Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles: The Grand, the Refined, and the Adventurous

The Grand, the Refined and the Adventurous

Fretting over how to woo your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? Well, fret not, Romeo, for even established joints renew vows to sweep patrons off their feet with special menus, and exclusive packages. Everyone’s heart flutters when their senses are treated to the richness of a meal, the sparkle of a gem, or the feel of crisp white sheets in a penthouse suite. So this Valentine’s Day, don’t look too far to find the perfect way to spoil your loved one with the little luxuries this city has to offer. Depending on whether your approach to love is grand, refined, or adventurous, here are a few ideas to get you started on your journey to an epic Valentine’s Day 2011.

For a Grand Romance

The Huntley Hotel remains one of the chicest venues for a savory rendevous in town. Panoramic views of the Pacific are yours for the sighting as you dine in The Penthouse Restaurant or laze around in bed in on of the ocean-view suites. The Valentine’s Day package offers couples a one-night stay, a four course dinner for two at The Penthouse, and breakfast in bed. Don’t even bother calling the front desk for a late checkout, because it’s already yours for the taking – along with complementary valet parking. And now for that sparkle – a Swarovski gift to take home, so that you can cherish your romantic weekend together. (Prices start at $499 for a premier king suite).

The Huntley Hotel, 1111 Second St., Santa Monica, CA 90403, 310.394.5454

A Refined Kind of Love
The consistently awesome cuisine at the Patina restaurant (located at the Walt Disney Concert Hall) is getting a sweet makeover just in time for Valentine’s Day. Award-winning executive chef Tony Esnault has concocted a delicious menu that will cater to the most refined diners. So if you want to impress your date with your sophisticated palate, the menu is sure to please you and your date’s sense of refinement. Start off dinner right with a “petite bulle” signature cocktail – that’s one part canton liquor infused with jasmine pearl, one part champagne patina cuvée, one part blood orange juice, and a double pour of deliciousness! Your six course dinner starts off with a Maine lobster salad, winds down with milk-fed veal and ends in a celebratory highlight with milk chocolate five ways. ($150 per person; $19 for signature cocktail).

Patina, 141 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 213.972.3331

Adventures in Love
500 Days of Summer, the indie movie film-goers fell in love with in 2009, is like a guidebook on how to navigate the streets of downtown and end up at the coolest places. One of my favorite places in the movie is the Angels Knoll park at the top of Bunker Hill (corner of 4th and Hill). Although you can’t picnic on the grass, you can certainly pick up a lunch for two from nearby Urth Caffe for a little daytime adventure in the park. Take in the view below of the historic core – and imagine how LA must have looked decades ago. Swing your arm around your sweetie and look over your shoulder to see the 110 year old Angels Flight glide its way up and down the hill with gleeful children and inquisitive adults inside the tram. Splurge a little – fork up two quarters for you and your honey for a ride up and down the tram after lunch.

Urth Caffe, 451 South Hewitt St., Los Angeles, 213.797.4534

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