EVENTS
Galentines at Monarch Beach Resort
Feb. 3. Celebrate the month of love with an evening at Miraval Life in Balance Spa, hosted by go-to celebrity manicurist and jazz singer Deborah Lippmann. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers, express nail services, hot tools hair styling at Drybar and a live jazz performance by your host Deborah Lippmann. And, of course, all guests will receive a fabulous swag bag. 5-8 p.m. $65. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N., Dana Point, 949.234.3368. monarchbeachresort.com
Match.com Pre-Valentine’s Day Mixer
Feb. 7. Find your perfect date just in time for Valentine’s Day. Head to critically acclaimed Bistango in Irvine for an evening of singles mingling hosted by Match.com. The event will be held in the bar and lounge area and is a stand-up event. Reservations encouraged. Email info@bistango.com to hold your place. 7-9 p.m. Free. Bistango Restaurant, 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.752.5222. bistango.com
TequiLUV Mixer
Feb. 8. Fly solo, bring a date or come mingle with a group of friends for a fun-filled, interactive evening around the art of tequila. Enjoy delicious food pairings, tequila cocktails and learn all about tequila from special guest Ricardo Gamarra, owner and master distiller of Asombroso Tequila. Be sure to RSVP ahead of time, space is limited. 6:30-9 p.m. $30 plus tax and gratuity. Bella Terra Shopping Center, Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 7631 Edinger Ave., Suite 1508, Huntington Beach, 951.515.1468. solitatacos.com
Cinépolis USA Valentine’s Day Screening & Dinner
Through Feb. 19. Take your movie experience to the next level this Valentine’s Day. Cuddle up with a blanket and your Valentine in spacious and comfortable seating for a screening of Fifty Shades Darker. Enjoy a bottle of Cinépolis Private Label Cabernet or Sauvignon Blanc (or beer and other spirits) and full service in-theater dining. Exclusively through Valentine’s Day week, enjoy a prix-fixe dinner and a special cocktail inspired by the sultry film. Menu highlights include housemade guacamole with goat cheese, Vietnamese tacos and cinnamon and sugar churro bites. Seating is limited, reservations required. See website for all movies and showtimes and full menu. 32401 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.373.7900; 30632 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.835.1888. cinepolisusa.com
One Love Cali Reggae Fest
Feb. 10-12. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing a date, celebrate Valentine’s Day at the One Love Cali Reggae Fest. See some of the biggest names in reggae all weekend, featuring headliners Slightly Stoopid (Friday), Rebelution (Saturday) and Dirty Heads and 311 (Sunday). Over 50 other artists also perform, including Iration, SOJA, Chronixx, Stick Figure, Steel Pulse, J Boog and Fortunate Youth. Recently added to the lineup are The Wailers (Sunday). In addition to weekend and single-day passes, you can also find VIP Lounge, Legend VIP, Rage On The Stage and VIP Cabana packages. See website for full line up and VIP packages. Tickets start at $65. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. onelovecalifest.com
Valentine’s Dinner Cruise & Cupid’s Champagne Brunch
Feb. 10-14. Sail away in the name of love this Valentine’s Day. Spend a romantic night on the water with a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise (or cruise the weekend before Valentine’s Day) complete with a candlelit table, champagne, a five-course meal, a live DJ and sweeping views of the water. For a relaxing daytime cruise, try Cupid’s Champagne Brunch featuring a lavish brunch buffet, relaxing music and romantic views. See website for schedule. $67.95-$149/pp. 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Suite #101, Newport Beach, 949.631.2469. hornblower.com
Valentine’s Day Sunset Cruises
Feb. 10-14. Sail with the sunset on a whale-watching cruise aboard the Dana Pride featuring with complimentary chocolate treats and bottomless champagne. Other cruises include a sparkling wine tasting cruise on a luxurious catamaran—complete with four organic sparkling wine tastes and a chocolate bar. See website for schedule. $29-52. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603. danawharf.com
The Wave’s Love Affair Concert
