Great Taste Magazine

Parker's Lighthouse & The Queensview Steakhouse
435 Shoreline Village Dr.,
CA-90802
562-432-6500
www.parkerslighthouse.com

CuisineType : Seafood

PARKERS’ LIGHTHOUSE AND QUEENSVIEW STEAKHOUSE

Prescribe the Ideal Valentine’s Destination

“If Music Be the Food of Love…Play On”

~ Live Jazz ~

You're probably wondering what to buy that special someone in your life this Valentine's Day. There's nothing like the gift of sharing a romantic location with breathtaking views to melt the heart of your perfect partner.

As you make your Valentine plans, consider celebrating in style at Parkers’ Lighthouse. One location, two ways to experience the night. Enjoy Tuesday, February 14, in the Main Dining Room or celebrate at Queensview Steakhouse on the third floor of Parkers’ Lighthouse. Plus there will be live entertainment at the Queensview from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. T

hese Prix Fixe menus are sure to put you in a romantic mood:

QUEENSVIEW STEAKHOUSE VALENTINES DAY 2012

$85 per person for a Four-Course Dinner
includes Amuse Bouche, the Chef’s Fresh Creation to Arouse the Palate
Live Jazz at the Queensview

or

PARKERS’ LIGHTHOUSE VALENTINES DAY 2012

$60 per person for a Three-Course Dinner and Shared Dessert in the Main Dining Room

Reservations are suggested for both Parkers’ Lighthouse Main Dining Room and for The Queensview Steakhouse. Please call 562-432-6500. Call the restaurant for details on Parkers’ complimentary shuttle from Downtown Long Beach Hotels, The Aquarium of the Pacific and The Queen Mary. Parkers’ Lighthouse and the Queensview Steakhouse are located at 435 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA 90802For restaurant information and reservations, please call 562-432-6500. www.parkerslighthouse.com

Alize at the Top of the Palms
4321 W. Flamingo Road,
NV-89109
(702) 951-7000
www.andrelv.com/alize/

CuisineType : French

Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration this year to new heights with an unforgettable dinner at Alizé at the Top of the Palms. Your beloved will marvel at not only the extravagant four-course menu, but also at the restaurant’s stunning, panoramic view of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.

The chef-selected Valentine’s Day meal will be served Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 only. Reservations are required.

The meal begins with an amuse bouche of caramelized onion and white truffle panna cotta with apricot confiture and green onion. With appetites whetted, guests will enjoy a first course of either roasted king crab and celery root bisque with black truffle, orange zest and minced chive or Andre’s foie gras terrine with port poached figs, toasted brioche and cinnamon pear preserve. As a second course, guests may choose either a bouquet of baby red and green romaine lettuce with prosciutto, candied walnuts and white balsamic vinaigrette or crispy lobster and St. Andre cheese croustillant with grapefruit emulsion and minced chives. An intermezzo of lemon kiwi sorbet precedes the next course.

An intermezzo of lemon kiwi sorbet precedes the next course; guests may select from pan-roasted veal loin with rosemary and bacon polenta with haricots verts, mixed mushrooms and veal jus; sautéed free range chicken breast with garlic and herb-crusted thigh, truffled potato puree, baby carrots and tarragon chicken glace; sautéed filet of beef with jumbo green asparagus, red onion confit, Idaho potato galette and cognac green peppercorn sauce; or black truffle and almond-crusted Chilean sea bass with fricassee of fingerling potatoes, spinach, mushrooms and Maine lobster Bordelaise sauce.

Concluding the meal, a dessert trio will feature a long-stem strawberry with chocolate fondue and shortbread cookies, meyer lemon gateau with blackberry sauce and poppy seed gaufrette, and white chocolate and macadamia torte with a caramelized Florentine.

Vegetarian menu options are available as well, including a first course of piquillo pepper with provençal vegetables, a second course featuring mélange of mixed field greens with cucumber and balsamic vinaigrette, with or without herbed goat cheese and a third course consisting of black-pepper crusted tofu with winter vegetables with apricots and almonds.

The cost for the meal $125 per person. Guests may call (702) 951-7000 for reservations or more information.

