located in the Daniel Hotel in Herzliya, are offering a night of specially romantic dishes. To balance the palate each couple will receive two glasses of champagne on the house. The Shizen bar serves a meat meal while Alma will cater to the dairy-loving duos.    
Rehov Ramot Yam 60, Herzliya, (09) 952-8282. Kosher.