Valentine’s Day is all about having a special time with the significant other, where couples express their eternal love, dedication and commitment to each other. At least that’s the idea.
However, this is also a challenging day. What to do? Where to go? How much money to spend? How can it be romantic without being sappy?
With a little digging and perhaps some ingenuity, anyone can find a fulfilling way to celebrate the day. But a word of caution: With most places, the earlier you plan ahead, the better. V-Day is weeks away, but many places–especially the higher-end joints–are already taking reservations. If dinner is the thing, wait too long, and you and the SO will have to settle for chips and a hot dog that has been rolling on some burner for three weeks. This would be a relationship buster in many circles.
Here, then,are few suggestions. (By the way, since Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday (bummer) some places are staging early celebrations):
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Melting Pot, 901 5th Ave., Gaslamp: Fondue rules here, but several four-course menus are being offered. To go all-out, get the surf and turf entree, which features a six-ounce filet mignon and a cold-water lobster tail. $76-106 per couple, 5-8 pm. 619-234-5554, www.meltingpot.com
California Dreamin’: Get high for Valentine’s without getting busted. This Temecula company is offering hot air balloon rides over Temecula’s wine country and a Del Mar Sunset flight. The Temecula trip is $158 per person (10 bucks off the normal price), while the Del Mar flight is $218 per person, a $60 savings. These special rates are in effect February 13-14. 800-373-3359, www.californiadreamin.com.
Hornblower Cruises and Events: Cruisin’, but not for a bruisin’. Hornblower has several Valentine’s cruise plans available. To get an jump on V-Day, take the weekend dinner cruise, starting on February 11, which is $69.95 per person and up. There’s also a brunch cruise on the 13th, starting at $54.95 a shot. The Valentine’s Day affairs feature live music and dancing. 888-467-6256, www.hornblower.com.
Park Manor Suites, 525 Spruce St., Bankers Hill: Its Top of the Park restaurant is dishing out a four-course prix fixe dinner at $44.95 (beverages not included), with dancing and live entertainment afterward. The dessert on tap is Chocolate “Menage A Trois.” 619-291-0999, www.parkmanorsuites.com.
Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado: This could put a major dent in most people’s wallets, but why not? Zip to the Del for a Seaside Spa Escape, which includes two 50-minute spa treatments. Rates start at $279 per night, based on double occupancy, and a two-night minimum stay is required. To go all out, do the Night of Romance. It starts at $460 a night and up (again based on double occupancy) and includes breakfast for two, a dozen roses, champagne and strawberries, plus valet parking. 800-468-3533, www.hoteldel.com
Balboa Park: This place would be a treat at 3 am during a rainstorm, and with February being Museum Month, the day can be enjoyed on a budget. Go to Macy’s and get a free Museum Month pass, good for half-off at local museums, including several in the park. The passes can also be used at other historic sites and educational spots in the county. 619-239-0512, www.balboapark.org.
Gondola Company, Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Loews Coronado Bay Rd., Coronado: From February 11-15, three Valentino gondola cruises can be had for various prices and take about an hour. For an extra $100, a professional violin or mandolin player will tag along and perform. 619-429-6317, www.gondolacompany.com.
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, all locations: Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the anti-celebration, sitting home and watching a hockey game or something. From February 7-14, Sammy’s will be featuring Take Home Valentine’s Day Pizza Kits, with dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella and your choice of toppings. www.sammyspizza.com
Flavor Del Mar, 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar: This ocean view eatery is offering a week-long menu (February 11-18) with Valentine’s Day in mind. Several three-course meals will be on tap, and sommelier Jerome Astolfi will be more than happy to make wine suggestions. $55 per person. 858-755-3663, www.flavordelmar.com.
US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway, Downtown: It’s a Valentine’s weekend at this century-old landmark. Live music, dinner and dancing on all three nights, with pianist Chris Cerna tickling the ivories in a mellow tone on The Day. The five-course, prix fixe menu includes such choices as roasted scallops and dry aged rib eye. Chocolate brittle for dessert and each couple gets a heart pendant. $95 per person. Room packages are available. 619-232-3121, usgrant.net.