Feb 13. Celebrate animal mating, dating and cohabitation with a reception featuring tempting desserts and alluring wines followed by a provocative presentation by Zoo veteran Jason Jacobs with insights about the pros and cons of relationships vs. staying single in the animal kingdom. 5-7 p.m. $25. 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.6042. www.lazoo.org/valentinesday
Feb. 12. Reclaim romance at Spa Montage at Montage Laguna Beach with yoga workshops taught by yoga guru and Body-Mind Psychotherapy Coach Ashley Turner. During “Reclaim Romance— A Romantic Valentine’s Day Escape,” couples or singles can reconnect and renew romance with heart-opening yoga in an indoor/outdoor studio overlooking the ocean, loving-kindness meditations, partner yoga and an introduction to Tantra. The program includes a two-hour yoga session (11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2 p.m.-4 p.m.) with full spa access to steam, sauna, relaxation areas and oceanfront spa lap pool. The Saturday workshops are $65 per person and a new topic is explored each month. To make a reservation or for more information contact Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6010. www.montagelagunabeach.com/valentines-day-2011.php
Feb 14. Single? Become one of the 150 speed daters who have the change to snuggle up on a 213-foot red leather sofa in the middle of the 3rd Street Promenade. Speed daters will have 10-15, three-minute dates and couples who meet during the speed dating session or want to continue their search will can attend a Valentine’s Day after party at ICE at Santa Monica ice skating rink. 6 p.m. To register for the event and reserve your spot, visit HurryDate.com/longestsofa
Feb. 12. Executive Chef Anthony Keene guides through the romance of traditional Italian cuisine such as homemade ravioli and slow-cooked risotto. Sip on sweet bubbles as you learn. 10 a.m. $385/couple. Reservations required GordonRamsayWH@LuxuryResorts.com. Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, 310.358.7788.
Feb. 14. The hip downtown newcomer throws a V-Day Soiree. $20 + tax gets you into the festivities which includes all you can eat food, cash bar and a DJ. Mas Malo, 515 W. 7th St., downtown, 213.985.4332. malorestaurant.com
Feb. 14. Chef Ray Garcia offers V-Day diners a special seasonal market-driven a la carte “Meat Market” menu. Guests can make their picks from a menu divided into two sides: “meat” (charcuterie; snacks like chicken oysters; four bacon selections; offal and tasty bits like chicharrones with hot sauce aioli; and steaks) and “market” (snacks of hand-stretched mozzarella; dates stuffed with blue cheese and almonds; starters like a chicory and orange salad; entrees of red beet risotto; warm Parmesan and avocado tart; and accompaniments such as Weiser Farm romanesco with sage and hazelnuts; braised chestnuts with kohlrabi). Fig Restaurant, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.319.3111. figsantamonica.com
Feb. 14. Book your reservation and dive into Takami’s menu and receive 50% off their entire inventory of sparkling wines and champagne. Takami Sushi, 811 Wilshire Blvd. 21st Floor, downtown, 213.236.9600. takamisushi.com
Feb. 12-14. Dine on a special three-course tasting menu featuring choices such as Slow Roasted Striped Candy Beets and Dungeness Crab and Meyer Lemon Cream; or Tuscany Fresh Porcini Carpaccio with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Guests can also sip on “A Love Spell” cocktails. $75/pp. Chaya Downtown, 525 S. Flower St., downtown, 213.236.9577. www.thechaya.com
Downtown Cali-centric wine bar serves an à la carte menu of chef’s specials designed just for Valentine’s Day. Prices of the entrées will range between $10 and $20; a flight of high-end sparkling wine will be available for $25. Corkbar, 403 W. 12th St., downtown, 213.746.0050. www.corkbar.com
Feb. 14. Enjoy a romantic poolside evening with a four-course menu created by Executive Chef Tony DiSalvo. Relax in Cabanas on the terrace and tour the “Scent Tents” where both may indulge in sampling aromatherapy oils and creating a customized body scrub, packaged for guests to take home and use later. Finish the night sipping on flights of Champagne and other sparkling wines in the “Bubbles” Cabana. A couple menu highlights include Butter Poached Lobster with Risotto, Apple, Shiso and Kaffir Lime Broth; and Chocolate Tartufo made with Salted Hazelnuts and Toasted Marshmallow. 6-10 p.m. $95/pp (includes four course dinner, champagne tasting and customized scrub). Viceroy Santa Monica. 1819 Ocean Avd., Santa Monica, 310.260.7511. ViceroySantaMonica.com
