Dating a chef is a little like dating a coal miner. They spend the vast majority of their time below the ground, emerging 14 hours later covered in burns and cuts. But instead of stories of mine shafts and dynamite blasting, you hear about the Hobart mixer shorting out or how they sold out of foie gras before the second seating. Potential catastrophe at every turn.

It also means that spending Valentine's day together is guaranteed to be impossible. So you have to be a little creative. I am planning a fitting Valentine's meal for two. Chances are that it will be spent in the alley behind the restaurant sitting next to the rubbish bins so I'm keeping the need for cutlery to a minimum.

Romance they say is about making an effort...