Feb. 11. Listen to live performances from The Delfonics, GQ, The Fuzz, Atlantic Starr, The Moments, The Heatwave, Color Me Badd and many more at the Love Affair Concert, presented by 94.7 The Wave. Expect more artists that fit into the genres of new adult contemporary music, smooth jazz and soft rock. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $34. The Theatre at Honda Center, 2695 East Katella, Anaheim, 800.745.3000. hondacenter.com
Dancing with the Stars: Live!—We Came to Dance
Feb. 14. See an all-new production that showcases every type of ballroom and modern dance seen on hit show Dancing with the Stars. The show features group performances, romantic duets, contemporary numbers and original pieces created specifically for the nationwide tour. See the hottest cast in dance including Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Jenna Johnson, Emma Slater and many more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
WWE Smackdown
Feb. 14. Looking for a little more action this Valentine’s Day? See your favorite WWE Smackdown Superstars including John Cena, Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, AJ Styles, Alexa Bliss, Bray Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Becky Lynch, Natalya, and many more of your favorites. Lineup subject to change, check website for details. 4:45 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Honda Center, 2695 East Katella, Anaheim, 714.940.2900. hondacenter.com
Tell It To My Heart: Valentine’s Day Dinner Event
Feb. 14. Dazzle your loved one aboard the legendary Queen Mary with a four-course gourmet menu, a sultry burlesque show; and a live performance by renowned ’90s pop-sensation Taylor Dayne, whose hits include “Tell It To My Heart” and “Love Will Lead You Back.” The Queen Mary’s Valentine’s Day Dinner begins with a celebratory cocktail reception. Dinner, set in the iconic Art Deco Grand Salon, will include roasted quinoa accompanied by baby sweet potatoes and a kale and endive salad with a tasty fig and balsamic; followed by pan seared scallops with bacon lardon, peppered tepary bean nage and chive beurre blanc. Then enjoy a delicious Limoncello Sorbet just before the luscious main entrée of tournedos of beef and scampi of shrimp with garlicky scampi sauce, roasted fingerling potato and glazed root vegetables. Top it off with the decadent chocolate espresso tart made of cocoa cookie dough with espresso crème brulee and chocolate cream, served with strawberry coulis. 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. $159-$199. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 800.437.2934. queenmary.com
Daddies and Daughters Dance
Feb. 18. Spend Valentine’s Day with you’re truest valentine at the Daddies and Daughter Dance. Fathers and daughters of all ages are invited to enjoy a special mermaid-themed bash with music, crafts, food and a full night of dancing. 5-7 p.m. $30-$40 per couple; $10 per additional child. 25600 Rancho Niguel Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.238.2719. lifetimefitness.com
Pacific Waters Spa
Plan a romantic and relaxing Valentine’s Day date retreat with an array of services at Pacific Waters Spa. Bring your significant other for couples massages and couples baths (milk, herbal tea and salt water); or bring your best friend to enjoy a large selection of services designed to pamper. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.1234. huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com
Zianna Wellness
Give the ultimate gift of love and relaxation—for both you and your loved one to enjoy—at the new Zianna Wellness Spa. Choose from the couples 90-minute hot stone massage (optional to add a bottle of champagne and chocolate truffles), the duo spa manicure and pedicure with an aromatic soak and complimentary glass of champagne or cider or the 90-minute oxygen facial for two with a glass of champagne included. Call to schedule. $160-$295/couple. 5585 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.921.3785. ziannawellness.com
DINING
SOL Cocina
Feb. 14. Bare your SOL to your loved one this Valentine’s Day and weekend. In addition to executive chef Deborah Schneider’s award-winning regular menu, enjoy Valentine’s dinner specials on Tuesday, February 14. Perfect for a romantic Saturday or Sunday morning, SOL’s Baja-inspired brunch is available through the weekend. 251 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800. solcocina.com
