VALENTINE’S DAY DINING
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Feb. 9. Valentine’s Day is all about indulgences, with chocolate and Champagne being favorites for many. Join Morton’s The Steakhouse for a sampling of classic hors d’oeuvres followed by Champagne paired with Vosges chocolate truffles. Guests will be gifted with a mini Vosges candy bar to take home. 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, 714.444.4834. mortons.com
AnQi by Crustacean
Feb. 10-14. With its soft lighting, dark furniture and bright red accents, AnQi, one of Orange County’s sexiest restaurants, is a great place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For the first time, AnQi presents a five-course prix-fixe aphrodisiac menu ($80+) featuring highlights like Kumomoto oysters, lobster ginger ravioli with truffle and almond butter and roasted Mongolian filet mignon with twice-cooked crispy potatoes, asparagus, sweet garlic and black raspberry shiitake sauce. AnQi increases the romance factor with live acoustic music for couples to enjoy. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679. anqibistro.com
Brasserie Pascal
Feb. 10-14. The French seem to be the leader of romance in the modern world. Follow their lead with a delicious French dinner at Brasserie Pascal. Those visiting on Feb. 14th can enjoy live music beginning at 6 pm and all ladies will leave with a complimentary rose! Sip on a Blind Date (muddled blackberries, blackberry vodka, soho, sweet & sour and pomegranate juice) or a Kiss Me Quick (red Burgundy and Champagne on the rocks with a splash of cassis) from the creative cocktail menu designed especially for the holiday. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2700. pascalnpb.com
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar
Feb. 11-18. This Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetheart to a special aphrodisiac infused menu at Scott’s Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy a “create your own” three-course menu for $65 per person with selections such as prosciutto flatbread with burrata and baby arugula, filet mignon with mushroom risotto and a chocolate terrine with almond brittle pistachio gelato. For $30 more, guests sip wine pairings with each course. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400. scottsrestaurantandbar.com
Brussels Bistro
Feb. 14. Located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Brussels Bistro brings the charm of Belgium to Orange County. Experience the rich flavors of Belgian cuisine with a special three-course menu for Valentine’s Day. For $36, dine on a trio of salmon, roasted stuffed quail with sautéed Brussels sprouts and profiteroles drizzled with Belgian chocolate. The regular menu is also available to guests that evening. 222 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.376.7955. brusselsbistro.com
House of Blues Anaheim
Feb. 14. House of Blues invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special dinner menu accompanied by the soulful sounds of local artist Denny White. With his effortless style and smooth voice, White gently croons his way into the hearts of the audience. Menu selections include spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, citrus grilled chicken and bourbon bread pudding. 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
Anti-Valentine’s Day
Feb. 14. Don’t let the absence of a valentine stop you from going out on the town! This Tuesday, join Clancy’s Clubhouse for Anti-Valentine’s Day—no gimmicks, menus for two or hearts to be found. Enjoy hits from the regular menu featuring American comfort food and a selection of draft beer and red and white wine. 2191 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.750.7500. clancysclubhouse.com
Cocoa Lounge
Through March 3. The Cocoa Lounge is back for the fourth consecutive year with walls draped in red velvet, stunning chocolate art sculptures and a seemingly endless exhibit of chocolate creativity from the imaginations of Pastry Chef Michael Owens. Indulge in chocolate bread pudding with bourbon cream, financier s’mores, port truffles, cream cheese peanut butter brownies and fresh fruit tarts (for those not as enamored with chocolate) and 12 other sweet treats in the Palm Terrace’s pop-up dessert lounge. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
MUSIC
Tokyo String Quartet
Feb. 9. Founded 40 years ago, the Tokyo String Quartet has entertained audiences around the world with their dazzling talent on the strings, specifically the violin, viola and cello. Together, Martin Beaver, Kikuei Ikeda, Kazuhide Isomura and Clive Greensmith perform pieces from Franz Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók and Claude Debussy at the Soka Performing Arts Center. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4278. performingarts.soka.edu
Dr. Dog
Feb. 9. Dr. Dog performs material from its newest album Be the Void, released February 7, in a show presented by music tastemaker KCRW and the Observatory. The oddball band blends ‘60s pop with lo-fi recording techniques to create a sound as original as the band members’ nicknames: Taxi, Tables, Text, Teach, Tucson and Thanks! 3504 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. observatoryoc.com
DANCE
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Feb. 9-12. As Valentine’s Day approaches, romance is not only in the air, it is also on stage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts as Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo performs the ultimate fairytale Cinderella. The troupe’s engagement at the Segerstrom Center is part of a weeklong celebration of the European principality, a byproduct of a collaboration between the Consulate General of Monaco, the Monaco Government Tourist Office and the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. Nearby restaurants Marché Moderne, Pinot Provence, Leatherby’s Café, Antonello Ristorante, Quattro Caffé, Nello Cucina and Antonello Espresso Café extend the taste of Monaco with prix fixe menus and specials Feb. 6-12. 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
ART
From Seam to Seam
Through Apr. 1. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation, affectionately known as “The Muck,” opens the 2012 season with a beautiful exhibition From Seam to Seam-Korean Pojagi Fabric Art. The exhibit explores the tradition behind the centrues-old art of stitching together excess scraps of fabric to form cloths known as pojagi and the Korean and Korean-American women who have carried the practice into the 21st century. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595. themuck.org
SPA
Ergonique
Feb. 11-18. This Valentine’s Day, pamper yourself and a loved one with indulgent Valentine Trios at Ergonique. Select from Champagne Decadence for $127, Strawberry Decadence for $170 or Chocolate Decadence for $230. 978 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.721.8304. ergonique.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Valentine’s Day Newport Beach Style
Ongoing. Life in Orange County revolves around the ocean and Valentine’s Day is no different! If you want to surprise your valentine with something other than dinner and a movie, consider some aquatic options! Cruise the harbor of Newport Beach in a cozy Venetian gondola complete with a gondolier who enforces the tradition of couples kissing under every bridge. For bigger parties, hire a Duffy boat and celebrate love over dinner with friends. If adventure is your couple style, why not try stand-up paddle boarding or outrigger canoe by the light of the moon? 1.800.94.COAST or visitnewportbeach.com for local rental options and information.
No Brainer, Romance Package at Shorebreak Hotel
Through March 31. Show your beloved how special they are with a getaway to the Shorebreak Hotel in downtown Huntington Beach. The “No Brainer, Romance Package” includes beautiful room accommodations at the oceanfront property, a dozen roses, chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of bubbly upon check-in. Whether you are coming from another state or visiting from a neighboring Orange County city, your stay at Shorebreak will surely revitalize the romance in your relationship! 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.861.4470. shorebreakhotel.com