Valentine’s Day in Orange County

There is nothing quite like the perfect meal on the perfect day. But as any realist knows, unless you’re eating at 3pm, Valentine’s Day in a really tough day to get perfect. Everyone seems to be out, eating at your favorite restaurant, and Orange County doesn’t have a whole lot of second choices. So, what spots are going to be delicious without the hour and a half wait? Or the extremely expensive “Valentine’s Day Packages”? Here’s our favorites. Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse: There’s a reason the best treasure is buried. Nestled in the Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Oaks is the definition of the perfect hole in the wall. Highlighted by their delicious steaks and ribs, any couple will find delight in splitting sauteed zucchini and cheese or ending a meal hand in hand in a gizmo (their own creation, a deep fried flower tortilla covered/filled with fruit). The restaurant is filled with pictures of many rich and famous people who have stepped through the doors and returned frequently, for good reason. However, It’s recommended that you don’t wear your favorite tie to Trabuco Oaks, as the walls are also littered with the ties that are traditionally cut off of the necks of each patron (though, ladies, if you hate your significant other’s Animal House tie? This is the time for it to go.) Sarducci’s: Set in scenic San Juan Capistrano, this restaurant follows the rules in combining great food with great atmosphere. It’s positioned right next to the train tracks, across the street from the San Juan Mission (if your idea of romance also involves history), and is bustling with locals walking around. The food and drink list is incredible; this writer recommends the Tournedoes (a petite filet that has a sauce that’ll make your knees week) or the Pork Ribs. Sit outside and enjoy the heaters, watch the train come and go, and toast to a great holiday. It’s also conveniently located next to the Regency Theatre, which has a VIP Theatre and restaurant on the top floor (book online and pick your seats early, as this small theatre equipped with beautiful leather chairs will make you feel right at home). The Napa Rose: Unless you’re an avid fan of the Disneyland Resort, odds are you haven’t heard of this one. Thankfully, a lot of other people haven’t either. Located inside the Grand Californian hotel in Anaheim, California, this Disney restaurant is the definition of intimate and luxurious, the most expensive restaurant inside Disneyland’s most expensive hotel. The atmosphere is intimate, the mood is delightful, and you won’t find loud families or kids running around. Enjoy the strawberry sage duck breast or the scallops hand picked and selected by divers, and of course the best selection of wines. If you’re feeling extra romantic, it’s connected to California Adventure, so why not pick up some tickets and catch the extremely lovely World of Color water show. It’s the retreat that will have your significant other saying “This is the best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had”. Brewbakers: Let’s say your perfect Valentine’s Day doesn’t involve expensive restaurants or the perfect atmosphere. It doesn’t mean it has to be a boring night of take-out food and classic movies, though. The best thing a couple can do to be a little alternative is to make something together, so why not go to a place where you can handpick and make your own beer while eating delicious food in the process? Brewbakers is in the beautiful city of Huntington Beach, and if walking around this seaside paradise isn’t nice enough, stop in for a brew and a pretzel. Brewbakers closes earlier than most restaurants, around 9pm, but why not stop in, make something you can enjoy, and then take it home to enjoy with a delicious nearby Selma’s pizza? Should really complete your low key Valentine’s Day, and you can even make the bottle label as nauseously cute as you desire!
And a few last tips for picking another restaurant: There are a few basic rules that have to be obeyed when figuring these delicate details out. It’s important to check the websites or call ahead to the restaurant you are going to in order to make sure there’s no surprise “Valentine’s Day Menu” that’s three times as much as you expected, or that the place hasn’t been booked up for months. Avoid nice chain restaurants, because odds are all of these are filled and many of them won’t take reservations. And most of all, be prepared. No one has ever had a good Valentine’s Day by just winging it restaurant wise, so unless you’ve got some perfect adventure or incredible luck, make sure to plan.