Valentine’s Day is creeping up on us. People are starting to call and send e-mails pleading for suggestions.
I recommend you make reservations now as most popular restaurants will be sold out well before the day rolls around. Here are some of my favorites:
Accents Dining Room in Sutton Place Hotel has that sense of understated elegance with fine furnishings, nice art, terrific and sophisticated food and good service that makes it a pick for romantic times. (Note that I’m talking about the lovely evening dining room and wine room, different from the breakfast and lunch venue, also called Accents.) I always feel special in this restaurant. 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, (949) 476-2001.
Anaheim White House is special for its contemporary and creatively presented food that matches what connoisseurs in Italy are enjoying this season. Love the sultry white linens that include matching slipcovers for chairs that are tied with a bow in the back. Add the flower-bedecked setting and intimate rooms and it’s a real go. 887 South Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 772-1381.
Antonello Ristorante is known for its beautiful and romantic ambiance reminiscent of a charming little village square in Italy. It’s Orange County’s best example of perfect tromp-l’oeil. Draped in this d & #233;cor, it’s easy to enjoy a meal of Italian regional specialties, all served on custom dinnerware with polished service. 1611 Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 751-7153.
Bistango has undergone a facelift that’s added even more to its artistic and lovely demeanor. We’ve enjoyed several special occasion meals here in the past and one of the things I truly appreciate is the live music nightly in the cocktail area. The music provides danceable melodies and soft background sounds that waft into the dining rooms. 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, (949) 752-5222.
Golden Truffle’s intriguing cuisine sets a standard every day of the year. There’s a culinary surprise, a unique highlight, in every dish. From foie gras to duck in a clever wrap, fresh seafood that soars in creative presentation to comfort foods like macaroni and cheese (customized with its artisan cheeses and with essences of truffle, if desired), it’s always a great pleasure. If you are prepared to sigh over every dish, this is it. 1767 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, (949) 645-9858.
La Vie en Rose is perfect for French romance without having to go overseas. One hardly can create more charm than is found at this French manor home. It’s dripping in warmth, especially at this time of year (one of the best fireplace scenes; have your before dinner cocktails in front of it or your dessert there after dinner). The food is approachable French, always at the top of my comfort list for dining. 240 S. State College Blvd., Brea, (714) 529-8333.
Riviera at the Fireside has booths that encourage quiet and introspective dining. Add the many dishes that still are done tableside,hard to find anymore,for even more romance. There’s the wonderful continental fare of duck, steaks, shrimp and seafood dishes and the most marvelous salads and desserts (don’t forget to order the flaming coffee Diablo at the end of the meal). 13950 Springdale, Westminster, (714) 897-0477.
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel,Club Grill and Bar is a serene and sophisticated venue with romantic d & #233;cor. From sophisticated tables to live dancing music that manages to never interfere with conversations or dining and food that is special on its own, this is a compelling place. It’s high-end dining with high-end pleasure. One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, (949) 240-2000.
Tabu Grill makes the list because of its intimacy and island romance. It’s like finding a cozy and perfect little hideaway on an exotic island. The food is thoroughly contemporary, California-envisioned and very good. This is the perfect antithesis to all of the big dining rooms that abound. 2892 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-7743.
High Desert Dining
A must for those who spend part of their year at a second home in the desert or others who skip away for a few vacation days: Have a meal at Rattlesnake in the Trump 29 Casino in Coachella.
Rattlesnake is the marvelous gourmet restaurant of Jimmy Schmidt, one of America’s celebrated chefs.
This is a sibling to Jimmy’s famous Rattlesnake Club that overlooks the river in Detroit. The chic, contemporary, artistic bent of that flagship property is just as evident at Coachella’s Rattlesnake.
Here, the interwoven use of fine wood and leather (walls are padded with it) meets the warmth of bricks and the glamour of etched glass.
Jimmy’s food is unique in that it is American at heart, tremendously comforting stuff, yet pedigreed by way of stellar ingredients and the finesse factor that comes from his European training.
Every dish is artistically presented. I’ve tried foie gras wrapped in prosciutto made of duck; caramelized two-apple salad; egg rolls stuffed with fresh lobster, crab and scallops; Lake Superior whitefish with shallot-lemon marmalade; rack of baby lamb encrusted with fresh herbs; and terrific accompaniments such as Bhutanese rice and truffled mashed potatoes.
If you enjoy wild game, Jimmy was raised in hunting territory and puts his signature on its preparation.
The notable wine list is responsible for Rattlesnake receiving one of the highest international wine awards. There are wonderful food- and wine-matching dinners monthly. August Briggs Wines is featured Feb. 10 for an example of an upcoming special dinner.
Rattlesnake’s e-mailings are a good way to keep track of what’s on tap.
The Trump 29 Casino also is very fashionable. In addition to the casino and hotel, there’s a popular concert hall. The casino and Rattlesnake are just a short distance from the Palm Springs area and this dining experience is worth every minute of the drive. Rattlesnake: 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella, (760) 775-2880.