Feb. 14. Valentines may savor luxurious Oysters and Pearls topped with Black Pepper Crème Fraiche and Oscetra Caviar or feast upon Seared Foie Gras served on Amaretto French Toast and drizzled with Balsamic Maple Syrup among other options. Chef Rene Charest presents sumptuous ending with Chocolate Profiteroles and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream topped with a Warm Cherry Sauce. Two seatings: 5:30 and 8 p.m. $85/pp, or a la carte. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.278.3344. Lermitagebh.com
Feb. 14. Executive Chef Philip DuBose has prepared several upscale Asian-Latin fusion creations. A couple can’t miss items link Calamari Salad with Chayote, Hearts of Palm, Bananas and a Sesame Orange Dressing and the Day Boat Scallops and Royal Blue Hawaiian Prawns with a Port Wine Foie Gras Reduction. Devil’s Food Cake, Chocolate and Passion Fruit Mousse guarantee a decadent finale in this culinary journey. $89/pp, for reservations before 8 p.m.; $109/pp for reservations 8 p.m. and after. Asia de Cuba, 8440 West Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.848.6000. MondrianHotel.com
Feb. 12-Feb. 14. Chef Mirko Paderno’s gourmet Italian fare is perfect for star-crossed lovers, including the Chitarra Pasta made with Lobster, Roasted Tomato and Asparagus and Spicy Roasted Chicken paired with Potato and Escarole. For dessert, a premium all-chocolate buffet known as Choco-Sutra features everything from Triple Chocolate Truffle Pizzettas to cinnamon and red chili-infused South of the Border Pot de Crèmes. 6-10 p.m. $65/pp, add $35 for wine pairings. Avalon Hotel, 9400 West Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.277.5221. AvalonBeverlyHills.com
Feb 14. Get a little closer to your dinner date this Valentine’s Weekend with Noe’s exclusive Entrées for Two. Perfect for sharing, complete with exciting table-side action presentation. Restaurant guests will receive a late-night takeaway box complete with enough goodies to continue with an action-packed evening. Noe, Omni Hotel, 251 S. Olive St., downtown, 213.356.4100. www.omnihotels.com/hotels/special/la/noe.asp
Feb 14. The dim sum lounge & restaurant offers a three-course tasting menu with 10% of the profits going to support the St. John’s Heart Institute in Santa Monica. Dine on offerings such as soy braised abalone and maitake mushrooms; garlic black pepper medallions of beef and Singaporean “Chili Prawns” with wok fired Chinese greens, kabocha puree; and more. XINO, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 310.755.6220. www.xinorestaurant.com
Feb. 14. Patina explores chocolate five ways on one plate. Pastry Chef Joel Reno’s dessert explores milk chocolate five different ways combining ice cream, moist sponge cake, silky chocolate cream and hazelnut croqant. The dessert follows a 5-course tasting menu that includes lobster salad, black truffle risotto, dry boat scallops and more. Patina, 141 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3331
Feb 14. In one of the most romantic Hollywood spots, find a 3-course menu that includes choices such as lobster bisque, pan-fried sea scallops, lobster over fettuccine and a selection of desserts. Off Vine Restaurant, 6263 Leland Way, Hollywood, 323.962.1900. www.offvine.com
Feb. 12-14. Celebrate with a four-course tasting menu crafted by Executive Chef Harutaka Kishi that includes choice such as Hamachi Mole Pressed Sushi; Oyster and Seaweed Butter; and Butter Poached Maine Lobster. $95/pp. CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills, 8741 Alden Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.859.8833. www.thechaya.com
Feb. 12-14. The night’s special menu and theme revolves around duos. Antipasto “For Two” with Escargot en Cocotte, House Cured Smoked Salmon with Fennel Salad and Wasabi Cream Fraiche; CHAYA Classic Tuna Tartar; Organic Beets, Creamy Chevre Cheese, Iberico Salami; and a Kobe Roll to. “Surf and Turf” is next. Finishing the evening is a Dessert Sampler “For Two” featuring Dark and White Chocolate Covered Strawberries; Baked Truffle Cake; Lemon Cheese Cake and signature Bread Pudding. Courses “for two:” Antipasto “For Two” $38; “Surf and Turf” $48. CHAYA Venice, 110 Navy St., Venice, 310.396.1179. www.thechaya.com
