Thursday February 14, 2008   Valentine's Day Huntington Beach California  USA

Valentine Serenade - Thrill your Valentine with an in-person love song serenade from multi award-winning professional vocalist Janice Gerard!  Now, the acclaimed songstress who has performed for VIPs and luminaries across the globe will sing exclusively for your special someone. Janice Gerard will deliver in-person Musicgrams to residences and businesses in Huntington Beach, Garden Grove and Westminster for only $40 per Musicgram.  One love song per Musicgram, several selections to choose from. Other songs can be added for an additional fee.  Book early for best slots.  For scheduling and more information, call D. Brown at 714.239.6035 / janicegerard.com

Sunset Gondola Cruise. Individuals, couples and families can take a  personal gondola tour. There's no more authentic way to say I love you than a ride with a loved one on a gondola. Slots fill up fast for Valentine's Day. Cost:$77/couple. Location: Peter's Landing Marina, 16370 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA. Couple this with an Italian meal from some of our favorites such as Luggatti's in downtown Huntington Beach, or the more authentic Italian served at Il Farro in Newport Beach, then stroll the Newport Pier if the air is warm, and you'll have a five diamond night to remember.

Cupid's Crush Massage - It's back at the Hyatt Regency Pacific Waters Spa. Cupids Crush is a romantic escape for two with a couples Valentine’s Day package at Pacific Waters Spa. Slip into a 25-minute Rose Petal Thalasso Bath for two followed by our 80-minute Aromatherapy Sea Stone Couples Massage. This combination will create harmony and a unique and unforgettable sensation of relaxation. Cost: $375/ couple, valid through March 30th 2008. Gratuities not included. Location: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA. Call: (714)  698-1234.

Rekindle the Flame - with a Beach Bonfire - Not traditionally a busy time to get a bonfire pit, you're in luck for an affordable night snuggling up at the beach with your loved one. Though this activity will not win the hearts of someone expecting extravagant course meals, it's ideal for adventuresome, outdoor types who find that love's spark can ignite over a crackling fire at Huntington Beach. Cost: Free. Location: Bonfire pits are available at all three beach operations along the 8 mile stretch. Bring your own wood and matches, as the concessions aren't typically open during winter evenings. For help setting up your night of romance (for a fee), you can contact Zack's Beach Catering and Concessions. Call: (714) 536-0215.

Duffy Delight on Valentine Night - If you prefer to commandeer your own vessel in Huntington Harbour (versus a gondola ride), you may want to rent a Duffy electric boat for a romance cruise of your own. Love Boat Cruises in the 21-foot, quiet vessels require advance reservations. Call: (562) 592-3028. Location: Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA.

Valentine's Dining    top

Shades restaurant & bar at Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort - Valentine's Menu. In addition to this month's wine tastings at Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, you'll dine with discretion at Shades Restaurant & Bar this Valentine's Day. Always a romantic place with its ocean view setting overlooking a stately set of palms and swimming pool, Valentine's Day menu will not disappoint, with Chef Jeff (Littlefield) at the helm. The award-winning chef is known for his healthy preparations using only the freshest ingredients.  Smooth jazz sounds with live music from George Fryer Combo will offer a very upbeat, very worth it night. Complimentary rose included; Champagnes and full bar on site, additional price for drinks.

Course One:
Lobster and Pea Shoot Salad includes Satsuma tangerines, Mandarin Oranges, Tarragon, Chevril and Citrus Dressing

Course Two:

Dry Aged Prime New York Strip Loin

Roasted Whole Rissole Potatoes, Beet Greens with Crimini Mushrooms

or

Sautéed Dover Sole with Carmelized Cippolini Onion, Puree, Wilted Watercress and Tarragon Buerre Noisette

Course Three:

Artisan Cheese for Two

Rustic Bread and Quince Puree

Course Four

Shades famous Slice of Chocolate Heaven

Kumquat Compote and Vanilla Ice Cream

Location: Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA 92648, Call: (714) 845-8000 or 960-7873. Cost: $95 per person. Reserve right away, then plan to stay and play. They still have ample rooms for a romantic overnighter complete with ocean views.
 

Valentine's Day at The Hotel Huntington Beach. Somewhat overlooked as a dining option, us locals know that there are some real values for dining at Pasta's restaurant at Hotel Huntington Beach. Affordable quality is its namesake. While enjoying your evening, you may want to stay over with your love interest and share a little after-dining romance. The most affordable of full service hotels in the city of Huntington Beach, if you're on a budget, this is a sweet deal. Live music will feature Roger Harrison to accompany the romance dinner. Cost $39.95/ person, tax and gratuity not included.  Location: Hotel Huntington Beach, 7667 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Call: (714) 908-5178.

