This year Valentine’s Day attaches itself to the start of a weekend and will probably be a running theme through Saturday and Sunday. For the uninitiated, Valentine’s Day is this Friday, February 14th. A little preparation is key since reservations are crucial at most restaurants serving a special meal for that special someone. If you’re in dire need of a game plan that doesn’t sack your wallet, just split an off-brand bottle of Italian wine from Trader Joe’s with your date and then adjourn to the top of Old Tony’s fish-bowl bar for some steely views and groovy tunes. Of course, there are dinner options at a range of South Bay eateries and we’ve compiled a list below in honor of love and capitalism.
A to-go box of cupcakes from Torrance Bakery
- The Melting Pot in Torrance The Melting Pot franchise is a solid spot for lovers all year round and fondue for two just sounds romantic. The Melting Pot has a strategically dark atmosphere and most of their booths have high backs that help create a little intimacy. This Friday & Saturday night The Melting Post will feature a prix fixe menu designed for Valentine’s Day. Reservations must be made with a credit card www.meltingpot.com.
- Creme de la Crepe: Probably the most economical choice when you factor in quality and quantity. There are three Creme de la Crepe South Bay locations (Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach) helping to spread out the Valentine’s Day crowd. All locations in the South Bay will be serving a prixe fix “Saint Valentin Menu” that comes with your choice of dessert and one glass of champagne www.cremedelacrepe.com .
- Shade Hotel: Manhattan Beach’s boutique hotel will be offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Highlights from the menu include ”The Ultimate Lovers Sip & Dip” with heirloom tomato bisque, basil oil and mini Tuscan grilled cheese and ”The Sweetheart Surf & Turf Duo” with pomegranate braised black Angus short rib, California artichoke au gratin with Manchego cheese, crispy leeks, & a pomegranate demi-glace (310) 546-4995, www.shadehotel.com.
- Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes: Right away, the name Terranea should bring fear to your checking account but smiles to your eyes and taste buds. Mar’sel at Terranea hosts a prix-fixe menu priced at $95 per person with entrees like stone crab salad and slow braised pork cheek www.terranea.com/marsel. Nelson’s at Terranea presents a beer pairing dinner with Angel City Brewery that includes items like clams, oysters, crab legs, and lobster. Cost per person is $55 www.terranea.com
- Jackson’s Food & Drink Prepares a special prixe fix Valentine’s Day menu at $60 per person. Some menu items include shrimp ceviche “Martini” with lime, red onion, and avocado & filet mignon with Bordelaise sauce, browned brussel sprouts, and shoestring fries. Jackson’s Food & Drink is located in El Segundo www.jacksonsfoodanddrink.com
- The Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar A special Valentine’s meal can be assembled all weekend at The Lazy Dog Cafe in Torrance where menu items like dijon mint-crusted rack of lamb with roasted red pepper polenta cakes, ratatouille and marsala sauce and a sparkling sangria made with Freixenet sparkling wine, fresh strawberries, orange, lemon and lime. Valentine’s Day menu will be available the 13th through the 16th at all Lazy Dog locations. www.lazydogrestaurants.com