Valentine's day is arguably the most stressful holiday around. Between finding the perfect gift, planning a romantic night out, and saving enough money to pay for all of the above, couples get so frustrated that the day becomes another money issue to fight about. Do yourself a favor this Valentine's day and enjoy a relaxed night out with that special someone with conversation, not pretention as the main ingredient. With our suggestions for a fun night out on Feb. 14, all for under LE 150 LE, you ll be sure to impress your date with your thoughtful creativity without breaking your budget. For some, dinner and a movie is the formula for a perfect date. For a slightly more affordable but far more interesting take on this classic date night skip the full blown dinner and instead go for appetizers or dessert at Casper and Gambini's and a movie at the posh Golden Stars Cinema, City Stars. Guys looking to score extra points on the big day should not hesitate to suggest "Bride Wars for the evening's show. If movies aren't your thing, stay in City Stars and check out the Intercontinental City Star s poolside café. With comfy beanbag chairs, shisha and an affordable minimum of LE 75 per person, this classy option is sure to please. As Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year, going out for lunch instead of dinner is a good option for those tight on cash. Lebanese favorite Tabboula is a great place for a classy Valentine's lunch minus the standard nightly LE 90 minimum charge. If you've never been to Azhar Park, Feb. 14 is the time to go. This beautiful green space overlooking the historic mosques of Islamic Cairo is the perfect place to walk, talk and enjoy a homemade or takeout picnic this Valentine's day. Chocolate fanatics should head to Crave and try their famous fondant. One dessert plus two drinks shouldn't set you back more than LE 60, and what's more romantic than chocolate cake for two? Tip: try the Maadi location as it is less crowded and has a non-smoking section. If you like to party, head to classic nightspots Cairo Jazz or After Eight for a light dinner, drinks and dancing - these party locations are a sure bet for a fun night out that won't empty your wallet. Gourmet couples should head to La Casetta, the best place in Heliopolis for a relaxing dinner in a low-key environment. The Italian menu provides the ultimate in comfort food, and the bill won't ruin your evening either. For those of you with your own kitchen, cooking up a homemade meal for your mate is thoughtful, romantic and economical, a surefire way to win their heart this Feb. 14. Bonus for baking something chocolatey for dessert. For the adventurous, there are some typically Egyptian evening options not to be missed. Favorites include: a takeout picnic on a felucca under the stars, dessert at Alain le Notre on the Nile (LE 60 minimum), or a trip up to Mokattam for shisha and spectacular views of Cairo. In a city full of endless opportunities for dining, entertainment and adventure, it's about time Feb. 14 got a little more interesting than flowers, chocolate and a candlelit dinner. May this credit crunch Valentine's Day be a new beginning for couples everywhere.