Coupa Cafe
419 North Canon Drive,
CA-90210
310-385-0420
www.coupacafe.com

CuisineType : Spanish

To make Valentine's Day a special night, Coupa Café is offering their first ever-exclusive Love Sharing Menu on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 with an affordable $26 prix fixe per person menu, featuring chocolate and specialty items served from 5pm to 9pm.

First Course:

Valentine’s Day Tequenos
Traditional Venezuelan white cheese sticks wrapped in homemade flour dough served with a special Valentine’s Day homemade chocolate and rosemary dipping sauce.

Coupa Bruschetta
Crispy baguette topped with sautéed mushrooms, fresh chopped tomatoes and basil drizzled with white truffle oil.

Second Course:

Venezuelan Pabellon
The national dish of Venezuela – rice, black beans, sweet fried plantains, arepitas, nata, queso blanco, and homemade shredded beef (chicken/veggie option available)

Homemade Heart Shaped Ravioli
Homemade heart shaped ravioli filed with fresh goat cheese served in a brown butter & sage sauce.

Dessert

Tres Leches
Traditional Latin American dessert, cake soaked in three milks topped with merique & 100% Venezuelan Chocolate fluffy mousse

The Cellar
305 N. Harbor Blvd,
CA-92832
714-525-5682
www.cellardining.com

CuisineType : American

We Welcome Pascual Toso Winery

Thursday, Feb. 9th at 6:30.$49.95 per person*

The Cellar is kicking off February with our first wine dinner of 2012! We are so excited to have the opportunity to host our Argentinaian firends from Pascual Toso. Since the launch of the winery in 1890 Enrique and his family have produced some of the best wines in South America. Now with a little consulting help from the famous Paul Hobbs these wines are making quite the name for themselves in the high-end South American Market.

Learn more about Pascual Toso History and details about their wine making philosophy atwww.pascualtoso.com/welcome

Wines

Torrontes 2010
Roses and jasmine aromas make a sweet and happy combination. Fresh dry wine. Soft acidity.

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2008
Elegant Style, with lovely boysenberry and raspberry fruit, and plenty of vanilla, spice and chocolate shadings too.

Magdalena Toso 2006
90% Malbec & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Exhibits a brooding perfume of violets, lavender, mineral, spice box, blueberry, and black cherry. Followed by an opulent wine with tons of flavor, richness, incipient complexity, and ripe tannin.

Brut N.V.
Limpid and bright, with greenish shades that are reflected in the tenuous yellow of its whole appearance. It is a delicate dry sparkling wine. It is velvety to the mouth and is easy to drink

Dinner

Petite chervil and corn crab cakes over baby arugula finished with an orange persimmon coulis

Cinnamon brined pork belly braised to perfection over turnip and parsnip hash sauced by a blackberry gastrique

Lamb loin stuffed with fresh figs, sage, and walnuts over potato gratin with gruyere finished with a red wine butter sauce

Mango Cheesecake with ginger lime chantilly

Please call 714-525-5682

The Matador Cantina
111 Harbor Blvd,
CA-92832
714.871.8226
www.thematador.com

CuisineType : Mexican

Description Join us for a special evening of artfully prepared, gourmet tacos and premium 100% pure agave sipping Tequila, Saturday, Feb 4 at 7:30

Presented by executive chef David Dennis, the 5-course menu will be wonderfully paired with Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Blanco varietals by Avión Tequila and Clase Azul

By reservation only at 714.871.8226. $40 plus tax & gratuity. Limited to only 30 guests

FIRST COURSE
Shrimp Ceviche Taco
Served with Avión Silver

SECOND COURSE
Duck Taco with Roasted Apple Salsa
Served with Avión Reposado

THIRD COURSE
El Pastor Taco with Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Served with Avión Añejo

FOURTH COURSE
Short Rib Taco with Pickled Red Onions
Served with Clase Azul Blanco

FIFTH COURSE
Dessert Nachos
Served with Clase Azul Reposado

Matador Cantina
111 N. Harbor Blvd,
CA-92832
714.871.8226
www.TheMatador.com

CuisineType : Mexican

Matador Cantina is now accepting reservations for its special Valentine's Day Dinner!