Marvin Gaye-Inspired Chef’s Table Dinner at Mesa
Feb. 14. Join Mesa on Tuesdays through February for a musician-inspired four-course meal. This month, chef Niki Starr will draw her inspiration from Marvin Gaye. Course one, inspired by Marvin Gaye’s hit song “Let’s Get It On,” features oysters on the half shell with coconut curry foam, finger lime caviar and micro cilantro. The third course, “Ain’t Nothing But The Real Thing,” features pomegranate braised short rib, parsnip puree, fresh pomegranate and crispy parsnip chips. Full menu will be online soon. Reservations required. 5-9 p.m. $60. 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700. 100eats.com
Valentine’s Day Cocktails at True Food Kitchen
Feb. 10-14. Celebrate love with Valentine’s Day-themed libations at True Food Kitchen. The limited time drink menu features the following: Hot in the Dark (lime, ixá organic tequila, jalapeño, pomegranate), Bow & Eros (ginger honey, lime, pineapple, spiced rum), war of the roses (rose petal, lime, pomegranate infused vodka, prosecco), Love-A-Pear (lemon, honey, pear and vanilla infused bourbon) and a mocktail ($4), red moon (grapefruit, yuzu, honey). $11. M-Th 11 a.m.-9 p.m., F 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400. truefoodkitchen.com
Valentine’s Day Dinner at EATS Kitchen & Bar
Feb. 14. Say “I love you” with a four-course prix-fixe dinner for two while a Spanish guitarist sets the mood. Choose to start with Kumamoto oysters or yellowfin tuna tartare. Persimmon salad is one of the second course choices and the selections for entrees include beef tenderloin and braised short rib, Maple Farms duck breast or rice flake crusted Bedford Sea scallops. Sweet endings include flourless chocolate cake with passion fruit sauce or raspberry macaroon. After dinner, enjoy a house-baked red velvet cupcake and a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé by the fire pit. $59 per person or $79 per person with wine parings. Pricing excludes tax and gratuity. For reservations, book online or call 949-225-6780. $59/pp, wine pairings additional $20/pp. EATS Kitchen + Bar, Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. eatskitchen.com
Puesto
Feb. 10-14. We’re taco’n about true love when it comes to Puesto’s signature tacos made with crispy melted cheese, housemade corn tortillas and from-scratch salsas. Beyond featured menu items like the filet Mignon taco with crispy melted cheese, avocado and spicy pistachio serrano salsa, they will offer pastry chef Jessica Scott’s handmade chocolate bonbons during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. Inspired by her recent trip to Mexico City, where she attended the annual Chocolate Expo, the assortment will include white chocolate passionfruit, guava Jamaica, dulce de leche café, dark chocolate guajillo ganache and the limited edition Valentine’s Day rose horchata bonbon. Boxes of five chocolates $10. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 8577 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. eatpuesto.com
Valentine’s Day Date Night at Oak Grill
Feb. 14. Treat your date to a lovely four-course prix-fixe dinner, beginning with a shared first course of duo crudo: hamachi and ahi. For the second course, choose between a Valentine’s salad with strawberries and champagne vinaigrette or creamy potato soup. The third course includes options of a 12-ounce bone-in filet with mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and sauce bordelaise, seafood pasta with shrimp and scallops and a white wine butter sauce or loup de mer accompanied by couscous, spinach and chimichurri. The shared dessert—I lava you molten cake—will send the perfect message, made with Grand Marnier-glazed raspberries and vanilla bean ice cream. A glass of champagne or rosé is included, plus a budding rose for your special date. Call for reservations. $125/pp. Island Hotel, Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Romantic Harborside Dinner at The Ritz Prime Seafood
