From romantic dinners to sunset cruises and pampering spa treatments, we’ve gathered the best Orange County Valentine’s Day things to do in 2014. If you’re looking for something romantic to do in OC, we’ve got you covered.RESTAURANTS
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine
Feb. 14-15. Indulge in a romantic evening under the spell of Chef Yves Fournier’s Menu D ‘Amour including a three-course menu featuring nature’s aphrodisiacs. Guests will receive a special take home gift compliments of Andrei’s—Rise & Shine Granola. A la carte menu available as well. 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887. andreisrestaurant.com
Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern
Feb. 14-16. Delight in the chic ambiance and ocean views as Executive Chef Raj Dixit prepares a special five-course tasting menu including Mina’s signature lobster pot pie and Dixit’s own creations such as Charlotte of Asparagus with Pacific Dungeness crab, blood orange and borage blossom; Fantasy of Dover Sole with cucumber, avocado, periwinkles and beurre d’algues; A-5 Japanese Tagima-gyu with hearts of palm, quail egg, ramen noodle and reishi mushroom and Chocolate Symphony made with single estate special selection Valrhona chocolate. $175. Wine pairing is an additional $95. 5:30-10 p.m. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 800.722.1543. stregismb.com
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar
Let Executive Chef Michael Doctulero prepare you a three-course meal this Valentine’s Day. Your intimate dinner includes dishes such as torched ahi sashimi or Asian pear salad to start and Skuna Bay salmon papillote, Maine lobster risotto or filet mignon as your entrée. End your meal with a sweet note with choices of four delicious desserts such as caramelized banana financier cake or cheesecake-stuffed beignets. 6-10 p.m. $60; $95 with wine pairings. For a complete hassle free Valentine’s celebration, Scott’s has partnered with Studio La Fleur florists this weekend, where floral arrangements can be delivered to your table at reduced prices and sans delivery fee; Th-Su. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400. scottsrestaurantandbar.com
Agora Churrascaria
Feast on a Valentine’s package for two including glasses of Roederer Estate Brut Rosé, Agora’s extensive dinner menu featuring skewers of succulent meats and Brazilian Flan with chocolate covered strawberry for dessert. $61. 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949.222.9910. agorachurrascaria.com
Lark Creek Newport Beach
Share a romantic evening with a special menu for two created by Executive Chef John Ledbetter, including oysters on the half shell, Dungeness crab cakes, filet mignon and chocolate bread pudding. Lark Creek Newport Beach at Fashion Island, 957 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.6700. larkcreeknb.com
21 Oceanfront
Experience an exquisite Valentine’s Day dinner at the oceanfront restaurant with a menu sure to impress. Choices include shaved fennel arugula salad with diced watermelon, feta cheese and caramelized pecans; steamed lobster tail and petite filet mignon with mushroom risotto and sautéed spinach; Skuna Bay salmon with seven vegetable couscous and steamed asparagus; chocolate heart cake with raspberry mousse and Jamaican coconut cake. $99. 4:30-10 p.m. 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
Fig & Olive
Food lovers will eat to their heart’s content with a three-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu at this new hotspot. The special menu includes dishes such as seared scallops with chanterelle mushroom tapenade, confit pearl onion and porcini oil; Chilean sea bass with Nocellara olive oil tagliatelle of heirloom zucchini, carrot, sundried tomato, Meyer lemon and celery root puree emulsion and roasted rack of lamb with herbs de Provence, goat cheese gnocchi and sautéed wild mushrooms. $65. 5-11 p.m. Fig & Olive at Fashion Island, 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005. figandolive.com
Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Celebrate love under the stars with the hotel’s One Night in Paris menu. Be greeted by a red rose as you walk into the French-inspired pavilion on the Vue Lawn of the property. Enjoy a four-course menu including frisee salad with bacon lardons; French onion soup; choice of filet mignon with cracked pepper demi glaze,; Chicken Chasseur with a mushroom tomato and white wine sauce or roasted salmon with tarragon as your entrée and crepe Suzette with mini French pastries for dessert. Live music, dancing and special entertainment throughout the evening will be on hand, including a caricature artist, mime and more. $99 inclusive of taxes, gratuities, valet parking and a champagne toast. 6-11 p.m. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7516. lagunacliffs.com
Lazy Dog Café
Feb. 14-17. Share a meal with your Valentine at Lazy Dog Café with special menu items including sparkling strawberry sangria,; shrimp and blue crab ravioli; Dijon mint-crusted rack of lamb and homemade strawberry cheesecake in a jar. 240 S. State College Blvd., Brea, 714.529.9300; 16310 Beach Blvd., Westminster, 714.500.1140; 13290 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.731.9700; 1623 W. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.769.7020. lazydogrestaurants.com
