No sooner have you been fleeced senseless buying presents for your loved ones over Christmas, than the next big wallet-troubling event starts shimmying into view. With Valentines Day at Manchester restaurants falling on a Saturday this year, you better make your mind up pronto as to where you’re going to take your loved one. Fail to be decisive and miss out on your favourite table – prepare for life in the dog house, mate.

OK, so what’s the drill this Valentines Day at Manchester restaurants? Well, I would advise not to come across as too much of a skinflint. You don’t want to get called peppered at the dinner table, even though a confused waiter might bring you the black pepper grinder, you’ll know exactly what your missus is referring to – how many shackles you have to count out at the end to pay for the meal.

The way I see it, there’s two options this Valentines Day at Manchester restaurants: 1. Drop lyrics about the credit crunch affecting your capacity to provide the top end munch for you and your other half; 2. Sod it, and splash out regardless. Life should be so much easier if you go for option two and shell out for a special evening. Come to think of it, I have a special trick for all of you out there wanting to do something different and save money into the bargain. No, it’s not a two for one deal on steak bakes at Greggs. You’ll have to wait until the end before I give the game away.

Right, I’m going to deal with those of you who are going to get fleeced, sorry, who are going to spend whatever it takes to make the evening a night to remember. A few years ago I took my girl to Stock. She was suitably impressed. I’d recommend it in fact. Now, Stock is a real stunner of a building, it’s the old Stock Exchange no less, and the food is good. It’s not cheap mind. This year it’s £45 per head for 4 courses. Add a glass of champers each and a bottle of wine, plus service charge, and yes, it’s a pretty expensive do, but is it value for money? Yes, I thought so.

As an alternative this Valentines Day at Manchester restaurants, I am going to suggest Chaophraya. I love Chaophraya, the staff, the food, everything. If ever you crave a dish called choo chee or, indeed, any other authentic Thai recipe, go Chaophraya, it’s awesome. They’re offering a set menu of £30 for veggies, £40 for meat eaters and £50 for decadent meat eaters. Again, not cheap, but we’re not talking plastic table covers and cutlery here.

Equally impressive, if not more so in terms of design, is Vermillion. It may have a location that’s a mission to get to if you’re not from round Miles Platting or the surrounding neighbourhoods, but it is one of prettiest restaurants in Manchester and their Valentines menu looks the business. 5 courses weighs in at £44 per person. But they’re not skimping on the quality: lobster is on the menu as well as Moet & Chandon Rose Champagne sorbet. If that doesn’t impress your date then it’s time to get rid! Only kidding, at least wait until the next day and see if you get lucky.

Those on a tight budget this Valentines Day at Manchester restaurants, let’s face it that’s a lot of us at the moment, will want to explore other options that are good, but won’t break the bank. These include, I’m going to round ‘em up quickly here, Pizza Express, Croma, This and That and Yadgar (curry might not be not ideal for a first date), or pick up some rice and peas at Buzzrocks on Stretford Road in Hulme and take it home. I’d even put out for Buzzrocks gravy. I’m joking, of course.

There's some good deals floating around this year, as well. One of the best ones I've come across is at Carluccio's in Spinningfields. For every couple, it might feel a bit odd dining alone on the big day, who have a two course meal, there will be a free bottle of Prosecco Rose Ruggeri (worth £17.95). Happy days.  

Finally, well done you made it to the end, my little tip to win you maximum brownie point and save you moolah too? Get a recipe, cook something up at home, print off your own menu, light some candles, and serve everything up on your posh plates in a three course surprise stylee. Seriously, pull this off and you will be in the good books for the rest of 2009.