Feb. 14. Enjoy one of the most romantic settings in Orange County with your Valentine and dine with up-close views of Newport Harbor. Chef George Neyra will create a memorable gourmet tasting menu for the evening. Couples will start with a caviar parfait with yuzu crème fraiche, followed by chilled asparagus soup with king crab, and then savor sweet carrot agnolotti with black truffle and prosciutto. The fourth course features a choice of diver sea scallop accompanied by bacon-wrapped potatoes, fava beans and baby mushrooms; wagyu striploin with corn puree, morel mushrooms and pickled okra; or New Zealand pink snapper served with baby artichokes, mussels and sauce marnière. Select wines from the excellent wine list to match this elegant meal, which ends with chocolate molten cake. Call for reservations. 5-10 p.m. $95/pp. 2801 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.720.1800. ritzprimeseafood.com
Driftwood Kitchen
Feb. 14. Celebrate your love with the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience overlooking the blue waters of Laguna Beach. Executive chef Rainer Schwarz will play Cupid as he presents a three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s dinner menu with items like pan seared New Bedford sea scallops, butternut squash and Maine lobster Gnocchi, Greater Omaha Black Angus Beef Filet Mignon & Braised Short Rib, and Virginia Black Sea Bass just to name a few featured dishes. 4:30-9:30 p.m. $79/pp. 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.715.7700. driftwoodkitchen.com
The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
Feb. 14. Heighten the romance with a romantic oceanfront dinner at The Loft. Chef Michael Campbell has an exquisite four-course prix-fixe menu with highlights like dungeness crab ravioli, butter-poached halibut, boudin blanc stuffed quail and a bone-in rib eye for two. $150/pp. 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420. montagehotels.com
Elegant Date Night at Selanne Steak Tavern
Feb. 14. This Valentine’s Day, you can find Cupid in the form of a chef—chef Josh Severson of Selanne Steak Tavern. You’ll feel the love in the chic upstairs dining room, downstairs in the cozy tavern or wine room and on the heated veranda. Enjoy an amuse bouche of Champagne gourmand with an optional pairing of N.V. Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Reserve Champagne. Then, choose between bittersweet scallops, perfect pear salad or Maine lobster “hot pot” accompanied by a choice of supplemental wines. Move on to savor the intermezzo, blackberry cabernet sorbet. Should you choose, select an optional wine to be paired with the main entree: Jidori chicken with parsnip and chartreuse of thigh, dover sole with lemon risotto, English peas, caviar and beurre monté or American wagyu tenderloin with pommes puree, pickled trumpet mushrooms and bordelaise. For a gourmet finish, opt for pavlova or chocolate mousse and opt for a supplemental pairing of Warres10-year-old Tawny Port or Selanne Maple Carmel Barrel Aged Bourbon. 5-11 p.m. $95/pp; additional $40/pp for wine pairing. Selanne Steak Tavern, 1464 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9881. selannesteaktavern.com
Wine & Dine Your Valentine at Back Bay Bistro
Feb. 10-14. Enjoy a romantic five-course dinner on the waterfront at Back Bay Bistro. Menu highlights include an amuse bouche— a beet tower with goat cheese, micro greens and basil sauce—and red pepper bisque with mascarpone cream; and for the main entree, a choice of cabernet filet of beef with point reyes sauce, gratin potatoes and haricot vert, roasted rack of lamb, basil crusted with lamb jus and polenta cake, or cider glazed cornish game hen with sauce au miel and apple risotto. $85/pp. Back Bay Bistro, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport beach, 949.729.1144. newportdunes.com
K’ya Bistro Bar
Feb. 14. K’ya Bistro Bar is celebrating Valentine’s Day this year with two special four-course tapas-style menus perfect for an interactive romantic date night. Menu highlights include shareable plates such as lobster fondue, blackened ahi, filet mignon and foie gras torchon served with black truffle honey. The second menu includes choice of bottle of champagne (Piper Sonoma) or wine (Louis Jadot Chard, Daou “Pessimist” Red Blend). After dinner, couples can relax by the fireplace in the hotel lobby. Call for reservations. $50-$75/pp; $99-$150/couple. La Casa del Camino Hotel, 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 855.990.0281. kyabistro.com
Pueblo at SOCO
