Ok, ok. So I’ll mention it just the once – today is Valentine's Day, and for all you lovers out there, I hope your hearts are all a-jitter with soft, fluffy feelings. But just in case you’re single today, and more importantly, not happy with that fact and would like to change it immediately, then let me recommend Stall 6 tonight. They are offering a combined speed dating/club evening, which they have romantically called ‘Mare searches Stallion’. You’ll need to register for the speed dating aspect (I think this is in case any actual horses turn up), which begins promptly at 8 pm, then starting at 9 pm is the clubbing with dj Funkydelic, which non speed-daters can also attend. I can only wish you good luck and Ron is a good name for any babies that may subsequently arrive.

Thursday 8 pm, Stall 6

It’s hard to believe that the EWZ Stattkino is already in its 14th go round. Once again, the superb selection of films is accessorised with some great extras including an early Spielberg movie, Duel, with live music by Herbie’s Explo 3000, Stanley Kubrick's Space Odyssey with the psychedelic sounds of Hendrix played by the Asep Stone Experience and Drive with a live soundtrack by Whistler & Hustler. The season runs until the 24^th February, although not all are in English.  I have 3 x 2 tickets to give away for The Fantastic Mr Fox showing on Sunday afternoon, which also includes a ‘fox catering’ after the screening. I’m sure this doesn’t mean you’ll be rooting through bins for your lunch. E-mail me.

Until 24^th February, various venues

Just as their name suggests, Zucchini Drive are a duo that have combined musical elements that usually have no place being together. One part lo-fi acoustics and one-part electronic soundscapes crash to create a sound that is truly original. Add into the mix some hip-hop beats that will thunder through your head and you’re in for a treat of an evening as they play live at Helsinki on Friday.

Friday 9 pm, Helsinki

Trixie Trainwreck No Man Band is the fantastic name of the rock n rolliest, country n western singer this side of the badlands of Oerlikon. In fact the name, No Man Band, is not entirely true, it should be One Woman Band, as Trixie does it all by herself. Guitar, bass drum and hi-hat are all she needs to get the place a-jumping. Although she’s based in Berlin, she sounds like she’s just ridden into town on the back of Butch Cassidy’s horse and will be playing at Kinski on Saturday night.

Saturday 10 pm, Kinski Klub

If you like clubbing but are on the look out for something to break the routine, then this Saturday is the perfect opportunity for you. In Galerie 16b, Cindy & Kate invite you to their special night called syndic@tion. Galerie 16b is in a cartoon painted warehouse building near to the train station, has a cosy courtyard and is the perfect location for a non-club club night. Djs for the evening will be Evolent Soundselectas, Xeed, Niclas and Nika. But even more of a routine buster is the fact that the drinks are cheap and admission is free!

Saturday 9 pm, Galerie 16b, Austellungsstrasse 16b, 8005

Lucy Rose is well named. She seems delicate, slightly prickly and, I’m sure if you got close enough, would smell delicious. This English singer/songwriter has tunes that will wrap you in their arms and tell you everything will be ok. She’s only been solo for a little while, previously backing Bombay Bicycle Club, but has already made a name for herself in the UK. If you’re looking for an evening of melodic melancholia then she’ll be playing at Plaza on Tuesday night.

Tuesday 8 pm, Plaza

Restaurant Tonneau is history, in its place opened the Morgarten Bar. The venue at Hallwylplatz offers lunch à la carte and fondues and other specialities in the evening. I’m glad to see that the interior stayed the same – I’d miss its unique tavern character. Every Wednesday from 8 pm, it’s the place to join in for Jass (the Swiss version of spades). Cards and also partners will be available. If you don’t know the game, it’s time for some cultural training – which you can practice on bluewin.
Morgarten Bar, Morgartenstrasse 26

It’s still winter wonderland outside and there will be even more white stuff in February. I don’t always have time to head to the mountains, which leaves me with my beloved Uetliberg. On the top of the mountain (where the self-service restaurant is) you can rent a sledge for 20 francs per day. And then – off you go! The first few minutes are a bit slow, but then the speed increases and you’ll race towards the city. The air blows though your hair, you feel your heart beating and joy spreads out into a big grin on your face. So much freedom and fun right at your doorstep. The only downside – you’ll have to bring the sledge back up (via train!). But you’ll keep on smiling I guarantee.

Whenever I’m in Amsterdam, I make sure to plan in some time to visit Raw Materials. It’s an interior shop that sells furniture and decorations by One World Interiors with handmade items from all over the word, a mix of old and unique pieces, made of natural and recycled materials.  Honey Home agrees with me and just launched the first Swiss online shop where you can order the One World Interior collection. On their blog they also share diy-tips, tricks, inspirations and on their website you can post wishes, for example if you look for something specific. Heerlijk!

Spotted by Locals expanded to North America and starts its first series of seven cities with New York and San Francisco. If you plan to visit one of these towns – or one of the 40 cities of their European network – check out what locals spotted and recommend in their hometown. I visited Krakow with the help of their App and found interesting spots I’d have missed otherwise.  Soon, Spotted by Locals will also be available for Boston, Los Angeles, Washington, Montreal and Toronto. Do you know people there who’d like to become a spotter? Send them the link.

Is that the sticky lushness of spring I can smell on those cold snowy winds? Probably not, but until it does decide to show up Green Garden by Laura Mvula will keep you warm. Enjoy