Attention Men, if you have NOT gotten on the ball and made a reservation – get on it. Here is a list of some dining choices for the big day! Make it happen boys!!
118 Degrees:
Celebrate love, l
ife and living food this Valentine’s Day at 118 Degrees in Tarzana. The charming plant-based living foods restaurant is serving up a Valentine’s Day 5-Course Prix Fixe Menu, including a Glass of Frizzante for $75.00 per couple or $40.00 per person. Indulge in a bounty of dishes lovingly prepared with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains at 118 Degrees or lower to preserve valuable nutrients. Executive Chef Jenny Ross is serving up lovable “Cupid-Day” courses, beginning with flavorful Pesto Mushrooms; Cremini mushrooms stuffed with walnut pesto; followed by the beloved Verde Tacos topped with fresh Napa cabbage, spicy Pepita cheese, cucumber, corn, carrots, chopped spinach, Tomatillo salsa and spicy Pepitas. Next, choose between two enticing entrées: It is love at first bite, when you sink your teeth into the Coconut Curry Wraps prepared with sweet yellow curry, vegetables, coconuts, a savory red sauce and sweet crème filling, or fall head over heels for the mouthwatering Tomato Stacks; thin slices of Roma tomatoes topped with an olive basil vegetable chutney, capers, fresh basil and marinated red onions. Then, savor the final savory course of Red Pepper Kelp Noodles before moving onto a decadent Dessert Sampler perfect for sharing with your sweetie (or keeping all to yourself). Offering only two seatings for this Valentine’s Day 5-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, reservations are not required, but highly recommended for this popular, nutritious eatery. Eat well, live well and be well this Valentine’s Day at 118 Degrees where organic and gourmet plant-based food is something “to live for.”
118 Degrees will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th, 2016 for Breakfast from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, Lunch from 11:30 am to 4:00 m and Dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 18636 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, CA 91356; 818.660.1118; http://www.118degreesla.com
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BRUXIE Santa Monica:
Fall in love at Bruxie Santa Monica this Valentine’s Day because once you go waffle, you never go back! From February 1st to February 14th, indulge in two lovable Valentine’s Day Specials from Owner & Executive Chef Dean Simon, celebrating ripe, locally grown California strawberries for the red-heart holiday.
See image: Courtesy of Bruxie, Bruxie Santa Monica – The Love Bruxie & Chocolate berry Shake
Get down with The Love Bruxie; this tasty Bruxie bold fold is filled with warm Belgium chocolate, fresh California strawberries, whipped cream and powdered sugar for just $6.95. Pair that with the decadent Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Shake blended with real Wisconsin frozen custard and fresh California strawberries, served in a chocolate rimmed cup topped with whipped cream and a juicy red strawberry dipped in chocolate for $5.95. Fresh, locally-grown ingredients do not stop there at Bruxie Santa Monica. The street-style walk-up eatery on the 3rd Street Promenade offers a bevy of Bruxie Classic Waffle Sandwiches showcasing the Bruxie waffle, which is light, airy, crispy, not sweet and only 250 calories, Signature Salads tossed with farm fresh produce and scratch made dressings, Pure Cane Sugar Sodas and Bruxie Bold Blend Coffee made from 100% fair trade coffee beans. Go ahead and get! Fall in love with Bruxie Santa Monica this Valentine’s Day.
Bruxie Santa Monica will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th, 2016 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; 1412 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 424.268.9955; http://www.bruxie.com
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Bar Mattachine:
Love is in the air at Bar Mattachine this Valentine’s Day. The gay craft cocktail bar in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles has everything you need to celebrate with your sweetheart, offering tasty breakfast bites and specialty cocktails during The Windup Sunday Brunch from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Bite into two fresh and toasty Breakfast Sandys from Chef Maxwell, including the open-faced Vegan Virgin; a crisp bed of butter lettuce topped with seared tofu, grilled and marinated Portobello mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, avocado and bean sprouts and Her Slutty Sister, a roasted pork belly sandwich on sourdough toast with sundried tomatoes, arugula, grilled Portobellos and roasted garlic aioli. A perfect pairing for a loving pair, savor an $8.00 My Bloody Valentine cocktail from Owner Garrett McKechnie who is shaking up these specialty spicy libations with Mattachine’s house-made bloody Mary mix and your choice of vodka or gin. Star-crossed lovers who prefer to sip bubbles for brunch, can also enjoy a classic Mimosa with fresh orange juice, Curaçao and Champagne or opt for the refreshing Ramos Gin Fizz crafted with gin, egg whites, cream and fresh lemon and lime juices topped with soda. Lovable loungers looking for a fun afternoon of delight can stay for The Windup. Host Shawn Morales and DJ James Cerne turn up the beat on the dance floor and the discounted brew-skies flow, featuring $3.00 Pabst Blue Ribbon Beers and $4.00 Joe’s Pilsners from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Can you feel the love? Make it a special Valentine’s Day this February 14th and celebrate with Bar Mattachine.