Chef David Dennis has prepared a three-course menu that includes a handcrafted rose margarita or glass of Champagne! All for only $35! This special holiday dinner sells out each each year so it is recommended to make your reservations early to ensure availability. To reserve today, call 714.871.8226.

VALENTINE'S MENU

APPETIZER

- Roasted Oysters with a Garlic Cilantro Crust

- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

ENTRÉE

- Grilled Salmon with a Roasted Poblano Cream Sauce, served with Chipotle Polenta & Sautéed Spinach

- New York Steak, served with Chipotle Mashed Potatoes & Mushrooms

DESSERT

- House-made Strawberry Tart

Served with a handcrafted rose margarita or glass of Champagne

* Due to limited seating for the holiday, Taco Tuesday specials will be available at the bar only.

Thank you for your understanding<br

Stone Hill/ Motif
One Monarch Beach Resort,
ca-92629
18007221543
www.stregismb.com/

CuisineType : American

OC's Best Way to Celebrate Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, pamper and indulge your special someone at the St. Regis Monarch Beach – Orange County's most luxurious and inviting Resort and Spa!Looking for a romantic getaway? We've got the perfect package – and a tremendous value – for you! With the Spa Rejuvenation Package, you will enjoy a one-night stay in a luxe room at the St. Regis Monarch Beach AND receive $400 credit at the Resort's renowned Spa Gaucin. That means that, in addition to your lovely room, you also can enjoy a couples' treatment at the Spa, or any other treatments…up to $400 in value! And, don't forget that Spa Gaucin pampers you not only with its world-class treatments, but also with a full-day of enjoyment, including a private pool, whirlpool spa, saunas, steam room, fitness center, complimentary wine after your treatment and more!

Can't get away, but still want to treat your valentine to a special evening? Make a reservation at one of the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort's award-winning restaurants: Stonehill Tavern or Motif.

At the Forbes Four-Star Stonehill Tavern, you'll delight in the chic ambiance, as well as in the special six-course tasting menu, offered February 10, 11, and 14th. For $125 per person, you'll experience sublime dishes from Kobe beef carpaccio to Pacific salmon to New York striploin. Please note Stonehill Tavern will be closed Sunday and Monday before Valentine's Day.

Or, revel in a stunning ocean view at the St. Regis Monarch Beach's signature restaurant, Motif – while you indulge in a special four-course menu, offered February 11-14. Enjoy delectable dishes such as Pacific diver scallops, slow-cooked prime beef short ribs with butternut squash gnocchi, and chocolate surprise for $80 per person. Or, dine on a three-course menu in the privacy of your hotel room for $70 per person.

Whatever your Valentine's Day fancy, the St. Regis Monarch Beach stands ready to deliver a most romantic evening. Please contact the Resort at 1-800-722-1543 so that one of our reservation specialists may ensure that you, and your loved one, will celebrate a Valentine's Day to remember.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
1590 South Disneyland Driv,
CA-92802
714-776-5200
www.rbjazzkitchen.com

CuisineType : Creole, Soul Food

My Jazzy Valentine!
Celebrate with the One you Love.

February 14 – 3 course menu – $95 per person

VIP Seating in Flambeaux Room with live music or Balcony Seating with a beautiful view of Downtown Disney.

Call Bruno Duarte to book: 714-776-5200

The ages-old belief that oysters and champagne conjure up feelings of love will be put to the test during Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant’s annual February tasting. And for the first time ever, die-hard romantics can add caviar to the mix.

“Foods of Love: Oysters and Champagne” gives Bluewater Grill customers in Newport Beach and Tustin the chance to combine the reputed aphrodisiacal qualities of raw oysters with a number of sparkling wine varietals poured in honor of Valentine’s Day.

The oyster and champagne tasting event will be held Feb. 7, and will feature parings of raw oysters on the half shell from British Columbia and Washington State with a choice of Domain Ste. Michelle Brut or Mionetto Prosecco Italian sparkling wine. Special draft beers are also available as an option. The cost of each pairing event is $29.95 per person, and advance reservations are required for sittings at each restaurant starting at 6:30 p.m.