Feb. 13-14. Gladstones Malibu caters to “lovers” and “haters.” On Feb. 13 mix, mingle and sip $25 bottomless Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas at their Anti-Valentines Day party. Indie rock tribute band, Black Crystal Wolf Kids play at 3 p.m. On Feb. 14, reserve a romantic window seat and dine on aphrodisiacs such as oysters and uni as well as signature Surf and Turf For 2. 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474. www.gladstones.com
Feb. 14. Royal/T combines spices, seduction, and pop art-inspired holiday souvenirs with a specially themed “Royal India” Valentine’s Day dinner. Dine in an ambiance of elegant jewel-toned fabrics, low lighting, with a complementary glass of champagne and an indulgent, sensual meal—crafted by Indian-born chef and cookbook author Kaumudi Marathé of Un-Curry. Reservations required: royalindian.eventbrite.com. $60/pp. Royal/T, 8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.559.6300.
Feb. 12-14. Dine on a four-course prix-fixe dinner crafted by the bakery-bistro’s Chief Gastronomy Officer Noriyuki Sugie, with optional wine pairings that can either be matched to individual courses or enjoyed as a full set of four pours. Guests can also enjoy the “Cupid’s Kiss” cocktail, All proceeds from the drink will be donated to the Concern Foundation. $28/pp, wine pairings extra. BREADBAR Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 310.277.3770. www.breadbar.net
Feb. 12-14. Dine on a special 4-course menu that begin with a complimentary glass of champagne and roses given to that “special someone” at the end of the meal. $40/pp. Stones Restaurant, Marriott Marina del Rey, 4100 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310.301.3000.
Feb. 14. Dash off to Paris with your amour. Top Culver City French restaurant offers a 3-course menu with choices such as lobster chestnut soup, loupe de mer provencal and lemon mousse. $55/pp. 9725 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310.842.8155.
Celebrate the Art of Love at Supperclub Los Angeles and spend the evening seeing live music, sensual performances and noshing on a four-course aphrodisiac inspired menu and champagne reception. Champagne starts flowing at 7 p.m. Dinner seatings 7:45 p.m. $125/pp. Reservations: 323.466.1900. 6675 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.
Feb. 12-14. Twelve couples can reserve one of the heated rooftop Pool Cabanas for a private Valentine’s Day five-course dinner. Prepared by Executive Chef James Overbaugh, the menu includes Hearts of Bruléed Goat Cheese Salad; Pink Champagne Emulsion with Lobster and Crab Tortellini; Roasted Black Cod and Grilled Lamb Chops. Monogrammed napkins, a red rose centerpiece and validated valet parking are included. $290/couple. 9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 310.551.2888. www.peninsula.com/Beverlyhills
Feb. 14. Vu in Marina del Rey offers a tasting menu that includes a tasting of curds, bison carpaccio, bone marrow, king cole duck and more. $120/per couple; $200/per couple with beverage pairings. 14160 Palawan Way, Marina del Rey, 310.823.5333. vurestaurantmarinadelrey.com
Feb. 12-14. Valentine’s Day dinner includes 30g of Classic Transmontanus Caviar to share followed by 4-course dinner including choices of oysters, house-made pasta, rainbow trout and more. $75/pp. Petrossian Boutique & Restaurant, 321 North Robertson Blvd., 310.271.0576. www.facebook.com/PetrossianBoutiqueRestaurant
Feb. 13-14. One Pico at Shutters on the Beach is offering a five-course dinner. Menu highlights include Kumomoto Oyster and Caviar, Braised Baby Octopus, Maple Farms Duck Ravioli with Foie Gras, and Main Lobster Gnocchi with Hen of the Wood. Cost is $80 per person. Take the elevator home with a special Valentine’s Day Romance Package including an ocean view room and a bottle of Dom Perignon with prices beginning at $775. 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.458.0030. www.shuttersonthebeach.com
