WhereLA.com Valentine’s Day Dining Roundup
Chaya Brasserie Beverly Hills: For Uptown Lovers Recognized as the most romantic of all of the Chaya’s—Chaya Brasserie brings to mind a quaint brasserie in Paris complete with the perfect lighting, a charming atrium garden at the center of the dining room, and a menu meant for two including: Seafood Medley for two ($38) with Arare Popcorn Maine Lobster, Seared Scallop, and Ankimo Millefeuille that hit all of the right umami senses. Chaya Venice: A Romance in Venice Lovers can take a stroll along the Venice canals before heading over to Chaya Venice, the local spot in the neighborhood, where a couple can enjoy a Valentini Chocolate Martini or a Chaya Kiss followed by a menu that features Escargot en Cocotte for a match made in heaven. Chaya Downtown: For Downtown Lovers Whether catching a show at the theater downtown (Chaya Downtown offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the local downtown theaters for diners and will make all of the arrangements!) after a shared “Hot Pot” for two featuring Maine Lobster and Porcini Mushrooms for $62. www.thechaya.com
XIVMichael Mina’s L.A. outpost is romantic any night of the week, but especially for Valentine’s day they are offering an eight-course tasting menu (vegetarian options available) to the sound of live music. Find succulent samples of Michael’s Caviar Parfait, chilled Maine lobster, Nantucket Bay Scallops Tempura, and much, much more. Pick from three seatings 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m. $135 pp. 8117 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.656.1414. xivla.com
Bistro LQ New L.A. bistro serves a three-course pre-fixe with numerous caviar selections and main courses that range from duck breast to Lamb Noisette. Two seatings are available 5:30 p.m.; 10 p.m. 8009 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, 323.951.1088. www.bistrolq.com
Vertical Wine BistroExecutive Chef Doug Weston and Resident “Wine Dude” David Haskell at Vertical Wine Bistro have developed a standout 5-course menu ($65 per person) Valentine’s Day diners also have the option of taking full advantage of Vertical Wine Bistro’s wine collection by adding Basic Wine Pairings for $55 per person or Deluxe wine Pairings for $135 per person. 70 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, 626.795.3999. www.verticalwinebistro.com
Susie CakesBakery offers sweet specials all month long: Susie’s signature heart-shaped red velvet cake for two, Love Shack (a Gingerbread house decorated with conversation hearts, red hots, red & pink sprinkles, etc.) with personalized inscription, double crust cherry pie topped with heart cut-out, chocolate cream pie (available Feb. 12-14), chocolate-covered long stemmed strawberries (available Feb. 12-14), conversation heart sugar cookies with sayings such as “UR Cute” or “Kiss Me”, or conversation heart sugar cookie with personalized message, and “Makin’ Whoopie” Pie (available Feb. 12-14). www.susiecakesla.com
Orotolan Chef Christophe Eme offers specials all weekend long at this Michelin starred restaurant. Festivities start with Tango in Paris Friday, Valentine’s Eve dinner for two Saturday and a full brunch and dinner on Valentine’s day. Check out menus www.ortolanrestaurant.com. 8338 West 3rd St., West Hollywood, 310.653.3300.
Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood Choose from two different dining experiences – both equally indulgent. Some of the menu items offered on Valentine’s Day include salad of seared bay scallops, dry aged beef tenderloin with spiced short rib jam, and Duck Consomme with foie gras tortellini, and many more luxurious options. Enjoy a five-course menu for $240 per couple from 5-7 p.m. or indulge in a seven course menu for $350 a couple from 8-10:30 p.m. 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd. West Hollywood, 310.358.7788. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com/gordon_ramsay
Napa Valley Grille Chef Joseph Gillard prepares a romantic rustic wine country-inspired pre-fixe menu ($50) featuring fresh seasonal bounty, locally-sourced produce and artisanal ingredients to make dishes such as Hearts of Palm saland, grilled asparagus soup, pan seared Lake Superior White Fish and Roasted Sonoma Rack of Lamb. (Guests can also order off the regular à la carte menu.) 1100 Glendon Ave., Westwood, 310.824.3322. www.napavalleygrille.com
HAVE A 3-WAY WITH ELEMENTS!Elements Catering, Café and Kitchen in Pasadena is offering three distinct ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Whether you want to start the day with a cheerful Valentine’s brunch, have a carefree intimate and elegant meal at home, or get dressed up for a romantic evening of wining and dining, Elements has a menu for you and your special someone. www.elementskitchen.com
POURTAL’S 2-FOR-1 BUBBLY AND SECRET VALENTINES Whether you are two drinking as one or one drinking for two, Pourtal has a Valentine’s special to please both couples and singles. Santa Monica’s premiere wine bar is offering 2 for 1 glasses of bubbly on Valentine’s Day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Choose from the featured selection of Marquis de Perlade Blanc de Blanc or a Kir Royale. Cupid will pass out “Secret Valentines”—guests who purchase bubbly or a tasting card will receive a free pour ranging from $2-8 on Pourtal’s Enomatic machines. No reservations necessary. Pourtal, 104 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.393.7693. www.pourtal.com
BITTER, PARTY OF 1 AT CHARLIE’S MALIBU Charlie’s Malibu is celebrating the Valentine’s Day festivities all weekend long with two designated nights. On Feb. 13, Charlie’s hosts “Bitter, Party of 1” for singles (“couples welcome, but we may mock them”). On Feb. 14, the mood switches to romantic for the couples. Both nights will feature a four-course chef’s tasting menu for $75 with $20 wine pairing supplement, along with the a la carte and lounge menus. The tasting menu includes dishes such as poached pear with herbed goat cheese and candied walnuts, filet mignon and lobster tail. DJ Kid Wycked from the Hard Rock in Las Vegas will be spinning tunes for the weekend from 9 p.m. until close on Saturday and Sunday. Charlie’s, 22821 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.456.3132. www.charliesmalibu.com
A table for two at The Edison includes two Rosebud Martinis, 1/2 dozen oysters and two Absinthe chocolates for $100. Swoon to the sounds of DJ Jonny Boy and The Nu Jazz Project. reservations: 213.613.0000. edisondowntown.com
Simon LA invites you to spend a passionate evening with your special Valentine. Cherish the day with a romantic dinner inspired by celebrity chef Kerry Simon. Choose items from their exclusive menu, such as creamy crispy king crab legs, kobe style ny strip steak, crusted yellowfin tuna, and more, including a special Valentine’s Day dessert for two. Kick it up a notch by combining your dining experience with a couple’s massage at LeSpa. R8555 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 310.358.3979 $$$ Map I12 www.simonlarestaurant.com
Pane e Vino Ristorante is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu this Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Visit online at www.panevinola.com. Pane e Vino is located at 8265 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles. 8265 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.651.4600 $$ Map I12 www.panevinola.com
Royal/T lovebirds can come by this Valentine’s Day with a special Japanese- and French-inspired 4-course pre-fixe menu ($60pp) with additional wine pairings for $20, served by the venue’s costumed maid servers. Set against the perfect romantic/gothic backdrop, patrons will be also be able to view “The Never Ending Story: Fairytale, Fantasy, Obsession” which explores the theme of fairytales, and their contemporary expression, fantasy. Royal/T, 8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.559.6300. www.royal-t.org
O Bar & Kitchen Celebrates with a three course pre-fixe with choices of Carlsbad Oysters, BLT with crispy pork belly, roasted chicken relleno with Anaheim chilis and goat cheese, Chocolate and Raspberry mouse heart. $55pp O Bar & Kitchen inside the O Hotel, 819 South Flower St., downtown, 213.623.9904 ext:105. www.ohotelgroup.com
It’s difficult to prioritize all the San Diego things to do when packing a visit into a weekend. Plan a tour of different neighborhoods, soak up culture at a museum or an art gallery, find the best independent retailer shopping, or just stroll down the street hand in hand with your love. The best of the beaches, and come the sunset, in San Diego things to do doesn’t come to a stop. The Gas Lamp district will be your stomping ground for delectable meals and unique music venues where our Southern California talent showcase their latest tunes.