Feb. 14. “Choose your own adventure” this Valentine’s Day… or as Pueblo says it, “Elige Tu Aventura.” At dinner, you will be given a list of 15 specially curated tapas available exclusively this evening. Each table will have an option to freely order the items a la carte, a combination of 5 or 9 items, or El Mundo, which is all of the above. Call for reservations. SOCO, Pueblo, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714,340,5775. pueblotapas.com
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe
Feb. 14. Enjoy romance on the waterfront this Valentine’s Day at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe. The special three-course fixed menu will feature ten seasonal dishes available exclusively on Valentine’s Day. Starter options include ahi tuna tartare with wakame, avocado croutons, yuzu kosho vinaigrette and sesame wontons; lobster bisque with tarragon pistou, cracker, crème fraiche and vanilla essence; and grilled artichoke and house ricotta crostini with pickled mushroom, heirloom carrots. For main entrees, highlights include Mediterranean sea bass with artichoke a la barigoule, thumbelina carrots, pearl onions and fennel fumet; bone-in apple encrusted pork chop with beetroot, parsnip, creamed spinach and sherry reduction; and lobster thermidor ravioli with gruyere chips, carrot diamonds, spicy breadcrumbs, lobster sabayon and brandied cream sauce. For dessert, choose between salted chocolate tart or warm apple crisp. 4-9 p.m. $65/pp. Marina Park, 1600 West Balboa Blvd., 949.933.1001. lighthousenb.com
Del Frisco’s Grille
Feb. 10-14. Indulge on Valentine’s Day menu additions like dry aged bone-in ribeye with fried oysters, jumbo lump crab stuffed Maine lobster tail with garlic grits and raspberry chocolate ganache tart. Pair any of these items with the aphrodisiac-filled cocktail, flirting with ginger, or swoon-worthy wines. Available after 4 p.m. 772 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.341.0376. delfriscosgrille.com
Valentine’s Day at Catal Restaurant
Feb. 14. Take the stress out of Valentine’s Day this year and let Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney set up the perfect romantic evening. In addition to a Valentine’s Day menu, choose a “Dine and Romance” package where a dozen red roses, a bottle of champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries will be pre-set on the table before you arrive—the perfect surprise for the one you love. From start to finish, the three-course prix-fixe menu offers delectable items such as Maine lobster with masa gnocchi, scallop paired with oysters, champagne, caviar and gold leaf and desserts including strawberry panna cotta with white chocolate shavings and wild strawberries. See full menu online. Call for reservations. Valentine’s Day menu $85/pp; Dine and Romance package additional $200 (must be reserved by Feb. 9). Downtown Disney, 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim,714.774.4442, patinagroup.com
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
Feb. 14. Enjoy an exclusive four-course fixed menu, available only on the evening of Valentine’s Day. The curated menu features 10 dishes meant to reflect and inspire coastal romance under the stars in California’s picturesque Crystal Cove. Choose from entrees like Chilean sea bass, made with forbidden rice, passion fruit beurre blanc, baby bok choy and mache salad; roasted lamb with forest mushroom risotto and peperonata; Jidori chickent with braised Swiss chard, carmelized shallots, red cabbage puree and brandy mustard cream sauce; or surf & turf, featuring filet mignon and jumbo shrimp with potato puree, asparagus and au jus. 4-9 p.m. $95/pp. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, 949.376.6900. thebeachcombercafe.com
Skyloft
Feb. 14. Enjoy the beautiful rooftop views and lively dance floor at Skyloft this Valentine’s Day. Begin your meal with a hearty serving of chef’s home baked corn bread served with fresh whipped butter. Then, choose from bites that include lobster bisque, shrimp shots and rib bites. The main entrees include options such as smoked and braised brisket, seared duck with wine-poached pear or lobster kake, an authentic creole dish with lobster tail, crawfish and chicken andouille sausage. Also available on the menu is the V-Day Cheeseburger, the chef’s assured work of art, this time with a few extra special ingredients thrown in. Live music from DJ and loop artist Joseph Soul begins at 8 p.m. 6-11 p.m. $65/pp. 422 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.1550. skyloftoc.com