This year, participants can add 30 grams of Alverta White Sturgeon Caviar and a 750ml bottle of acclaimed Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne for an additional $200. Sustainably harvested from mature American white sturgeon off Northern California and served with bilinis and crème fraiche, the caviar has a nutty, buttery flavor with a touch of sweetness.

Reservations for the Feb. 7 tasting are encouraged, and at least 48-hour advance reservations are required for the caviar add-on.

Seafood fans unable to attend the special Feb. 7 celebration can order the oysters off the menu throughout February, and pair them with wines on the bar menu. (The caviar is available throughout February with 48 hours advance notice.)

The Bluewater Grill monthly tasting events, typically hosted every second Tuesday, feature seasonal seafood specialty items paired with hand-selected wines or specialty draught beers. The events have become a popular monthly diversion for local seafood aficionados and Bluewater Grill’s large fan base. Due to Valentine’s Day following on the second Tuesday this year, the tasting events have been moved to the first Tuesday this month only.

Bluewater Grill locations in Orange County include 630 Lido Park Drive in Newport Beach, in Cannery Village, and 2409 Park Avenue in Tustin, at the District at Tustin Legacy retail and entertainment center. The phone numbers are (949) 675-FISH (3474) and (714) 258-FISH (3474), respectively.

The Winery Restaurant
2647 Park Avenue,
CA-92782
714.258.7600
www.TheWineryRestaurant.net

CuisineType : American

This Valentine’s Day, The Winery Restaurant’s Executive Chef & Partner Yvon Goetz will be assuming his role as cupid as he brings a taste of Wine Country to the HEARTS of Orange County! On Tuesday, February 14, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, located at The District in Tustin, will be offering a special Valentine’s “Oh, Baby!” dinner menu for $69 or $89 per guest (excluding tax, gratuity and additional beverages). Dinner reservations can be made by calling 714.258.7600.

Each course of this special menu, named after Chef Goetz’s noted catch phrase, “Oh, Baby!” can be paired with the perfect wine or champagne by Sommelier & Managing Partner William Lewis.

OH, BABY! VALENTINE’S MENU
$69 or $89 per guest (excludes tax/gratuity/addl beverages~no substitutions or splitting~menu must be ordered for entire table)

Amuse Bouche

Avocado, Heirloom Tomato Confit and Roquefort Cheese on Toasted Ciabatta

Choice of Appetizer

Seared Rare Yellowfin Ahi Tuna
Mango-Cucumber Tower, Micro Greens
Cilantro-Orange Vinaigrette

Roasted Corn and Shrimp Bisque
Shrimp and Watercress Chantilly

The Winery House Salad
Candied Walnuts, Roquefort Cheese, Red Grapes, Red Onions, Apples, Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette

Colorado Buffalo Carpaccio
Black Pepper Crusted, Black Truffle Vinaigrette
Crispy Parmesan Straw

Porcini Crusted Maine Jumbo Scallops
Sage, Roasted Squash and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli

Dungeness Crab, Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata
Micro Arugula, Garlic Croutons, Lemon Mosto Olive Oil
Aged Balsamic Reduction

Choice of Main Course

$69

Seared Hawaiian Seabass
Garlic Spinach-Thyme Roasted Yukon Gold & Sweet Potatoes
Black Truffle-Pinot Noir Reduction

Filet and Wild White Shrimp Napoleon
Potatoes, Celery Mousseline
Cabernet Essence

Grilled Alaskan King Salmon
Organic Vegetable Quinoa, Grilled Asparagus
Micro Greens, Tomato-Basil Sauce Vierge

$89

14 oz. Bone-In Filet
Grilled Asparagus, Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Bordelaise Sauce

Wild Game “Duo”
Colorado Buffalo Filet & New Zealand Venison Chop
Huckleberry-Syrah Essence

Australian Lobster Tail and Lemon Risotto
Edamame Beans, Roasted White Corn
Chervil-Champagne Butter Sauce

Choice of Dessert

Strawberry-Chocolate Crepes
Organic Strawberry-Chambord Ragout
Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The Winery Cheesecake
Vanilla Chantilly, Fresh Berry Coulis

Trio of Sorbets
Assortment of Fresh Seasonal Berries

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee
Chocolate Fleur de Sel Cookie

Warm Callebaut Chocolate-Fleur de Sel Tart
Blackberry Cabernet Sorbet

For reservations or more information, please call 714.258.7600.

