We supersized this week’s edition for you. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got $250, $25 or less to spend on your better half; we’ve got you covered. And to be honest, a solid hug and kiss also go a long way.
Journeyman’s “Love and Be Loved” Dinners – Fullerton
The team at Journeyman’s Food & Drink are celebrating sweethearts Tuesday through Saturday. With four courses on all days except Valentine’s (which is extended to six courses), the dinners will include their 1-4-3 dessert (1 dish, 4 strawberry variations, 3 dark chocolate variations) pictured, which gives us flashbacks of owning a pager. Wine pairings are also an option, but remember the cocktail menu! You can learn more about dinner and make reservations via RESY. 1500 S. Raymond Ave., (714) 635-9025; www.journeymanfood.com.
Popcornopolis – local retailers
Here’s the thing about Popcornopolis: You can eat some now, and save some for later. It’s the gift that keeps on giving in a bunch of flavors. Pricing varies anywhere from $5 to $50, depending on what and where you purchase them. For example, a 10-pack of Valentine-themed Mini Cones are now available at select Sam’s Club spots for $9.98. Amazon’s got a 1.26 gallon rose tin (We checked!) ready to ship for $34.99. Bonus: A new recipe for their blush-hued, Strawberries & Cream option! Check them out online for more ideas. www.popcornopolis.com.
Marché Moderne Keeps It Classy – Newport Beach
Score a La Saint-Valentin reservation at one of our Top Five for 2018, and the Marché team won’t disappoint. Three courses for $130 include Smoked Then Grilled Octopus Tagine and Lamb Rack Off the Bone. For dessert, our bets are on Amelia’s Milk & Honey Macaron, served alongside Burnt Honey Macadamia Nut Gelato. Color us smitten. 7862 Pacific Coast Hwy., (714) 434-7900; www.marchemoderne.net.
Salt & Straw Goes “Chocolatier” – Anaheim
For the loved one who can enjoy ice cream in any weather, drive over to Downtown Disney for the artisan goods from Salt & Straw. Through the end of the month, they’re collaborating with San Diego and Los Angeles county chocolate brands to bring you a specialty line of scoops. San Diego-based Nibble’s is part of a 85% Peruvian Chocolate Sorbet. Compartes’ Coffee & Love Nuts includes pecans and raw cocoa powder. Eclipse’s Cardamom Rose Chocolate infuses rose water and cocoa nib ice cream. Sweet dreams are made of these. 1550 Disneyland Dr., (714) 855-4321; www.saltandstraw.com.
Segerstrom Center Date Night Suggestion – Costa Mesa
Let’s say your V-Day plans include a showing of Come From Away; here’s a dining room that’s literally across the street from the performing arts hub. Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, found inside Avenue of the Arts, is planning a four-course evening with a variety of options. Beef Tenderloin may be pictured, but we wouldn’t mind digging into an order of Spot Prawns. If theater isn’t on your agenda, end the night at Argyros Plaza dancing up a storm– they’ve got a free event until 9 p.m.. For more details, check out the menu here. 3350 Avenue of the Arts, (714) 442-8593; www.silvertrumpetrestaurant.com.
Hi-Time Wine Pre-Valentine’s Tasting – Costa Mesa
Give your someone a sushi and sake treat one day early. Head over to Hi-Time Wine Celler on Wednesday the 13th for a special $20 sake tasting. Our favorite expert Veronica has also got The Shiroyama Sushi Co. ready to take your order. There may even be a treat to celebrate the holiday! 250 Ogle St., (949) 650-8463; www.hitimewine.net.
Mastro’s Takes Butter Cake to Next Level Status – Newport Beach and Costa Mesa
If you thought pumpkin butter cake was heaven sent, then prepare to believe in miracles. For the whole month, both OC Mastro’s locations will be serving up a Chocolate Butter Cake. You read that right. Think devil’s food cake batter in a dance with cream cheese. It’s finished with chocolate ice cream, plus white chocolate and raspberry drizzles. Wrap up a decadent meal with this buttery goodness, or make a separate dessert trip just for this. Extra whip cream on the side is also a stellar idea. www.mastrosrestaurants.com.
Craft & Arts – Throughout Orange County
Not quite what it sounds like, craft beer and inspired arts await those who are down for an activity at their local brewery. For the month of February, they’re even reducing the cost from $35 to $28, which gives you more money for beer. Well-played, Craft & Arts. Catch Chris (a.k.a. Stamp Pop) leading the activity on February 9 at TAPS Brewery & Barrel Room, February 13 at Chapman Crafted, February 20 at Gunwhale Ales and February 24 at Asylum Brewing. Links to purchase tickets can be found over at their Eventbrite page.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.