Pizzeria Ortica
Chef Justin Miller will be whipping up a Valentine’s a la carte menu perfect for sharing with the one you love, featuring larger shared plates for two along with a variety of smaller starter options. Try housemade ricotta-filled mozzarella with lemon, herbs and breadcrumbs; mortadella agnolotti with roasted tomato, gremolata butter and Sicilian pistachio; whole roasted Mary’s chicken with lemon, chili, mustard green panzanella salad or braised beef shank with soffritto, gremolata and polenta. 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900. pizzeriaortica.com
Old Vine Café
Treat your love to a decadent meal consisting of wild lobster bisque, hand made pappardelle with porcini mushroom ragu, petite filet mignon and chocolate panna cotta with toffee crisp. Seatings at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. $85. The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinecafe.com
The Deck on Laguna Beach
Take in the sea, sunset and sounds with a special a la carte three-course menu in a beachside setting with live music by Jon Salazar. Each couple dining will receive a complimentary box of sweets. If you just want to sip some champagne while enjoying the view, reserve a Beachside Bubbly table with a minimum $45 purchase of one of their 750ml bottles of sparkling wine or champagne. 4-9:30 p.m. 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6700. thedeckonlaguna.com
House of Blues Anaheim
Music speaks to the soul and food speaks to the heart, so let House of Blues leave you speechless with rhythmically prepared courses such as Voodoo shrimp, grilled flat iron steak and red velvet whoopee pies. Three-course dinner for two $75; full menu items available a la carte. Live entertainment from Danny Maika. Champagne and dessert packages available for $25.99. First 100 guests will receive a complimentary red rose. 1530 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.520.2334. houseofblues.com
Comedy Mystery Dinner Show at McCormick & Schmicks
Feb. 15. Be transported back to 1950’s Hollywood as you solve a murder while you dine on a four-course dinner at this wildy funny, interactive murder mystery dinner show. Enjoy a costume contest, prizes, full bar and more. $95. Free bottle of champagne for every six seats purchased together. 7:15-10:30 p.m. The Pilsner Room at McCormick & Schmicks, 2000 Main St., Irvine, 949.509.9889. witandwinkentertainment.com
Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
Through Feb. 17. In honor of National Heart Healthy Month as well as Valentine’s Day, Greenleaf is offering special heart healthy menu items that are not only delicious but good for the heart as well. Try green lentil and turkey bacon soup; pan roasted salmon with fresh berry salsa, quinoa and pomegranate reduction or their “Breakfast for Lunch” salad made with baby spinach, truffled potatoes, caramelized onions, turkey bacon, croutons, a sunny side-up egg and garlic. 234 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.200.3950; 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.862.2480. greenleafchopshop.com
Chapter One: the modern local
Feb. 14-16. Treat your Valentine to a three-course prix fixe menu including lobster gnocchi, dry aged ribeye and seafood paella. $65 includes champagne toast. A la carte menu available by request. 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.353.2225. chapteroneml.com
Brunos Trattoria
Downtown Brea’s Italian restaurant will be featuring a three-course menu with items such as Papparedelle Bruno, Bisteca ‘Flat Iron’ and Linguini Frutti di Mare. $45; $65 with wine pairings. 210 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.257.1000. brunosbrea.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
Feb 14-16. The restaurant will be celebrating Valentine’s Day all weekend, offering a three-course menu with some of their signature dishes like crab and shrimp enchiladas, ‘wood oven’ carnitas and fresh grilled salmon. $25.95. 110 Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1040. chachaslatinkitchen.com
The Golden Truffle
Dine in style with a Valentine’s Day meal prepared by Golden Foodies Golden Chef Award winner, Alan Greeley. Chef Greely will be preparing a three-course menu including selections such as Nebraskan Prime boneless short rib, sautéed Shetland Isle salmon and sweet pea tortellini. $48. 1767 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.9858. goldentruffle.com
Clancy’s American Grill
Feb. 14. Tired of the pre-fixe menus and heart shaped stuff? Celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day with your friends at Clancy’s American Grill where you won’t find menus for two, just the regular value priced menu featuring favorite dishes and drinks. Party begins at 4 p.m. with Happy Hour. 2191 S.Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.750.7500. clancysamericangrill
HOTELS
The Waterfront Beach Resort