The Sky Room
40 S. Locust Avenue,
CA-90802
(562) 983-2703
www.theskyroom.com

CuisineType : American, Seafood, Steak

*Limited Seating Available*

Valentine's Day
FEBRUARY 14, 2012

1st Seating 5:30 – 7:30
2nd Seating 8:30 – 10:30

Music: Piano and Saxophone Duo Feat. Dave Applebaum

Long Stem Rose, Box of Chocolate, Glass of Champagne

I

Kumomoto Oysters
Yucca Carrot Chip, Honey Habanero Aioli

II

Fresh Diver Scallops
Cauliflower Puree, Black Truffle Emulsion, Cayenne Oil

III

Scottish Salmon
Heriloom Caramelized Carrots, Corn Puree, Persimmon Vinaigrette

Prime Filet Mignon
Organic Purple Fingerling Potatoes, Asparagus, Black Truffles, Port Wine Reduction

Colorado Lamb Loin
Apricots, Walnuts, Lemon Preserves, Cinnamon, Celery Root Puree,Balsamic Reduction

(Vegetarian available upon request)

III

Duo of French Pastries
(inspired by love)

$119.00 per person(excludes tax and service charge)

The Sky Room
40 S. Locust Avenue,
CA-90802
(562) 983-2703
www.theskyroom.com/

CuisineType : American, Seafood, Steak

This " FRIDAY – 4 – YOU "

Three Course Dinner

I

Tomato Caprese
vine ripe tomatoes, bufala mozzarella, basil, tomato vinaigrette

Sky Caesar
baby gem lettuce, garlic crouton, parmesan crisp

Roasted Pear and Butternut Squash
apple cider cream, pear, squash

II

Fresh Salmon
mixed beans, shiitake mushrooms, lemongrass beurre blanc

Sautéed Shrimp
angel hair, red & yellow bell peppers, tomato, white cream sauce

Game Hen
dried plums, white asparagus, wild rice, au jus

Prime Rib Eye
pommes frites, asparagus, béarnaise sauce

III

Creme Brûlée
vanilla bean, fresh berries

Juan Carlos Bread Pudding
pecans, sugar, crème anglaise

$49.00 per person(excludes tax and gratuities)

Taco Asylum
2937 S. Bristol St. / B102,
CA-92626
(909) 576-9210
chefryancarson.com/tacoasylum/

CuisineType : Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Tacos

‘Pri-vē @ Taco Asylum

DETAILS:
1 seating (reservations are limited)
7:00 pm (arrive early for premium seating)
$100 for 10 courses (tax and gratuity not included)

LOCATION: TACO ASYLUM
2937 S. Bristol St. / B102
Costa Mesa Ca, 92626

AVAILABLE DATES:
Sunday-February 12,
Monday-February 13,
Tuesday-February 14
Sunday-February 19,
Monday-February 20
Sunday-February 26,
Monday-February 27

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS:text: (909) 576-9210 or email ryanjcarson1@yahoo.com

Please include your name, party size, location and reservation date
example: Ryan Carson / 4 people / Taco Asylum / February 14th

Delius Restaurant
2951 Cherry Ave,
CA-90755
(562) 426-0694
deliusrestaurant.com

CuisineType : French

English Pub Night

In honor of Chef Louise, Delius is hosting an English Pub Night.

Event Includes:

• Prix Fixe Menu
• British Beer

Menu Includes:

STARTER-

Old Speckled Hen

Scotch Eggs, Mango Chutney, Black Pudding on Toast Points, Caramelized Onions.

