Valentine’s day can be tricky ….depending on how long you have been dating and what’s expected, it can sometimes make or break your relationship. See my Valentine’s Day Dining article on Westside Today’s new site.

One of my all time favorite restaurants….Upper West is completely booked….but if you are interested in something completely different…

Enjoy an early Valentine’s dining experience with English Tea in Pasadena at the Urban Homestead on Feb 12th and Feb 13th from 7-9pm.

Urban Homestead is located at 631 Cypress Ave in Pasadena CA 91103. The cost ranges from $15.00 to $37 for a four-course menu…plus gratuity. Live music is provided as well. This is a private home and space is limited. Tickets must be purchased prior with a pr-registration. Call 626-844-4586 or text 626-765-5704. Fill out form on their site https://urbanhomesteadsupply.gostorego.com/contacts/

Or in Venice…Joe’s Restaurant will also entice your true love with an $95.00 per person 4-course meal.

Seducing her with entrees such as prime rib of beef, lamb sirloin, African pheasant or Fish for two, (snapper, sole, black bass and more), Joe’s is the quintessential place to dine.

The eclectic menu also offers a nice selection of starters such as Oyster and asparagus, scallop fettuccine with honey mussels….just to name a few. Be sure to call quick to make a reservation 310 399-5811; Joe’s Restaurant, 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., in Venice. http://joesrestaurant.com/

In Westwood…

NINETHIRTY will host a four-course Valentine’s dinner for $60 per person. The menu includes a Porcini Budino, followed by a New York Steak served with short rib and tamarind agnolotti and more.

Wine pairing is also available through LXV wines. NINETHIRTY will be available for seatings between 5 and 10 pm.

Valentines Menu available Prix Fixe for $60 (++$40 for recommended wine pairings)  For reservations call 310.443.8211. NINETHIRTY is located in the W Hotel at 930 Hilgard Ave., LA, 90024. http://www.ninethirtyw.com

In Beverly Hills, impress your date with an eight-course Valentine’s dinner for $275 per person at Melisse. The first seating runs from 5:00pm – 6:30pm, with the second seating taking place from 8:15pm – 9:30pm.

Chef Josiah Citrin has created options for diners to enjoy his Valentine’s Day menu on Thursday, Friday or Saturday (Price is $150 per person for Thursday & Saturday’s dinner). The eight-course menu includes dishes such as his famous Egg Caviar, a soft poached egg with lemon crème fraiche and American Caviar; Perigord Truffle Risotto with mascarpone and shaved black truffles; and Crispy Atlantic Bass with Swiss chard, onions and sweet clover broth. Melisse 1104 Wilshire Boulevard, SM 90404; 310.395.0887. http://melisse.com/

Or celebrate the big day with a casual vibe at the relaxed and retro Melody Bar and Grill in Westchester. DJ Creepy will be spinning tunes to get you in the mood.

Half price martinis will add to the flavor of the special day…BTW the food is really amazing here with great prices. The Melody Bar and Grill is located at 9132 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. (310) 670-1994; http://www.melodylax.com/

Keep the romance going with a dinner the night after V-Day…February 15, Secret Supper invites you to a Valentine’s Soiree. I have attended and can tell you first hand the food is AMAZING….served on impeccable china with an artsy vibe. The dinner is held in a stunning private home in Venice.

The menu includes Lobster Bisque, Chicken in Champagne Sauce, Red Velvet Swirl Brownies and other delights…and as always there will be a lively group of foodie folks. The donation is $55 per person or $70 per person with a wine pairing. The location of the dinner will be revealed once you register. Only 4 seats left, so email Chef Leslie Paonessa at lfpsm@earthlink.net if you would like more info.

Give the gift of treats to your honey….Essential Chocolate Desserts is open 7 Days a Week and ready for Valentine’s Day. They offer a “Happy Hour” Mon thru Thur 5pm – 7pm. Enjoy desserts, coffees, teas, ice cream, chocolates & more!

Give them a call at (310) 287 – 0699 to reserve some sweets for you special Valentine.

Essential Chocolate Desserts is located at 10868 Washington Blvd.; Culver City, CA 90232. www.essentialchocolate.com

One more idea for a tasty treat to bring home….pop by the Copenhagen Pastry in Culver City. Perhaps you are planning to cook, then arrange for a fantastic EASY dessert. Pick up some incredibly delicious deserts from this Danish bakery.

A little box with pastries or dessert cakes would be a great gift for that special person in your life. Copenhagen Pastry uses authentic Danish recipes, traditional baking methods creating light and flaky Danish pastries made on site.

See image: featuring Napoleon Hat, Romkugle, Almond Mazarin and Kranse Cake.

Copenhagen Pastry is located at 11113 Washington Blvd., in Culver City; 310 839-8900. http://www.copenhagenpastry.com