For an over-the-top celebration, opt for their “All You Need Is Love” package which includes your own personal event coordinator to design your tablescape, private chef-created five-course dinner with Crystal champagne and keepsake crystal champagne flutes, private ocean-view dining room, live music, fresh flowers, private ocean-front fire pit for dessert, tickets to the ballroom for dancing, ocean-view suite for one night, breakfast, parking, internet, in-room movie and special parting gift from the hotel. Perfect for a proposal, anniversary or just because. $2000, inclusive of tax and gratuities. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.8420 waterfrontresort.com
SWEET TREATS + GIFTS
Michelle Haut Chocolat
The chocolatier has created special Valentine’s assortments that are sure to please the pickiest of palates. Select from The Love Box, a 12-piece box of truffles made with gourmet flavors and intriguing textures, $30; Classic M Bar Collection, hand wrapped in limited edition fine papers, or the exclusive Valrhona M Bar Collection, boxed in crystal clear packaging and tied with a red bow to showcase the 23k edible gold layered over French Valrhona bittersweet chocolate with your choice of saffron, rose salt or rose petals, $20. The OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.630.5886. michellehautechocolat
Casey’s Cupcakes
Woo your sweetheart with delicious cupcakes from Casey’s Cupcakes. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the famous bakery has created the Cupid’s Chocolate Coconut Red Velvet Cupcake, made with Belgian chocolate chips and roasted coconut shavings, baked in a red velvet cake and topped with coconut butter cream frosting, pink glitter and a glitter heart. $3.50 each. Irvine Spectrum Center, 59 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.379.7300; Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 657.400.9097; Fashion Island, 1041 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.706.2525; 303 Broadway St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8245; Woodbury Town Center, 6258 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, 949.333.2228. caseyscupcake.com
B. Toffee
Pick up limited edition packages of the handcrafted toffee featuring both milk chocolate and dark chocolate B. toffee, along with complimentary B. bits and a special recipe for a romantic B. toffee sharable shake that couples can make at home. Each gift set comes with two 0-ounce canisters of B. toffee,one package of B. bits, a recipe card and Valentine’s packaging for $32. btoffee.com
Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry
Make your Valentine swoon with gems and jewels from Laguna Beach’s master jeweler. Shop between now and Valentine’s Day and receive $200 off any purchase of $1000 or more. Good for any in-stock item, initiated custom work is not eligible. 352 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.0953. adamneeley.com
EVENTS + ACTIVITIES
Sunset Whale Watching Cruise
For a unique and romantic way to celebrate, cruise aboard the largest vessel in Orange County, the Dana Pride. Chocolate treats and glasses of champagne are included while a cash bar is available. Reserve a table at one of the nearby restaurants to enjoy dinner after the cruise. $35. 4-6 p.m. DanaWharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603. danawharf.com
Pedego Electric Bikes Valentine’s Ride
Feb. 15. Show your sweetheart how creative you are with a Valentine’s bike ride from Corona Del Mar to Laguna Beach. Pack a camera, water, sunscreen, helmet and money for lunch and enjoy a beautiful ride with dramatic views. Allow three hours for scenic overlooks and time for lunch. Pedego Electric Bike rental $48. 10 a.m. Meet at Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.612.7989. bikenewportbeach.org
Matthew Morrison in Concert
Feb. 13-15. The Glee star and graduate of the Orange County School of the Arts returns to Southern California with a Valentine’s Day spectacular of show tunes and jazz standards perfect for you and your special someone. His new album, “Where It All Began,” is a collection of standards, many first made famous in Broadway musicals. 8 p.m. $35-$185. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. pacificsymphony.org
Spa Date for Two at Spa Gregories
Sweethearts can start off at the spa for a luxurious couple’s massage or facial followed by dinner at Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar, The Bungalow Restaurant or Wildfish. $199 includes the full spa service and a discounted voucher for dinner (amounts vary by restaurant). Treatment upgrades available. 200 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.6672. spagregories.com
Huntington Beach Free Parking on Valentine’s Day
Feb. 14. The city of Huntington Beach is offering two hours free parking in the Main Promenade Parking Structure from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. All Huntington Beach downtown merchants on Main and 5th streets will have special vouchers for customers to receive with $10 minimum purchase. Parking structure is located on the east side of Main St. between Walnut and Olive streets. 714.536.8300. hbdowntown.com
Ashtin Salon
Spoil that special someone with a Valentine’s Day Beauty Package including a Kerastase shampoo and blowout, manicure, make-up application and glass of champagne. $95. Appointments necessary. 2600 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, 949.721.8767. ashtinsalon.com