Image courtesy of San Pedro Fish Market.
Valentine’s Day is just a couple of days away. Still haven’t made plans? See below. Whether you want a romantic dinner, elegant tea service at a five-star hotel, a humble meal, a classic romance on the big screen, or singles speed dating on a scenic rooftop, we’ve got some ideas. Don’t delay! As of publication time, some dinner reservations remained, but they’re going fast.
1500 free roses will be given away on Valentine’s Day by the DTLA Alliance at six different Downtown Los Angeles spots! During the initiative, “With Love, From DTLA,” you’ll also be able to listen to live jazz music by The Pepper Moons at Settecento in Maguire Gardens from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The roses will be passed out at Bank of America Plaza (333 S. Hope St.), The Bloc (700 W. 7th St.), City National Plaza (515 Flower St.), FourFortyFour South Flower (444 Flower St.), Maguire Gardens (Flower St.), and US Bank Tower (633 W. 5th St.) beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Raise a glass to amour during an elegant dinner at Caldo Verde, the flagship restaurant at Downtown LA’s Proper Hotel. You’ll savor a thoughtfully curated four-course menu created by James Beard award-winning chef Suzanne Goin in a luxe, romantic setting, with options that include Ricotta Gnocchi & Lobster and Braised Beef Short Rib. A DJ will be spinning tunes on vinyl for a soulful soundtrack. You can make a reservation here.
Love is Just is a singles speed dating event taking place on Valentine’s Day on the rooftop of H Hotel Los Angeles. Hosted by Keith Manley of Netflix’s Married at First Sight, the evening includes an unlimited open bar with romance-themed cocktails, gift bags, a flower wall for photo opps, a DJ set, and sweeping skyline views. Guests aren’t required to participate in the speed dating – feel free to mingle and meet new people underneath the stars and a nearly-full moon! Tickets begin at $85 and can be purchased here.
ALK (acronym for “About Last Knife”) is a chic restaurant at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood with a kitchen manned by talented French Chef Olivier Rousselle. Visit ALK for its Valentine’s Day Jazz Dinner on February 14, featuring live jazz, a special blood-orange take on the classic French 75 cocktail, and a special 4-course meal for just $70 per person. Reservations can be made here.
Enjoy the rare opportunity to see a nitrate screening of Portrait of Jennie (1948) at The Egyptian Theatre. This supernatural romance about a Depression-era artist inspired by a mysterious girl stars Joseph Cotten, Jennifer Jones, and Ethel Barrymore. Savor the depth and shimmer of nitrate film — Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre is one of the very few theaters in the country to screen films made of this highly flammable material. More info
Agents Only, the signature restaurant inside Pasadena’s chic Hotel Dena’s signature restaurant, provides a romantic escape with a special prix-fixe menu from February 13-16. Acclaimed Mexican Chef Pablo Salas’ special dining experience at Agents Only includes starters like Tuna Guacamole with chips or the Dena Chop Salad. Mains include a decadent Lobster Quesadilla with chipotle aioli or a grilled 10oz Ribeye Steak served with roasted potatoes, asparagus, and chimichurri. Desser, Cajeta Flan, is served with chocolate-covered strawberries and chantilly cream, while two signature cocktails further elevate the experience. This special meal is $55 and up. Agents Only
Looking for a simpler Valentine’s Day experience? Fast-casual eatery Tender Greens features chef-led, responsibly sourced dishes that are healthful, well-balanced, and seasonal. And, on Valentine’s Day, you can get a free dessert with the purchase of an entree: Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake made with Cordillera 70% Dark Chocolate and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Savor your free dessert with either dine-in or to-go purchases (you must use the Tender Greens app and add the free dessert reward to get the lava cake with to-go orders). Tender Greens has 13 locations in LA.
Photo courtesy of The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills.
The London at West Hollywood in Beverly Hills is acclaimed for its special tea experience, with teas specially sourced by the world-renowned expert Rare Tea Company, based in London. Come savor the Love Story in Bloom Tea on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 15. Priced at $84, or $42 for 12 and under, this elevated menu includes a variety of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and house-baked tea pastries (Red Velvet Trifle, Chocolate-Hazelnut Rocher, Passion Fruit & Lime Cake Roll, and Organic Strawberry Profiterole). Book your reservation on Open Table.
Japanese restaurant Katana is acclaimed for its sushi, robata-grilled meats, superior cocktails, and beautiful elevated patio perched above the Sunset Strip. On Valentine’s Day, the West Hollywood eatery offers an izakaya feast for $125 per person, featuring a starter, robata options, sushi, and a dessert. Valentine’s Day specials such as a premium robata grilled seafood tower ($125) and a toro hand roll duo ($32) will also be available. More info
Sushi Roku is offering an izakaya feast for Valentine’s Day. Priced at $125 at the Pasadena location and $105 is Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, menu highlights include toro carpaccio and hamachi serrano for starters, chu-toro and sea bream nigiri, baked crab hand roll, and a dark chocolate mousse for dessert. Though evening reservations are all taken, there are a few afternoon reservations left at all three locations. Open Table bookings: Pasadena / Santa Monica / Manhattan Beach
Spend Cupid’s day at LACE‘s Love Witches’ Ball at Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. This witchy evening features performances from Beck+Col, music by Bitter Party, tarot readings by Sanyu Estelle, MC Caleb Luna, and a love-themed film screening. Come for dancing, tarot readings, libations, cake, and a free raffle! General admission is free, and tickets are available here.
San Pedro Fish Market Long Beach is a relaxed waterfront restaurant that’s served generous portions of fresh seafood since 1956. This year, enjoy the eatery’s Valentine’s Dinner for Two, available from February 14-16. The special three-course menu is designed for a romantic seafood celebration, featuring a choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert, and a glass of prosecco for $119.99 per couple. More info
The Love Witch (2016) is a visually arresting take on 1970s witchcraft movies. See a VHS screening of “The Love Witch” at 1984 Vintage and 1984 Horror in San Fernando. Tickets are $7.18 and can be found here.
