They used to say that 'music was the food of love' but these days the love of food can be a great link for lovers. 

Just think about those reality shows where couples cook together and - somehow - stay lovers after it's all over.

This month, the month for romance, keep an eye on this page as we add lovely dining ideas from around the world:

To begin with:

Thailand's Paresa Phuket offers the unique dining experience among the stars.  Here island daybeds turn into dining beds surrounded by the pool.  Stars in the sky are reflected in the pool around the couple by our fibre optics lighting the its floor like shimmering stars in the water.  You look out over the infinity pool to the Andaman Sea and sunset.

Chefs make up a menu of your choosing, along with champagne of course! And the waiters wade out through the water to serve you dinner.

Truly romantic!

Paresa's Thai Cooking School also offers daily traditional Thai cookery classes led by the resort's Master Chef, using state-of-the-art cooking stations. Market visits and picking herbs from our garden make this a truly unique and interactive experience. Recipe also offers a private dining experience and customised menu for up to 12 guests, complete with 270° ocean views. Guests can also demonstrate their culinary talents and are able to create their own dinner party with the help of Paresa chefs and staff.

ALSO IN THAILAND:

Love is in the Air this Valentine's Day, February 14, at The Square Restaurant of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. Enjoy a sumptuous interactive buffet of international cuisine highlighting delectable desserts that include a deluxe chocolate fountain, strawberry creations and many more.  Valentine's Day Buffet Dinner only 990 Baht* per person plus welcome love shot.

OR

It's the perfect club to celebrate your love between February 11-14, 2011 at Concept CM² of Novotel on Bangkok Siam Square during the 4-night Valentine's Day Mask Carnival of Love Part II. Tickets are 899 Baht net per COUPLE plus there's the chance to win a romantic holiday to Phuket. Couples dressed in matching outfits receive free entry.

For something very different -

This month, Scotland's only two-Michelin star chef, Andrew Fairlie will host Ackergill Tower's annual 'Food of Love' event. Guests at this exclusive romantic weekend will not only be able to sample delicious menus created and demonstrated by Andrew and Ackergill Tower's Head Chef, Kevin Dalgleish but also visit the beautiful and picturesque Scottish Highlands - recently named as one of 2011's 20 Best Trips by National Geographic Traveller.

The 'Food of Love' event takes place from the 25^th- 28^th February and is one of Ackergill Tower's many Open House Party weekends planned throughout 2011, which allow guests to enjoy this gloriously secluded 15^th Century Scottish castle in a private capacity rather than as part of a larger group. The event will showcase the best local produce and the finest wines to accompany Chef Fairlie's mouth watering menu.

Scenic walks along Ackergill Tower's five mile white sandy beach, a round of golf or clay pigeon shooting provide opportunities for guests to work up an appetite for the range of culinary delights, fabulous foodie demonstrations and indulgent wine tastings to be enjoyed throughout this special weekend. It's a perfect way to escape from the stresses of everyday life and to add a little romance in the most romantic month of the year!

Helen McKenzie Smith, Retreat Manager at Ackergill Tower said: "We are tremendously excited to welcome Andrew Fairlie to Ackergill Tower. He is currently climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity H.I.T (Hospitality Industry Trust), so I'm sure he'll be looking forward to his Highland visit after such a challenging experience!

"Our Open House Parties have become increasingly popular with our guests as it allows them to visit us with partners, family or friends without having to be part of a large group. The 'Food of Love' event is ideal for food lovers providing great insight into the works of a Michelin star chef."

The 'Food of Love' event is priced at £1050 per person and includes:

• 3 nights luxury accommodation, arriving on Friday 25^th February
• All meals
• Drams and Sloe Gin in the Gun Hall, plus champagne from time to time
• Wines, burgundies and clarets to accompany dinner
• After dinner drams
• Guided walks with a ranger
• A traditional Scottish Ceilidh and Pipers
• VAT

Valentine's Day dining around Australia

Go to de Groots Best Restaurants' newsletter for the best and most romantic places to dine around the country.

Romantic Dining in Sydney

Find some other favourite places of ours.