Valentine Bites

Sips and nibbles

The right wine married to the right chocolate is a match made in heaven, say the folks at the Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, where the sommelier has paired four types of house-made Ritz - Carlton chocolate with four distinct styles of sweet wines from the New World to the Old World. A Valentine treat available through Feb 28, 5 pm-11 pm at The Lounge; 198 yuan per set, subject to a 15 percent service charge. For reservations: 010-5908-8180.

Dual delight

Via Roma, the Italian restaurant at Beijing's Kempinski hotel, will have a sweet take-away for happy couples heading back to their love nests: a heart-shaped white-chocolate raspberry cake. That parting gift is part of the Italian restaurant's set dinner for Valentine's Day. It's 888 yuan for two and includes a medallion of Canadian lobster and "Cupid's Raviolo", pink puffs of pasta filled with buffalo mozzarella and castelmagno cheese fondue. More info and bookings: restaurant.beijing@kempinski.com or 010-6410-4200.

A truly hot brew

If love is really starting to heat up - or you want it to - head for Ricci Cafe in Beijing's Wuodaokou area for a signature Sichuan mocha. A tall glass of sweet sipping is 35 yuan, but look out for the spicy kick. Ask for two straws - and two chilies, if you dare. 010-8215-8826.

Think pink

Pink is the word at the cake shop in the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, where a beautiful sponge cake with layers of strawberry mousse and strawberry jelly is made for two-fork fun. It's HK$328 ($42) for 500 grams. 852-2825-4008.

China Daily