A few years back I arrived in Paris on Valentine’s eve–a night that is a very big deal in France. When I finally got a cab, my French driver told me that he and his wife considered every day Valentine’s Day…and I couldn’t agree more. Here are some last minute suggestions for the day and don’t forget them (or your sweetie) the rest of the year.
For something other than dinner, consider picking up a few special items to share at home. They could be anything from special cheeses, olives, crackers and a fabulous bottle of wine or Champagne to a decadent dessert or even a little chocolate bread teddy bear and coffee to start the day. Venissimo and Taste Artisan Cheese & Gourmet Shop are two places where you can taste unusual seasonal cheeses and find condiments to go with them.
Order the chocolate bread teddy bear ($12.95) from Con Pane Rustic Breads, 619-224-4344. Get something chocolate from Eclipse Chocolat or make a reservation for their Valentine dinner. More chocolate from The Elegant Truffle (619-222-1889 and fusion flavors from Chuao Chocolatier where you can order online (or at their locations around the county) so you can remember others who may not live here in San Diego. Extraordinary Desserts at 20 years old this year can help with a dessert or two to eat in or take home and the Union Street store and restaurant has a selection of kid friendly items, cookbooks and lovely candles if chocolate isn’t your thing.
Look for bubbles from any of the wine shops including San Diego Wine Co., Vintage Wines, Winesellar & Brasserie, and Grape Connections. Or sneak away to Eno at the Hotel Del to watch the sunset, or pop by The 3rd Corner to choose a bottle or two to drink there or take away.
For dining you’ll find just about every restaurant doing either a prix fixe menu or something special for the big night. Be sure to make reservations as already some places may be full. Some possible places include Roseville, Crescent Heights, Sea Rocket Bistro, Avenue 5 Restaurant & Bar, La Bastide Bistro, Solare, Farm House Cafe, and many others, in all price ranges, listed at Open Table.
Delicious lunch today at Extraordinary Desserts. I highly recommend the smoked salmon panini and cobb salad– enough food for 3 people!
No More Bully’s South in La Jolla.. so thats one steak & lobster place off the VD list.