Valentine's Day Edit
If you’re reading this, it might be too late…
As some of you may know, Valentine's Day is the day before my birthday — so naturally it's my favorite holiday.
V-Day is on the best day of the week this year: Friday. Fridays are ruled by the planet of Venus and therefore made for date nights.
When planning Valentine’s Day you can pull inspiration from movies, books, and hopefully this blog.
Many restaurants offer special pre-fixe menus to commerate the day. It's a good opportunity to sample a few of their regular menu items or try some funky, intricate concotions you wouldn't otherwise order. Cooking for most people is a labor of love so whether you’re the chef, you hire one privately, or dine out, the food is sure to turn out divine.
Lolinda is one of my newest “unda” spots. I celebrated my birthday there last year, and had a ball. Order a bunch of items for the table + a few rounds of shots, and I promise time will disappear.
If you’re planning to book a table at Niku for the special day, do it now. Read my previous post for a full review.
Undoubtedly, you can’t go wrong with a reservation at Nobu. Whether you’re just there for dinner or staying the night at their hotel, there are ample locations across North America to choose from.
But if you really ballin, spend the evening at Sushi Jin in Mountain View for a 14- course Omakase experience. By the time you’re finished reading this blog, booking the reservation, extending the invitation and so forth, you’ll be tired of thinking. Literally leave the the details of ordering to the chef, and enjoy the food and company.
Nothing will top celebrating in Paris in 2019 with the best risotto I've ever had in my entire life from Le Bistro V, but I will remain optimistic. While French food isn’t for everyone, their restaurants feel exceptionally intimate and romantic during this time of year. Very on brand for V-day if you ask me.
Traveling to France for the weekend might not be in cards this year, but Le Papillon in San Jose is easily the next best thing, earning a 10/10 rating from me. For a French restaurant that serves a 6-course tasting menu, the proportions are filling. You won't leave fighting the urge to grab a burger from In ‘n Out on the way home.
French food is so decadent and rich — almost anything you order you have to cut with a glass of wine and finish off with chocolate so don’t skip dessert + a night cap.
On the other hand, Cantina Los Mayas is a Yucatecan restaurant offering wine produced only in Mexico. I recently stopped in for brunch to taste a couple of Sauvignon Blanc from the wine list, and now I have a new favorite bin. They don’t currently offer wine flights but you do have the option to order half a glass so you can essentially your own for around $28-44 per person. For those who indulge in quality over quantity, they have a small selection of Rosé and red wines that are no longer widely available.
I love a good tasting menu or Omakase experience, but sometimes they can run your pockets a little thin. You can definitely catch a vibe at a small oyster, cocktail or wine bar for a fraction of the cost.
Starting off calm, Leo's Oyster Bar is a cute place to get the party going. To order 48 oysters in one sitting is excessive, so take some of their other menu offerings into consideration like the: crudo trio, lobster roll, ahi tuna salad or fish & chips.
Next up, The Pawn Shop, would be amusing for a first or lowkey date. To enter the speakeasy it’s recommended you bring something to pawn, which is quirky and distinct from other bars that charge a monetary cover fee. After making the exchange, you can expect a variety of tapas to accompany their cocktails and wines. Coincidentally there’s also an additional surprise that goes on Fridays from what I’ve gathered online.
My last recommendation is the natural wine bar Arcana that doubles as a plant nursery and will be open till midnight on February 14. Deepen your love connection with your plant partner surrounded by ferns and lots of moss.
Final thoughts: If choosing restaurant with a view, reserve your table at least 30 minutes to an hour before the sunsets. Contrarily, if you manage to score the last possible seating you can make the joke that you bought out the place once it clears out. Bear in mind, national chains or groups tend to have more seats, whereas smaller restaurants have less availability and book up quickly. I recommend booking two different spots before this week is over, but make sure to cancel one as the date closes in.
I didn’t forget about my girls! For Galentine’s Day fun think about hookah & drinks at Pasha, making time for brunch that weekend, or takeout for a sleepover.
Regardless of who you choose to celebrate that day with, Valentine’s Day should be merry! Treat yourself and those you care about to a memorable experience and meal.
Comment below what your love day plans are, we want to know!