Bar Mattachine will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th, 2016 from 10:00 am to 2:00 am; 221 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.278.0471; http://facebook.com/BarMattachine
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HACHÉ LA:
This Valentine’s Day, it is love at first bite at new age burger stand HACHÉ LA in Silver Lake. Serving up mouthwatering chopped steak burgers, crispy triple-cooked fries, creamy frozen custards and Champagne specials all day long, this sunny L.A. eatery is the perfect place to fall in love.
Hache LA, Burger, photo by Acuna Hansen
Raise a glass to romance with $20.00 Bottomless Mimosas and sip on endless fizzy flutes of Champagne with fresh orange juice. Sweethearts looking to spice up their love lives, can share the Habanero burger topped with a four-chili mix of red bell pepper, Habanero, jalapeño and Anaheim peppers with garlic mayo and queso fresco. A tasty complement to a chopped steak burger, Mick’s Triple Cooked Fries are fresh-cut Russet potatoes cooked three times to a crisp-golden perfection. A special Valentine’s Day sweet treat, the velvety Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Custard is whipped up with liquid nitrogen and creamy cheesecake bites are swirled into a tart, blush-colored berry mixture for just $6.00. Fall in love with these Valentine’s Day Specials and more at HACHÉ LA this February 14th.
HACHÈ LA will be open on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2016 from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 pm; 3319 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 323.928.2963; http://www.hachela.com
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Celestino Ristorante:
Nobody celebrates love quite like the Italians! Escape to sunny Pasadena with your loved one this Valentine’s Day to indulge in authentic Italian dishes at Celestino Ristorante. Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago will be cooking up a Valentine’s Day Special Menu, featuring four courses of delicate seafood, hearty (and heart-shaped) house-made pastas and even a delightful dessert for $68.00 per person. The star-crossed lovers’ dinner begins with Insalata D’Aragosta alla Romeo e Giulietta; a steamed lobster salad with sweet pea sauce and melon, and the Ravioli di San Valentino is heart-shaped ravioli with red beets in a goat cheese sauce. Next, choose between two mouthwatering main courses, including the Filetto di Branzino con Patate Peruviane alla Moda Degli Amori di Primavera, which is a filet of sea bass on red Peruvian mashed potatoes, celery and black truffles, or opt for the Anellini di Pollo con Salsiccia, Funghi Porcini alla Serenata Notturna; a succulent chicken breast stuffed with sausage, mushrooms, pink peppercorns and a Brandy sauce. As for something sweet to treat your sweetie to, the Torta Sorpressa D’Amore is a surprise love cake that is great for sharing. Make sure to book your Valentine’s Day reservation for two at Celestino Ristorante soon to indulge in this rustic and romantic holiday feast.
Celestino Ristorante will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th, 2016 from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.795.4006; http://www.celestinopasadena.com
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Osawa:
Head to the quaint streets of Old Town Pasadena this Valentine’s Day and to cuddle up with your loved one over a romantic Japanese dinner at Osawa. Executive Chef Shigefume Tachibe is cooking up delectable Valentine’s Day Specials that couples are sure to fall in love with.
See image: photo by acuna-hansen, Osawa – Shabu Shabu
Begin with the Osawa Bouillabaisse, a steamy saffron stew offering of clams, white fish and cayenne aioli for $39.00 or share a succulent Australian Wagyu Steak served with traditional Dengaku miso, spring vegetables, rice and a side of miso soup for $48.00. Indulge in even more lovable bites with your love like Uni Spaghetti for $14.00, Bonito Salad with garlic and olive oil for $18.00, Spicy Tuna Tartare for $16.00 and Shrimp Chili for $14.00. Perfect for sharing, loving couples can also cook for each other at the Shabu Shabu counter and indulge in hot pots of Rib Eye, Tonkotsu Silver Pork or King Salmon with Spicy Miso Broth. Complement these pleasing plates (and pots) with delicate Sake, which is on offer as hot or cold, by the glass or by the bottle. With so many delicious dishes to enjoy, one cannot help but fall head over heels for Osawa this Valentine’s Day.