SOUP-

St. Peter's Creme Stout

Split Pea and Leek

FIRST COURSE-

Meantime IPA

Chicken Madras Curry, Basmati Rice, Naan Bread

MAIN COURSE-

Fuller's ESB

Roasted Filet Mignon, Yorkshire Puddings, Roasted Vegetables, Horseradish Cream Sauce

PUDDING-

Shipyard Double Thumper

Sherry Trifle

Event Cost: $65 plus tax and tip

Visit: deliusrestaurant.com to make your reservation today

*Restaurant is reservations only

O'Neill's Bar & Grill
26772 Avery Parkway,
California-92692
949.305.5100
arroyotrabuco.com/specials.aspx

CuisineType : American, Bar & Grill

Love Bird Dinner
Tuesday, February 14th
Share a Selection of Delicious Entrees and a Champagne Toast with your Loved One!
Seatigns Begin at 5:00pm

$65 per person

O'Neill's Bar & Grill
26772 Avery Parkway,
California-92692
949.305.5100
arroyotrabuco.com/specials.aspx

CuisineType : American, Bar & Grill

Valentine’s Weekend
Cupid’s Dinner
Saturday, February 11th & Sunday, February 12th
3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner Seatings Begin at 5:00pm
$38 per person

Champagne Brunch
Sunday, February 12th 10:00am to 2:00 pm
$32.95 per adult with Champagne
$29.95 per adult without Champagne

Providence
5955 Melrose Ave.,
CA-90038
(323) 460-4170
www.providencela.com

CuisineType : French

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Providence Chef Michael Cimarusti’s Valentine’s Day menu is a playful interpretation based on the elements of romance. Our Valentine's Menu will be available from Friday, February 10th, to Tuesday, Valentine's Day, February 14th. Please join us for a romantic evening and a special meal you’re not soon to forget.

Valentine's Day Menu 2012
The Elements of Romance

amuse bouche

~

sweet and tender

tai snapper sashimi
sake, caviar, salted cherry blossom
champagne, taittinger brut, cuvée prestige m.v.

~

lively

santa barbara spot prawns
nori bread crumbs, spring herbs
sauvignon blanc, te muna road vineyard,craggy range 2009

~

sultry

maine lobster
charcoal grilled, smoked black truffle butter
zilavka, "greda", brkic 2008

~

star-crossed

wild new zealand john dory
foie gras, white port, spring vegetables
pernand-vergelesses, 1er cru sous fretille, deux montille 2006

~

fat and happy

hudson valley duck breast
petit pois, pea greens
marsannay, "cuvée marie ragonneau", domaine charles audoin 2008

~

refreshing

fennel, yellow chartreuse, angelica, yogurt

~

sweet

dark chocolate mint, croquant, cocoa nibs
recioto della valpolicella, venturini 2008

~

mignardises

$150/$220 with wine pairing, per person

$150/$300 with premium wine pairing, per person

exclusive of tax, gratuity, and other beverages

We are offering two seatings on Valentine’s Day:

• Early Seating 5:30pm and 6:00pm
• Late Seating 8:30pm and 9:00pm

Our Valentine’s Day menu will be served exclusively during both seatings. For wine lovers, we will be offering a premium wine pairing in addition to our regular wine pairing option. Our signature chocolates can be awaiting your Valentine upon arrival at your table if you choose. Please call us for details.

Valentine's Day reservations are booking up quickly! Please call the restaurant for availability at (323) 460-4170.
*Please note that we are not offering the option of Corkage for Valentine’s Day Eve, February 13, 2012, or Valentine's Day, February 14, 2012.
*Menu subject to change without notice

Raphael Restaurant
11616 Ventura Blvd.,
CA-91604
818-505-3337
raphaelonventura.com

Raphael Restaurant in Studio City plans to take lovers on a culinary journey designed to seduce the five senses and immerse guests in romance on Valentine’s Day. This up-and-comer on the L.A. restaurant scene, which recently tapped Chef Adam Horton formerly of Saddle Peak Lodge, will offer guests a four-course, aphrodisiac-inspired menu featuring world cuisine at its best.

“The menu is very sexy, and will excite the senses of taste and smell,” said Horton. “And with the restaurant’s sensual décor and gentle background music appealing to the senses of sight and sound, we are confident that the sense of touch will take care of itself.”

