Friday, February 14, 1997
L.A. restaurants and other getaways promise to bring out the
romantic in everyone this Valentine’s Day.By Amanda Miller
Daily Bruin Contributor
Valentine’s Day puts pressure on couples to create the perfect
date. It’s easy to regress to the usual candy, roses and perfume,
but this year, why not try something a little more imaginative? A
memorable time together is worth the money and the energy. Venture
from the usual, crowded restaurants and try one of the many other
great restaurants Los Angeles has to offer.
Out of the hundreds of restaurants out there, haphazardly trying
to select one can be overwhelming. The following list of some
favorites should help. It covers a range of food types, atmospheres
and price ranges.
Reservations are highly recommended by most restaurants, so call
soon. Also, for those with good intentions but a limited budget,
there are even a few low-cost suggestions at the end. So here we
go:
Caffé Luna
This cozy and eclectic little restaurant on Melrose has an
extensive and reasonably-priced menu. They specialize in Italian
but have great sandwiches, chicken entrees, desserts and even serve
breakfast for dinner. Crayons are offered for coloring on the
table, so lovebirds can send notes back and forth during dinner. It
is a fairly casual atmosphere, but Caffé Luna exudes quality,
style and charm. Entrees range from $6.95 to $9.50. (213)
655-8674.
Moustache Cafe:
On Broxton in Westwood, this French-provincial style restaurant
is convenient for those who don’t have a car. The Moustache Cafe is
known for its chocolate souffles, which must be ordered at the
beginning of the meal because they are made fresh to order. It’s a
romantic setting, clean and crisp, with table candles to enhance
the atmosphere. Their food is fantastic; the Yucatan chicken salad
is a favorite. Entrees range from $8.50 to $15. (310) 208-6633.
Cha Cha Cha
This colorful Melrose joint pulses to a Caribbean-South American
beat. A special menu will be featured this Valentine’s Day for $36
a person. It includes a three-course meal with lobster paella and
Sangria, a Spanish-inspired red wine with fruit that everyone must
try sometime in their life. (213) 664-7723.
Il Faro
A romantic little Italian restaurant in Marina Del Ray’s
Fisherman’s Village, Il Faro features the cuisine of Tuscany. It’s
beautifully decorated with white tablecloths and dim candle
lighting. They serve great fresh pastas, tasty chicken entrees and
will have a lobster special today. Price is $20-25 a person. (310)
821-1740.
C & O Trattoria
Friendly service and a unique experience are guaranteed at this
restaurant in Venice. They have a heated outdoor garden patio and
an honor wine bar (visitors drink as they wish and tell the waiter
how many glasses they’ve had at the end of the meal). Huge portions
of fantastic northern Italian pasta, great garlic rolls and other
special entrees are all reasonably priced starting at $6.95. Join
in as the whole restaurant sings, "When the moon hits your eye …
that’s Amore." (310) 823-2530.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
Located on a little creek down Topanga Canyon Road, this
charming split-level restaurant, specializing in gourmet natural
food, is extraordinarily romantic. Candles and a crackling
fireplace warm the atmosphere and flowers and ivy drape from the
walls. This is a popular destination, so call ASAP to make a
reservation. If dinner is booked, lunch here is a great idea and
the prices are likely more within the student budget. Lunch $3.50
to $13. Dinner $12 to $27. (310) 455-1311.
Gladstone’s 4 Fish
Located right on the Pacific Coast Highway, Gladstone’s offers
an amazing ocean view and caters to seafood lovers. Breakfast
starts at 7 a.m., which could be a fun start to a romantic day.
Ninety percent of their tables are booth seating, which couples
tend to enjoy. It’s a fun, boisterous atmosphere and diners can
wear a bib and crack their own crab or lobster. Breakfast ranges
from $5 to $12. Lunch and dinner range from $8 to $20, and the
lobster price goes up from there. (310) 454-3474.
Other ideas
A creatively planned day together is always an appreciated
alternative to dinner and a movie. Picnics and home-cooked meals
are a low-budget option.
If apartment life seems claustrophobic, the Los Angeles area
offers a variety of things for sweethearts to do. To spend time
outdoors, Paradise Cove Beach hike is three miles round trip from
Zuma beach. Drive north on the Pacific Coast Highway to Zuma and
hike along the coast. During the winter season it’s possible to see
whales from the top of Point Dume. Once at the point, walk down the
staircase leading to Paradise Cove. This is a great setting and the
backdrop for many movies.
Griffith Park, which spreads over 4,000 acres of Santa Monica
mountains, also offers a variety of outdoor activities. It’s a
great location for hiking, picnicking or horseback riding. They
also have a planetarium and laser shows. For visitor information,
call (213) 665-5188.
GENEVIEVE LIANG/Daily BruinCHARLES KUO/Daily Bruin
(top) Caffé Luna on Melrose specializes in Italian
cuisine.
(bottom) Jason Rubi, a second-year math student, and Wendy
Nuval, a second-year English and anthropology student, enjoy a
dinner at the Moustache Cafe in Westwood.