Valentine's Dinner at Chimayo - You will win someone's heart with this feast served at the beach in romantic, sand-swept Huntington Beach. See menu below:

For starters:

Chilled Pacific Oysters on the Half Shell (known to be an aphrodisiac); Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish and Cocktail Sauce; Wild Mushroom Bisque with White Truffle Oil; Seared Diver Scallop with Caper-Lemon Brown Butter round out a wonderful list of seafood appetizers. Garden fresh Organic Greens with Tomatoes, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans and Balsamic Vinaigrette are the perfect addition to this feast as are Rare Ahi Rolls with Avocado, Red Onions and Cilantro dipping Sauce; Grilled Filet Mignon Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce; Cornmeal Crusted Calamari with Serrano Chile; Parmesan Crusted Crab Cake with Chipotle Aioli and Coconut Shrimp with Mango, Cilantro dipping Sauce.

Entrees:

Moving onto the entrees, try a spicy  Grilled Salmon on Mashed Potatoes with Corn, Spinach and BBQ Drizzle, Maine Lobster Risotto with Roasted Peppers, Basil and Parmesan; Spicy Voodoo Shrimp with Fiesta Rice and Sweet Corn Pudding; Blackened Swordfish with Papaya, Red Onions and Tomato Relish; Crispy Sage Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Herb Demi-Glaze; Blackened Red Snapper on Mashed Potatoes with Spicy Shrimp Creole Sauce; Pepper Crusted Rare Ahi Tower on a Crispy Risotto Cake with Jumbo Scallops & Spinach; Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops with Cheddar Potatoes and Chipotle Cream Sauce and at last the choice of Filet Mignon with Mashed Potatoes and Shiitake Mushroom Sauce.

Desserts:

Now comes the romance: Desserts that include Grand Marnier infused Jumbo Strawberries dipped in Chocolate; White Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Raspberries; or Warm Chocolate Soufflé Cake.

Contact & Cost:

Do you think your love interest is sweet? They'll be even more so after finishing off this Culinary Adventure with champagne or an aperitif. As Julia Child would say, Bon Appétit! $65 per person for course meals. Tax and gratuity are not include. Reservations are highly recommended and each lady receives a long stem rose. Location:  315 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, Call: (714) 374-7273.

Longboard Pub (served Feb. 14 - 16) - They don't use fancy tablecloths of stuffy dress codes to serve a happy dining clientele. The crowd that eats at Longboard Pub like sports, like the Cheers - style atmosphere of a neighborhood pub and the food that's hearty and delicious. Choice of entree below for Valentine's Day.

Filet of Beef Medallions is served with Cajun mushroom sauce, garlic mashed potato and vegetables $16.95
New York Steak & Main Lobster with jumbo baked potato $15.95
Crab & Lobster Stuffed Salmon with bernaise sauce, rice and vegetables. $15.95

These special Valentine Dinners are all served with a California Spring salad with candied cayenne pecans, feta cheese and topped with a pomegranate vinaigrette, plus a glass of champagne.

Location: 217 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. Call: (714) 960-1896. longboardpub.com

No Ka Oi - Hawaiian-themed restaurant always serves delicious sweet treats, but on Valentine's Day you may delight in a meal served close to the beach on vibrant Main Street. No Ka Oi Valentine’s Day Specials include:

Favorite Fish, a fresh halibut stuffed with crab, oven baked and served with a delightful champagne sauce. This island treasure is accompanied with shrimp ravioli and sautee vegetables. Another entree option is

Grilled Prime Filet Mignon with shrimp-rum mint sauce, plus Almondine mushroom risotto and grilled Chinese eggplant. For more traditional faire (nothing's completely traditional here), dine on a tender

Aged prime New York steak pan seared with merlot red wine demi sauce and topped with Roquefort cheese. It is set to a plate of lobster ravioli and baby bok choy.

All entries are served with soup or salad and a glass of wine.

Dessert to die for: Rocky Road rolled onto a chocolate cake and smothered in chocolate sauce, whipped cream and fresh berries. $7.50. Wow!

Prices range from $30 -45/entree, dessert extra. Full bar, additional menu favorites. Location: 215 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. Call:  (714) 960-8300. nokaoirestaurant.com

Meetings & Events   top

This calendar does not guarantee accuracy of information as events are subject to change.