Chocolate Paradise Found at Island Hotel Newport BeachEvery February, Island Hotel Newport Beach celebrates Valentine’s Day with the decadent Cocoa Lounge dessert buffet. 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, decorative chocolate showpieces and emotive decor. The culinary masterminds behind Cocoa Lounge have created specialty pastries, tarts, truffles, cakes, mousses and chocolates, many in bite sizes to allow for a broad sampling of treats. Stand out mini desserts include deep dark chocolate tart with passion fruit cream, chocolate Guinness pudding, white chocolate lemon truffles and red velvet s’mores. New this year are attended stations offering made-to-order crepes, homemade ice cream sandwiches, chocolate nachos and caramel popcorn drizzled with chocolate. Cocoa Lounge runs through Feb. 16, 6-10 pm nightly. $12/pp with dinner at Palm Terrace or $18/pp for Cocoa Lounge only. Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.0808. islandhotel.com