If you missed our comprehensive coverage last week, we forgive you. In fact, we got you more options to choose from this week. Why? Because we care. On a related note, we discovered Lava Cake Kisses from Hershey’s– legit dark chocolate goodness with extra oozing chocolate within. Worth it! We also nerd out over the heart-shaped pizzas from Fresh Brothers; just let them know when you order that you’d like the cheesy design demonstrated above. Bonus: Break a plastic fork in half, and make your pizza pie look like an arrow went through it. Your Galentine/Valentine will appreciate the detail.
No Wait Merges With Yelp (You’re Welcome!)
It’s V-Day evening (or weekend), and you’re stuck finding a place that’ll take last minute reservations. Well, the way we sometimes went was via the No Wait app (Best kept secret for places like Snooze, an A.M. Eatery.). This month, they merged with Yelp, making the list of possible restaurants that much better, including excellent noms like S’up Noodle Bar. Check out the Yelp app when you’re looking for that place to eat, but always remember to physically check-in to the place when you arrive, so they know you’re present! Then head back in your car to chill, or locate some milk tea goodness to help pass the time.
Be Progressive at the Queen Mary – Long Beach
Besides a new food hall, how many places can you visit in Long Beach where you’ll be able to experience a curated collection of dining venues under one roof? At the iconic Queen Mary, it can be accomplished with a bit of footwork. Grab an uppity, pre-dinner cocktail at the swanky, Art Deco-designed Observation Lounge. Head over to Chelsea’s Chowder House and Bar for hearty eats (and some of the best french fries ever plated). Then wrap things up with a classic Grand Marnier soufflé upstairs at Sir Winston’s. As the night progresses, so does your appetite. Walking it off between stops isn’t such a big deal after all. 1124 Queens Hwy., (949) 877-342-0738
Drinks with Your Downward Dog at Pacific City – Huntington Beach
Enjoy with friends/loved ones or without, a yoga pop-up is happening for Valentine’s, and it’s got all the extras. Paid parking, ocean views, fancy headphone rental, shopping, swag to win and even a Vinyasa flow class, thanks to Xanadu pop-up! $20 gets you a swell evening, plus a free Xanadu cocktail with entree purchase from Ways & Means Oyster House. Consider your night planned out. Hint: Bring a guest, and the price actually lowers! 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy., (714) 960-4300; www.wmoysters.com.
Lady M Sweetens the Deal – Irvine
Pre-orders may be over, but picking up a little something for your dearest isn’t out of the question. Drop in to the nearest Lady M Cake Boutique and throw down some coin for one of three, 6-inch beauties: Framboise au Chocolat (chocolate mousse, raspberry compote, chocolate sponge, chocolate ganache and raspberry gelee), Couronne du Chocolat (alternating layers of chocolate sponge cake and dark chocolate mousse, finished with a chocolate ganache, chocolate crumbs and white chocolate shavings), or Gateau au Chocolat (dark chocolate sponge, crushed walnuts, chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache and gold dust . . .what!?). If they even come close to our dessert review last year, it’ll be worth the time spent searching for parking. 2967 Michelson Dr., Ste. B, (323) 825-8888; www.ladym.com.
Tackle Box Has You Covered – SoCo Collection/Costa Mesa only
Chef Brian Huskey, one of our favorite Top Chef competitors, is featuring a pretty sweet deal for Thursday. Offered from 4-8:30 p.m., individuals can purchase tickets for $29; couples are an even better offer at $50. A four-course treat, the second and third rounds offer a duo of options. Debate between Truffle Grilled Cheese + Roasted Tomato Soup or Crispy Crab Cake. Your main is a choice of Linguini and Manila Clams or Beef Wellington. If we didn’t already have a date, we’d probably sit at the bar and treat ourselves. Head on over to Eventbrite for tickets. 3321 Hyland Ave., Ste. E, (714) 486-3301; www.tackleboxoc.com.
Apologize with Sabroso Tix – Dana Point
What if you can’t be there to celebrate with your better half? Quality time is even more valued than a nice meal. Catch some rays with your beers and bands in April by scoring a pair of tickets. Touting 150+ brew options, there will be no shortage of good times at Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco and Music Festival. Tickets are a little on the pricey side, but you’re both worth it. 25300 Harbor Dr., www.sabrosotacofest.com.
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.