Jim and Christina are the authors of Mr & Mrs Romance, an award-winning travel and lifestyle website. In the lead up to Valentine’s day we chatted with Jim for his take on this popular day. 

Do you and Mrs Romance celebrate Valentine’s Day?

We usually do something small and fun for Valentine’s Day – nothing too ostentatious. Maybe a favourite meal at home with a good bottle of wine. We’re more about celebrating anniversaries.

Can you share a few ideas or tips for a fun Valentine’s Day?

People put themselves under so much pressure when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Even expensive restaurants (which often become even more expensive) tend to serve set menus and don’t do their best work on February 14th. Tropes like a bunch of roses and a Hallmark card don’t cut it either. 

But romance doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be all big gestures and deeds. Instead, make Valentine’s Day more personal. Instead, drive to your favourite beach, watch a movie that means something to you both, cook a meal that the other person craves but rarely gets to eat or sit down and work on your next set of travel plans together.

What do you like to cook at home?

I enjoy making a big Indian curry. Lots of dishes – as many as I can fit on the hob and in the oven. I think it’s one of the things I miss most from England! Christina makes an amazing risotto and can somehow knock one up in no time. It’s our go-to meal when we’ve run out of dinner ideas.

What’s the one ingredient you can’t live without?

Cheese! I always look for an excuse to add it in. That, and smoky paprika.

Where is your favourite place to eat, anywhere in the world?

I still dream about the octopus I had in Apulia. I don’t know what they do to it, but those south-eastern Italians are geniuses.

Christina would happily spend the rest of her life eating everywhere in Japan.

Do you remember when you first tried a macadamia?

I think it was in 2005… I was offered a chocolate-coated macadamia. I thought it was some kind of strange giant Aussie malteser at first. How wrong I was!

What’s your favourite way to enjoy macadamias?

I still love a chocolate-covered maca, although I make a dukkah with macadamias that’s so tasty. I’ve also adapted Australian Macadamias’ recipe for macadamia shortbread cookies that’s always popular with our family, friends, neighbours. Everyone actually.

What’s your favourite TV show or movie right now?

We’ve just finished re-watching Schitt’s Creek. Such a funny, cleverly written show. We’re also massive fans of Taskmaster. Funniest show on TV.

If you were an ice cream what flavour would you be?

I’d like to think I’d be some kind of affogato – a mixture of cold, sweet ice cream and hot, bitter coffee… that’s probably a window into my personality you don’t need.

Christina says she’d be a caramel swirl with praline. A surprise in every bite!

More about Mr & Mrs Romance

Mr & Mrs Romance write an award-winning travel and lifestyle site while they explore the world looking for the next slice of paradise to put on their plate.

From Borneo to Belgium, Cuba to the Cook Islands, San Francisco to Soweto – their love of travel and food has taken them far and wide, but always on a return ticket. Exploring Australia and championing homegrown talent and tastes is their favourite part of their job. There’s nothing quite like finding that gem hidden in your own backyard.

They tell their stories through stunning photography and videography, and elegant yet down-to-earth writing. After all, romance doesn’t have to be all champagne and sunsets – but a bit of that certainly helps!