For those looking for new ideas, the Downtown Center Business Improvement
District has created “Valentine’s
Day in LA – 14 Things for the 14th.”
Activities for all kinds and budgets abound in Downtown
Los Angeles. For exclusive discounts and full details, please visit www.downtownla.com.
- Valentine’s Day
dinner. A classic, tried and true winner, you can’t go wrong with
Downtown LA, which prominent food critics have recently touted as one of
the hippest dining destinations in the city – all surrounded by the
bright lights and big city of Downtown.
Chaya Downtown: Three-course meal followed by
complimentary shuttle service to all theaters.
Ciudad: Mention DowntownLA.com and get one
split of cava with dinner for two, a four-course menu of Spanish and
Mediterranean fare.
Noe: Executive Chef Glen Ishii has
created a three- and six-course tasting menu featuring Neo Bistro cuisine.
Roys:
Enjoy a decadent, 4-course meal and receive a $20 bonus card per couple for
your next visit.
- Downtown
hotels. Step it up a notch
with a romantic stay. Not feeling the love these days? Take advantage of
President’s Day and plan a girls-only getaway weekend.
LA Athletic
Club: 1-night V-day package
with deluxe room, four-course dinner, champagne breakfast and discounted
parking.
The Standard: 2-night “Huge Love
Package” includes breakfast, champagne, parking, access to the rooftop
each evening, strolling cupids and other–ahem– creative amenities.
Hilton Checkers: 1-night
stay, with four-course dinner, rooftop cocktails, an in-room bottle of
champagne, an in-room movie with fresh popcorn delivered to the door, breakfast
in bed.
Wilshire
Grand: Free 1-night stay (for
two in the newly remodeled Junior Suites) after spending $100 on dining in
either of its two restaurants.
- Liquid courage. Need
some help impressing a new date?
The Must:
A concept wine bar and gastropub featuring more than 50 local and global wines.
The
Edison: This bar offers
hand-crafted cocktails amid the majestic relics of a long-lost era of glamour.
Try the Rosebud Martini and fresh oysters.
The Conga
Room: Sizzling sounds on the 14th
with the Latin jazz infusions of Poncho Sanchez, LA’s King of the
Congas.
Play the field with your friends: Visit www.downtownla.com for dozens of bar options.
- Crave some drama on
the 14th? The Music Center will host two brilliant
performances filled with enough emotion and excitement to last you until next
Valentine’s. “The Butterfly Lovers” –
China’s Romeo and Juliet – will be playing at the Ahmanson Theatre
at 2pm on February 14, while “The Subject was Roses,” with
Martin Sheen, is playing at the Mark Taper Forum at 8 pm. Tickets are
available at www.musiccenter.org.
- Express your love
through music at the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Ravel’s
lushly scored ballet. The afternoon performance with conductor Rafael
Fruhbeck de Burgos begins at 2pm at the magnificent Walt Disney Concert
Hall. Tickets are available at www.laphil.com.
- Whether you are exploring
the art of love or just love art, the MOCA’s
First Thirty Years exhibition is an inspiring way to spend the 14th.
A two-part exhibition that includes the largest-ever installation of MOCA’s
permanent collection features impressive works added since the
museum’s founding. They include Mondrian, Rothko, Rauschenberg,
Pollock, Kline and others.
- For something intriguing
and exotic, La Bistecca Presents “A
Night in Morocco” at the Millennium Biltmore. Enjoy a
Moroccan menu featuring appetizer “mezze” courses, authentic
entre choices and rich desserts. Lavishly decorated, the Rendezvous Court
will feature colorful fabrics, romantic lighting, and private cabana
tables, with live belly dancing performances at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
- Neihule, a
sophisticated urban salon, offers plenty of V-day options, whether you
want to start the romance early or just get ready. Couples can enjoy the
“Bed of Roses” package with a manicure and pedicure for two and
champagne in a romantic setting. If you want to get dolled up for your
date or need a great gift for your Valentine, go to www.neihule.com
for more specials. Visitors who mention DowntownLA.com will receive a
free lip balm.
- The old adage that diamonds
are a girl’s best friend still rings true, especially at
Valentine’s Day. For the most unique assortment of diamonds, gems
and other jewelry, the St. Vincent Jewelry
Center , the largest jewelry complex in the world, is a sure bet to
find special sparkles for that special someone on any budget. For
last-minute gift givers, the Broadway side of the jewelry center will be
open on February 14.
- For first dates,
friendship, mom, anniversaries, or just because, flowers never fail.
The Los Angeles Flower District,
the largest wholesale flower market in the U.S., features virtually every
variety of cut flower, potted plant and exotic blossom that is
commercially available, with many California grown. A fresh, exquisite
bouquet will brighten anyone’s Valentine. Valentine’s weekend
hours: February 13-14, 6:00 am – 2:00 pm.
- All the single ladies
(and gents) should definitely partake in a free singles mixer party on
Saturday, February 13, from 8pm to 2am at Remedy Lounge, who is partnering
with theLEK.com, an LA-based website for singles. Come enjoy drink
specials, games, entertainment, and, of course, the crowd. RSVP required
at www.thelek.com/heartbeat.
- Bowl the night away
with friends at Lucky Strike, the perfect night out for those who would
rather avoid the V-day hype. More than just a bowling alley, Lucky Strike
at L.A. LIVE is bowling blended into a sleek atmosphere with plush
seating, cozy dining areas, DJs and places for private parties, including
the four-lane Luxe suite. Details at http://www.lalive.com/index.php.
Bowlers who mention DowntownLA.com can enjoy 2-for1 appetizers and
bowling.
- Can’t find a
babysitter on the 14th? Take the whole family to STAPLES Center
to see the Harlem Globetrotters. An entertainment experience like
nothing else, enjoy high-flying dunks, fan interaction and laughs by some
of the world’s greatest athlete-entertainers. www.staplescenter.com.
- Your ever-loyal pet
will always be your No. 1 Valentine. Dog lovers can find a date for their
pooch at the Bark Avenue Valentine’s Sweethearts Dance, a free
“pawtry” and adoption event on February 13. Corsages and ties
for pups will be provided, and the party will feature high school dance
dcor, music, snacks and desserts (for people and pooches), plenty of wine
and a crowning of the Valentine’s Day King and Queen. Mention
DowntownLA.com for a free Natural Balance treat bag. www.barkavela.com.