Osawa will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th, 2016 for Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and Dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm; 77 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.683.1150; http://www.theosawa.com
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Inotheke:
This Valentine’s Day take your loved one out to a place they are sure to love! Make it a romantic night with Inotheke in Santa Monica and dine on fresh, herb infused Mediterranean-style Greek dishes, along with sparkling cocktails and warm, sweet desserts. Owner Carolos Tomazos recommends sharing the love and sharing Small Plates like Octopus in Wine with pearl onions and red wine, along with Potted Duck with walnuts, orange and cardamom and Herb Crusted Salmon with an eggplant-Tahini salad and Oven Roasted Potatoes with lemon and garlic. Pair these clean plates (which you will lick clean) with the delicate Persephone wine cocktail poured with Champagne, pomegranate juice, lemon and fresh thyme. Follow that up with a decadently delicious Valentine’s Day special dessert of Karydopita; a walnut and date cake with Brandy and honey whipped cream for $9.00. Feel (and taste) the love with Inotheke this Valentine’s Day.
Inotheke is open on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2016 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; 606 Broadway Avenue, Suite 101, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.458.3366; http://www.inotheke.com
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Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern:
Fun, playful and lively, Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern on mid-Wilshire Boulevard is the perfect place for spirited couples to spend Valentine’s Day. This one-of-a-kind mid-city tavern is offering a 5-Course Blind Tasting Tapas Dinner fit for two-of-a-kind twosomes looking to have fun. Couples will be given blindfolds (optional) to explore their senses while enjoying five courses of creative and inventive dishes from Executive Chef Isaias Peña.
S
ee image: photo by acuna-hansen, Pork belly pops
Quite possibly the best deal in town, this playful dinner for just $60.00 per person also comes with a Complimentary Bottle of Champagne. Due to the fun conditions of this romantic top-secret dinner, the 5-Course Blind Tasting Tapas Dinner will not be disclosed, but guests with allergy risks are urged to alert the kitchen ahead of time. As for a little liquid love, Bar Manager Melissa Taimanglo is pouring out Specialty Cocktails like the Horney Sidecar crafted with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Cointreau and lemon juice, along with other youthful libations like the Bubbly Fragola mixed with Russian Standard vodka, lime juice, muddled strawberries and topped off with fizzy Prosecco. Feel young and in love with your loved one at Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern this Valentine’s Day.
Spare Tire Kitchen & Tavern will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th, 2016 from 10:00 am to 11:00 PM; 5370 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.525.2618; http://www.sparetirepub.com
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solita Tacos & Margaritas Valencia:
Add a little spice to your love life with help from solita Tacos & Margaritas Valencia this Valentine’s Day. Lounge with your loved one while dining on fresh Baja-Mexican plates paired with icy margarita cocktails. Owner and Executive Chef Deborah Schneider is serving up authentic Antojitos perfect for sharing: Yellowtail Tropical Ceviche is refreshing with diced fresh Gulf of California yellowtail tossed in fresh-squeezed lime juice, Serrano chilies, cucumber, tropical fruit, salsa Fresca and avocado and crispy Chicken Taquitos are fried corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken and cilantro, topped with lettuce, salsa Fresca, sour cream and guacamole. Bubbling Queso al Forno is a tasty cazuela of melted, hot Mexican cheeses topped with green onions and Serrano chilies, served with warm corn or flour tortillas and a refreshing Watermelon Copa is a glass goblet filled with juicy watermelon cubes, along with lime wedges and Chile con Limon. With so many ice-cold, tropical margaritas to select from, why choose just one? A special Valentine’s Day Frozen Margarita Flight for $12.00 is perfect for sipping on with your sweetie! A trio of ice-blended tart and juicy margaritas from Beverage Director Colin Pflugradt, choose three fresh flavors to enjoy: strawberry, kiwi, mango, watermelon, pomegranate, guava or pineapple. Head over the hill this Valentine’s Day to savor spicy dishes, sip ice-cold margaritas and snuggle with your sweetheart at solita Tacos & Margaritas Valencia.
solita Tacos & Margaritas Valencia will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm with the bar remaining open until 12:00 Midnight; 24201 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 3470, Valencia, CA 91355; 661.291.1399; http://www.solitatacos.com
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The Raymond 1886:
Head to sunn
y Pasadena this Valentine’s Day and cuddle up with your sweetheart in the cozy craftsman cottage of The Raymond 1886. Executive Chef Tim Guiltinan is cooking up a delectable four-course Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu for $105.00 per person, which is on offer all weekend, on Friday, February 12th, Saturday, February 13th and of course Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th.
