Michele StuevenWhether you’re up for a lover’s scavenger hunt in Ojai, après-ski dining experience in a cozy Swiss chalet or feel like sashaying into a singles soiree, spread the love with these Valentine’s Day ideas.
Tucked within the Topatopa Mountains in the Ojai Valley, the romantic Ojai Valley Inn has been welcoming travelers since 1923 to the tranquil setting known as “Shangri La.” Situated 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, the inn will celebrate the month of February with 28 Days of Romance. Intimate experiences include the Pink Moment Turndown – Toast to your romance with a bottle of the inn’s private-label Pink Moment sparkling wine, accompanied by an arrangement of chocolate-dipped strawberries and rose petals sprinkled on the bed. There’s also the Lovers Treasure Hunt for two at the Ojai Valley Inn property, searching for clues inspired by your personal romance. Advance reservations required.
Courtesy Ojai Valley Inn
Closer to home at another historic landmark, Fairmont Century Plaza will transport guests and locals to the Alps with L.A.’s first après-ski dining experience within three wood-appointed Swiss chalets on the outdoor patio of The Bar. Choose from a prix fixe menu of chocolate fondue, cheese fondue, and a curated selection of winter appetizers (short rib croquettes, smoked salmon on potato rosti, charcuterie and more), festive cocktails (Espresski Martini, Eggnog of the Century) and non-alcoholic favorites, or warm up beside a small private fire pit with an elevated s’mores platter. Reservations for chalets are available daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Price: $125 a person. Booking link, here.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills will host the Amalfi Coast’s Hotel Santa Caterina for an exclusive pop-up with their signature restaurant, Al Mare. The hotel’s chef, Giuseppe Stanzione, will bring a taste of coastal Italy to Los Angeles, where he will collaborate with The Peninsula’s Executive Chef Ralf Schlegel for the “Al Mare, Amore” experience on the Belvedere Terrace from Tuesday, Feb. 7 through Saturday, Feb. 25. To celebrate the month of romance, there will be a six-course tasting menu served on the Belvedere Terrace, near the iconic Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture. Menu highlights include eggplant parmigiana, spaghetti al limone con scampi, grilled white sea bass, cow-buffalo ricotta cheese and raspberries. To complement the pop-up, The Peninsula Beverly Hills will offer a Valentine’s Day package that includes a champagne and caviar welcome amenity, experiential six-course dinner, s’mores under the stars, accommodations in a luxury suite, monogrammed robes, and other loving touches.
Singles soiree and sushi (Courtesy Palihouse WeHo)
Palisociety Hotels will welcome couples, throuples and situationships to single soirees across town on Valentine’s Day. Palihouse West Hollywood welcomes singles to the Lobby Lounge Cafe and Bar, and features a For the Love of Toro dinner, a romantic five -piece toro tasting for sushi lovers, and a glass of sparkling sake. Book your table at mezzaninesushi.com and book your spot for the singles soiree at Eventbrite. Silver Lake Pool & Inn also will host an all-singles soiree by the pool with tray passed apps and a tarot card reader. Book your tickets at marcopolola.com or Eventbrite.
Over at Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood’s vinyl district, the former music venue, lovebirds can opt for the “Grandmaster Lovers” four-course tasting menu featuring a selection of dishes helmed by Head Chef Blake Shailes. Diners will be greeted with a glass of champagne upon arrival and can select from their choice of spuntini, antipasti, secondi and dolci from the Australian-meets-Italy menu, including oysters with Meyer lemon sorbetto and rosemary, slow-cooked halibut with mussels, clams, tomatoes, green olives and fennel. There’s also duck for two with wood-roasted crown and leg, pickled and roasted pears, candied walnuts, caramelized treviso and Marsala sauce, plus risotto with wood-roasted mushrooms and Parmigiano Reggiano Optional. Extras like cocktails and caviar for the celebration also can be purchased at an additional charge.
Angelini will offer a three-course, prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day, which includes oysters fritti, sautéed venison, grilled Colorado lamb chops and more. Call 323-297-0070, or book online on Opentable.
Cranberry Blackberry English Meow (Courtesy Cat and Fiddle)
The Cat & Fiddle will offer its full menu, as well as a special Valentine‘s Day prix fixe menu that includes leg of lamb, nut roast Wellington and a choice of chocolate mousse, sticky toffee pudding and a vegan chocolate pistachio ice cream cake with vegetarian options. The Valentine‘s Day prix fixe menu will be available for dine-in and takeout.
California-inspired American brunch restaurant in DTLA’s Flower District, Poppy + Rose, will serve up some new themed beverages and cocktails from Friday, Feb. 10 through Thursday, Feb. 16. For Valentine’s Day week, Poppy + Rose will continue to offer its regular menu of brunch classics buttermilk chicken and waffles, fried chicken sandwich, biscuits and gravy, and pulled pork hash platter alongside:
Pink Rose Latte (Courtesy Poppy and Rose)
The Poppy Bomb: Poppy + Rose’s play on a French 75. Made with rose syrup, rum, lemon juice and sparkling rosé
Rosa Fresa: A creamy cocktail made with strawberry, rum, cream and citrus, with a chocolate rim
Red Raspberry: A tart and sweet raspberry cocktail made with rose foam, tequila, raspberry, citrus and rose foam
Pink Rose Latte (served hot or iced): A festive pink latte made with espresso, milk, rose and vanilla syrup
Michelin-starred Camphor, the Eurocentric bistro in DTLA led by Co-Executive chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, will offer a four-course Valentine’s Day menu featuring French forward dishes such as herb hollandaise sole, duck dolce forte, lobster bisque and chocolate mousse. Complete the meal with two Burgundy wine pairing options. Reservations are available via Resy.
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