FOOD + DRINK
Beachcomber Café
Feb. 14. Indulge your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at the Beachcomber Café, a casual and trendy beachfront eatery that pays homage to its coastal colony heritage with an artisanal and innovative menu made with delicious, all-natural ingredients. On Feb. 14, romantics can start the evening with a creative martini or a glass of wine from the Beachcomber’s acclaimed wine selection as they watch the sunset from the heated patio or inside its intimate and dimly lit bungalow-style cottage for dinner. Guests can enjoy a Valentine’s Day four-course, prix-fixe menu featuring artisanal cheeses, Maine lobster bisque, pan-roasted Chilean sea bass and chocolate cake filled with caramel, among other dishes. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, 949.644.8759. thebeachcombercafe.com
Brasserie Pascal
Feb. 14-16. Romance and France go together like a good wine and cheese. If you can’t get to Paris for Valentine’s Day, then head to Brasserie Pascal for a decadent dining experience. Begin with an amuse bouche of mushroom duxelle with crispy heart-shaped polenta before enjoying one of five appetizers including a steamed half Maine lobster. After a traditional French palate cleanser, choose among sea bass Picholine, two way duck, filet mignon or rack of lamb Provencal for an entrée. Of course, Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without dessert! Try the Tahitian vanilla crème brulee or chocolate-covered strawberries. $65/pp. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2700. brasseriepascal.net
Cocoa Lounge
Through Feb. 17. Every year, the Island Hotel hosts the Cocoa Lounge, a unique dessert buffet in a setting adorned with decorative chocolate showpieces and emotive décor. Located in the private dining room of the Palm Terrace Restaurant, this year’s Cocoa Lounge takes on a bright, modern feel with the glow of romance. Guests can enjoy specialty pastries, tarts, truffles, cakes, mousses and chocolate, many in bite sizes to allow for a broad sampling of treats. New this year are attended stations offering made-to-order crepes, homemade ice cream sandwiches, chocolate nachos and caramel popcorn drizzled with chocolate. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.0808. islandhotel.com
Katsuya: Pucker Up
Feb. 14. It’s love at first sip with Katsuya Laguna Beach’s new romantically inspired Valentine’s Day cocktail, which has been crafted specially for daters who are anxious to “Pucker Up.” After throwing Absolut vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, simple syrup, peach pucker and muddled raspberries in the mix, the Pucker Up cocktail is served in a martini glass and garnished with a blood orange wheel. 858 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.793.4030. katsuya.com/laguna-beach
Mozambique Steakhouse
Feb. 14. Celebrate Valentine’s Day South African style at Mozambique. Enjoy signature entrees like steak and lobster or wild salmon along with desserts such as chocolate strawberries and New York cheesecake. Mozambique also invites guests to dine on a three-course Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu with a complimentary glass of Champagne for two for $69/pp. 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777. mozambiqueoc.com
Pizzeria Ortica
Feb. 14. This Valentine’s Day, Pizzeria Ortica invites you to bring friends and loved ones together to enjoy a delicious meal. Executive Chef Justin Miller has created a special a la carte menu of small plates that are perfect for sharing. Dishes include smoked Carlsbad Luna oysters with lemon granita, olive oil and crack pepper; pasta alla chitarra with Maine lobster, San Marzano tomatoes and basil; and yogurt panna cotta with blood orange and guava gelee. The Verona’s Kiss Valentine’s Day cocktail with gin, Nonino Amaro, freshly muddled sage, sage infused honey, house-made grenadine, and fresh blood orange juice, is an ideal pairing with the menu. Additionally, the regular dinner menu will also be available. 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900. pizzeriaortica.com
Seasons 52
Feb. 14. As pioneers of the Mini Indulgence—a decadent dessert portioned in a shot glass—Seasons 52 has made its mark on restaurant dessert offerings. Indulge this Valentine’s Day with a special “Valentine Mini,” made up of 18 signature Mini Indulgences perfect for sharing with your sweetheart. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5252. seasons52.com
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Feb. 14. Sweeter than a box of chocolate, Sprinkles’ “XOX Box” is perfect for Valentine’s Day indulgence. Topped with “XOX” and heart sugar decorations, each dozen box contains the perfect mix of flavors including Valentine’s Day flavor favorites red velvet, chocolate marshmallow, dark chocolate and vanilla. 944 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.760.0003. sprinkles.com
COMEDY
His & Hers Comedy Night
Feb. 13-14. This year, give your Valentine the gift of laughter! Back Bay Bistro hosts His & Hers Comedy Night Feb. 13 at 8 pm. Vince Harper and Tom Riehl will have the men up in arms while Julie Kidd and Frances Dilorinzo entertain the women. Come back the following evening for Back Bay Bistro’s special four-course Valentine’s Day menu featuring oysters on the half shell, lobster ravioli and chocolate fondue. Comedy night $5 cover, two item minimum; Valentine’s Day menu $89/pp. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144. backbaybistronewportbeach.com
MUSIC
Kenny G
Feb. 14-16. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, relax with silky smooth sounds of Kenny G when the saxophone superstar joins Pacific Symphony! Over the decades, Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to his smooth jazz foundation – solidifying his reputation as the premier artist in contemporary jazz. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 500 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
SHOPPING
Top Wines for Valentine’s Day
Romances are a little bit like wines—many different varieties, yet all complex. Total Wine and More has selected the top five wines for whatever romantic status you find yourself in this year. Singles fret not—Sexy Wine Bomb is a provocative fusion of sultry red varietals with intense hints of cherry and strawberry—perfect for a night with friends. Found the love of your life? Try sweet Moscato wine, Il Duca Moscato d’Asti. If it’s complicated, Total Wine suggests you figure it out over a bottle of dark, yet spicy Sobon Zinfandel Fiddletown. Asfor the married folks, try Armani Prosecco DOC if you’re just returning from your honeymoon or Chateau Rose Perriere Lussac St. Emillion, an outstanding Bordeaux, if you’re celebrating a marriage built to last—just like a fine wine. 16272 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.861.4047; three other locations throughout Orange County. totalwine.com