See image: Courtesy of The Raymond 1886, 1926 Vodka Cosmo
Begin with a light and lovable 1st Course choice between the Micro Farmed Oyster, MA with “Naughty” sauce or the Japanese Baby Albacore with bacon Dashi, winter citrus and chili pepper. 2nd Course, choose between a farm-fresh Arugula & Wild Mustard Salad with Montana blueberries, sheep’s milk cheese and almond dressing or the flavorful Veracruz Lobster Soup with pickled corn and Oaxacan chili. Enticing 3rd Course entrée selections include a Roasted Chicken with goat cheese polenta, grilled asparagus and rosemary jus, Roasted Artichoke Ravioli with Pecorino cream, English peas and a marjoram pesto, Prime Beef with liquefied potato, South Pasadena Farmer’s Market vegetables and salsa Verde or Colombian River Wild Salmon with Thai curry broth, palm hearts and hand rolled cous cous. Next, fall head over hills for decadent desserts from Pastry Chef Eliot Pardo! 4th Course sweet treat choices; the Red Beet Velvet Cake is topped with white chocolate mousse and served with a house-made Meyer lemon cream cheese ice cream and Triple Chocolate Custard comes with passion fruit curd and tropical tea ice cream. Additionally, couples can take home decadent nibbles to nibble on, as Pardo is sending lovebirds off with special Chocolate Truffles as end-of-dinner take-home favors. Complement this romantic dinner, with a signature 1886 Bar craft cocktail from Barman Peter Lloyd Jones for $10.00 each. Fresh, vibrant and seductive the 1926 Vodka Cosmo is shaken up with vodka, fresh raspberries, fresh lemon and house-made simple syrup and the My Valentine is perfect for sharing with your Valentine; mixed up with Cognac, Peychaud bitters, Absinthe spray, sugar and a lemon peel. Fall in love at The Raymond 1886 this Valentine’s Day.
The Raymond 1886 will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th, 2016 for Lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and Dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; http://www.theraymond.com
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Venice Whaler:
Love is in the air at the Venice Whaler this Valentine’s Day. The rocking beachside eatery is offering a fun weekend of festivities, along with delicious food and drink sp
ecials to mark the romantic occasion.
See image: Courtesy of Venice Whaler
On Saturday, February 13th, it is time for the Pajama Jammy Jam. Get cozy in your bedtime onesie, sweats, flannel, pajamas, or something a bit sexier if you dare and head to where Washington Boulevard meets the sand for this fun-filled party. Bar Manager Brittini Rae will be pouring out specialty cocktails for girls and gals called the HIS and HERS for just $8.00 each. Sip on HIS crafted with scotch, apple brandy and strawberries or savor HERS; an elegant libation mixed up with Pisco, mint, citrus and raspberries. Additionally, there will be $5.00 Pickle Back Shots and a $5.00 Whaler Fashioned on offer for anyone who dresses in their pajamas! As for the big day of romance on Sunday, Executive Chef Nick Liberato will be serving up two Valentine’s Day Specials, including a Whole Grilled Branzino with oregano and macadamia for $23.00, along with a succulent Grilled Filet Mignon with black peppercorn sauce, whipped potatoes and green beans for $27.00. A fizzy bottle of Perrier Jouet Champagne will also be available for $80.00 on Valentine’s Day, along with the HIS and HER cocktail specials as well. Find a sweetie on Saturday night and book your first date on Sunday at the Venice Whaler this Valentine’s Day.
Couples looking to lay back and lounge or curl up in the warm sand this Valentine’s Day, need look no further than the Venice Whaler Takeaway Window. Stay in with your sweetie with terrific takeaway tacos, along with other bites and snacks from Executive Chef Nick Liberato.
Trios of tasty tacos are perfect for sharing with your sweetheart and include succulent choices of Grilled or Crispy Cod, Shrimp, Chicken or Short Rib. Keep the spice in your love life with the Spicy Street Dog wrapped in bacon and topped with slaw and jalapeños or grab a hot and crispy Tomato Pie (or two) with roasted tomatoes and olive oil. As for something sweet to sip with your sweetheart, share a pair of creamy Milkshakes like the Choco-Mocha with fresh banana and vanilla ice cream and the Honey Nut with peanut butter, vanilla ice cream and honey. Wherever you decide to be and whoever you decide to spend it with, make this Valentine’s Day a good one, by kicking back, relaxing and letting the Venice Whaler Takeaway Window do all of the work.
The Venice Whaler Takeaway Window will be open on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th from 7:00 to 2:00 am; 10 West Washington Boulevard; Venice, CA 90292; 310.821.8737; http://www.venicewhaler.com
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