Feb. 13-14. Enjoy a five-course Valentine’s Day dinner, accompanied by the music of pianist Antonio Castillo de la Gala. Dinner will include specialties such as Heart Of Caviar Parfait, Cocoa Glazed Loch Duart Salmon Fillet, Grilled Prime Beef Tenderloin and Raspberry-Champagne Charlotte Russe. Monogrammed napkins, a long-stemmed red rose and validated valet parking are included. $125 per person or $175 with Premium Wine Pairings. 9882 South Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.551.2888. www.peninsula.com/Beverlyhills
Feb. 11-14. Morton’s The Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, Burbank, downtown Los Angeles, and Woodland Hills are offering a special prix fixe steak and seafood three-course dinner for two priced at $109 or $54.50 per person. Menu highlights include Two Single Cut Filets, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Broiled Sea Scallops and Key Lime Pie. Morton’s is also offering a Red Velvet Cocktail made with Prosecco, Chambord, and Lindemans Raspberry Lambicand. 735 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; The Pinnacle, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, 818.238.0424. www.mortons.com
Feb. 14. Goin designs a four course dinner prepared by Chef de Cuisine Rodolfo Aguado, finished by desserts and chocolate confections by Pastry Chef Christina Olufson for $110 per guest. Originally the rustic carriage house of the Harold Lloyd Estate, Lucques’ decor of brick, wood beams, garden setting and wood-burning fireplace provides a warm and intimate setting, perfect for couples. 8474 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323.655.6277. www.lucques.com
Feb. 14. Market-driven small plates menu is ideal for food sharing. Here guests can choose five savory dishes per couple and one dessert each from Goin’s extensive menu for $85 per guest. Known for its excellent wine selection by Caroline Styne and Sommelier Tara Ganow, this location makes tasting and exploring wine a significant element of the experience. 8022 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.653.6359. www.aocwinebar.com
Feb. 14. Chic space designed by Jeffrey Alan Marks, boasting a glass roofed atrium and sumptuous bar with deep cushioned seating, inviting leisurely California/Mediterranean dining and conversation in this stylish Brentwood neighborhood. For Valentine’s Day, Chef de Cuisine, Julie Robles and Pastry Chef Breanne Varela offer some of Tavern’s favorites in Goin’s four course dinner that includes baked goods and desserts made on location at The Larder at Tavern for $85 per guest. 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310.806.6464. www.tavernla.com
Feb. 12-14. The five-course menu, including a glass of Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne includes small plates perfect for sharing such as Indian stuffed flatbread, Thai basil cashew shrimp, Singapore black cod and more. $58/pp. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 310.552.9988. www.rocksugarpanasiankitchen.com
Feb. 12-14. Indulge in a three-course, prix-fixe menu with a champagne granite intermezzo, including items like Chef Roberts’ house cured Scottish Salmon with crisp artichoke, crème fraîche, tiny greens, and basil vodka limoncello and the Chocolate Decadence mousse with cognac truffle ganache and pomegranate brush. $65/pp. Cafe del Rey, www.cafedelreymarina.com
Feb. 11-14. At romantic Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch, couples can hide away in a daybed or cabana, or enjoy a meal on the upper or lower patio. Diners can also paddle boat out to the center of the lake to dine on the island under the stars. Receive a complementary Champagne split and the house-made Bourbon Caramel Bread Pudding with Malibu’s Beachy Cream “Hot” Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream. 327 South Latigo Canyon Rd., Malibu, 818.540.2400. www.malibucafe.com
Feb. 14. The special “Sweethearts” menu that offers romantic dishes such as the truffle lovers pizza and a couple love bacon-wrapped fillets with rock lobster tail. $110/couple. 101 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.899.4466. www.boasteak.com
Newly opened Westside location in Santa Monica, offers an array of authentic Mexican baked goods. Items include fresh baked cookie platters featuring traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies and Polvorones (Mexican sugar cookies), as well as a variety of cakes including Dulce de Leche, Tres Leches, and Mexican Mocha Cakes. All items are made from scratch and baked daily on site, without the use of artificial ingredients or preservatives. www.lamonarcabakery.com