Dinner will begin with a choice of celery root soup with winter truffle; roasted apple salad with blue cheese, endive, watercress and spiced walnuts; or lightly poached oysters with champagne cream, caviar and cauliflower. For the second course, guests can choose from butter poached Maine lobster with sunchoke, fennel and black garlic; sweet potato agnolotti with black trumpet mushrooms and winter truffle; or pan roasted loup de mer with watercress and roasted garlic.

The romance continues with the entrées. Couples can choose from a grilled chateaubriand for two with gruyere potatoes asparagus, crispy garlic mushrooms and red wine mustard sauce; olive oil-poached butterfish with Meyer lemon, capers, asparagus and baby carrots; Raphael’s famous 48 hour rib steak with bacon onion jam, crispy blue cheese, wilted arugula and yams; or house-made gnocchi with forest mushrooms, English peas and garlic greens.

Finally, the meal sweetly concludes with a choice of the restaurant’s “textures of chocolate;” banana-huckleberry bread pudding with crème glace; or strawberry and lemon vacherin.

The prix-fixe menu is available for $70 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is extremely limited and reservations are required.

Back Bay Bistro
1131 Back Bay Drive,
CA-92660
(949) 729-1144
www.BackBayBistroNewportBeach.com

CuisineType : French Bistro

Couples can soak in picturesque views of the Back Bay while enjoying a three-course, prix-fixe menu prepared by Executive Chef Daniel Jimenez. The mood will be set by live music from singer/songwriter Tom Solis, whose blend of soulful, alternative rock will provide a romantic soundtrack for the evening. Dinner will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the cost is $65 per person/$85 with wine pairings.

SOUP or SALAD (choice of one):
Lobster Bisque
Sweetheart Salad – spinach, candied walnuts, strawberry brie & wild berry vinaigrette
Optional Wine Pairing – Ch. Faizeau Montagne Vielles Vingnes 2003

ENTREE (choice of one):
Filet Amore – 6 oz crab stuffed filet of beef, sauteed asparagus, blue cheese lyonnaise potatoes, roast garlic, & black truffle port reduction
Optional Wine Pairing – Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse 2005
Seared Sea of Love Scallops – lobster spinach risotto, tomato tarragon relish
Optional Wine Pairing – Pedroncelli Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc Eastside Vineyard 2009
Veal au Poire – white truffle smahed potato, sun-dried cherry and apricot demi glaze
Optional Wine Pairing – Argyle Pinot Noir 2006

DESSERTS FOR TWO (designed to share):
Chocolate Volcano – German chocolate cake filled with vanilla bean ice cream raining Hershey's hot chocolate
Cream Puffs – raspberry ice cream, chocolate drizzle

Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged by calling (949) 729-1144. Also, visit www.BackBayBistroNewportBeach.com.

Locanda del Lago
231 Arizona Ave.,
CA-90401
310.451.3525
www.lagosantamonica.com/

CuisineType : Italian

On Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m., Locanda del Lago—located on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica—kicks off 2012 with the newest installment of its monthly Morso della Bestia, or ”Bite of the Beast,” whole-animal dinner series. January’s communal comfort food feast will highlight Northern Italian takes on venison ($60 per person, not including tax and gratuity).

Sourced from New Zealand’s Cervena® Natural Tender Venison, which is accredited by the Deer Quality Assurance Program, the all-natural, free-range venison will be showcased throughout a five-course menu—with each dish inspired by Chef Minuz’s native Northern Italy. Each preparation will be accented by fresh, housemade pastas and seasonal produce from the nearby Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. The January Morso della Bestia menu—served alongside unlimited litros of house red and white wine—will include:

§ Antipasto: Thinly-sliced venison carpaccio, served with baby beet greens sautéed with onions and walnuts
§ Primo: Braised venison and juniper berry ravioli with sage-infused brown butter
§ Piatto di Mezzo: Whole wheat spaghetti with venison ragú
§ Secondo: Brandy-roasted leg of venison with sweet potato purée, blueberry compote, and sautéed Swiss chard
§ Dolce: Housemade ricotta strudel with Tahitian vanilla sauce

The Morso della Bestia menu will be offered at the restaurant’s central communal dining table, which seats 14; additional seating is available upon request. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 310.451.3525.

Starfish Laguna
30832 So. Pacific Coast Hwy.,
CA-92651
949.715.9200
www.Starfishlaguna.com

Cuisine Type : Asian, Fusion

Come celebrate the Year-of-the-Dragon with 4 days of special food & drink offerings beginning Monday, Jan. 23. Guest Mixologist, Dan Oliver will be hosting our celebration finale Thursday, Jan. 26. Enjoy his exotic cocktails along with our tasting menu featuring a delicious sampling of our entire Dragon Menu, $40 per person. This is a Starfish celebration you won't want to miss!

Cafe del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way,
CA-90292
310.823.6395
www.cafedelreymarina.com

CuisineType : Cal Coast, Winery

CAFE DEL REY HOSTS SUMMERLAND WINERY FOR A WINTERTIME WINE PAIRING DINNER ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

Oenophiles will enjoy an intimate group dinner with a four-course, prix fixe menu—created by Executive Chef Daniel Roberts—and curated selections from the Central Coast winery

WHAT: On Thursday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m., Marina del Rey’s seaside dining destination CAFE del REY will host a special group “wining and dining” event, showcasing wines from the Central Coast’s Summerland Winery, alongside a seasonal, four-course dinner ($65 per person, not including tax and gratuity). Pairing the winery’s celebrated boutique selections with Executive Chef Daniel Roberts’ California-Mediterranean fare, the prix fixe menu will feature:

§ Apple & Currant-Stuffed Quail, wrapped in pancetta and served with haricot vert, almonds, and spiced Chardonnay gastrique
Paired with 2010 Summerland Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard

§ Zatar Monkfish with leek confit, herb-roasted new potatoes, and saffron emulsion
Paired with 2008 Summerland Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard

§ Lamb Duo with apricot-braised shank and goat cheese-crusted loin, served with mint-apricot couscous and coriander crème fraîche
Paired with 2007 Summerland Trio, Rhone Blend, Santa Ynez Valley

§ Orange Muscat-Poached Pear, spiced with vanilla and served with brûléed brie and a hazelnut tuille
Paired with 2009 Summerland Orange Muscat, Santa Barbara County

Summerland Winery Founder Nebil “Bilo” Zarif will also be on hand to share the winery’s history, offer tasting notes, and answer guests’ questions. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 310.823.6395.WHEN: Thursday, January 19, 2012

Passed hors d’oeuvres begin at 6:30 p.m. | Dinner is served at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling the restaurant at 310.823.6395.COST: $65 per person; includes a four-course, prix fixe menu with wine pairings

Please note: tax and gratuity are not included

(Jan. 2012) Winter Prix Fixe Menu.

We asked all our chefs for their culinary interpretation of the season, and they created a 3-course menu that words simply cannot describe.

Available Winter of 2012 – $36.95 per person.

Appetizer (choice of one)

Duck Confit & Roasted Mushroom Flat Bread
Arugula, Parmesan Cheese, Balsamic Nitsume

Grilled Pear Salad
Radicchio, Belgium Endive, Spicy Walnuts, Bleu Cheese, Ginger Orange Sage Vinaigrette

Korean Soup
Braised Short Rib, Daikon, Carrot, Potato, Cilantro, Chili, Aromatic Beef Stock

Entree (choice of one)

Shiso Soup
Bacon Wilted Spinach, Caramelized Onion Polenta, Roasted Red Pepper Dashi

Boursin Stuffed Chicken
Potato Pave, Chinese Long Bean & Shiitakes, Orange Cranberry Compote, Pinot Noir Reduction

Grilled 14 oz. Bone in Pork Chop
Mustard Seed and Scallion Spaetzle, Fennel Sauerkraut, Whole Grain Mustard Demi

Dessert (choice of one)

Pear Tart
Puff Pastry, Goat Cream Cheese, Streusel Powder & Salt Caramel

Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle
Raspberry Coulis, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Prices exclude tax and gratuity.

(Jan. 2012) The "Best Of" Pascal's

3 Course, $50pp
4 Course, $60pp
Or A la Carte

January 13 – February 13, 2012

Tradition by Pascal
1000 Bristol Street North,
CA-92600
949-263-9400
www.PascalNewportBeach.com