Pasta at Lago di Como in Santa Cruz
Valentine’s Day is Friday – many restaurants in the Santa Cruz and Monterey areas are fully booked– but others are still available. I’ve listed a few that still have available reservations via OpenTable.com.
Here are my Valentine’s guides for other cities, with menu highlights:
Also, Chaminade in Santa Cruz doesn’t have online reservations — you need to call for availability — but it does have two large dining areas, plus a few other Valentine’s-and-beyond specials worth reading about.
Chaminade (831-475-5600) is serving Friday dinner from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Executive Chef Kirsten Ponza has created a palate pleasing, heart pounding, three course prix fixe menu to be enjoyed at Linwood’s Bar & Grill or the Sunset Dining Room. Guests will enjoy a choice of salad, entrees that include filet mignon, duck confit, double cut pork chop, petrale sole or a roasted wild mushroom lasagna, and a delectable dessert. Price is $65 per person not including tax or gratuity.
Here are Chaminade’s wine, spa, and hotel specials:
Sip & Savor Sparkling Wines of the World
On Saturday, February 15th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Chaminade Resort & Spa is hosting a sparkling wines of the world tasting event. The package includes a sampling of four different types of sparkling wines including prosecco, cava, brut and blanc de blanc paired with savory menu items, a guest speaker who will share the nuances of champagnes and sparkling wines from grape to bottle and “how to” tips and demonstrations. Package price is $50 per person or $90 per couple plus tax and gratuity. For reservations and information, call 831-475-5600.
Spaaatacular Valentine’s Day Treatments
The Spa at Chaminade has created two exclusive treatments featuring aphrodisiac ingredients guaranteed to heighten the senses of the most discerning spa goer – including Aphrodite herself! Be My Valentine package includes an antioxidant cocoa body wrap, a seasonal rosemary and peppermint facial, a glass of Gloria Ferrer champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries. Package price is $352 and includes a 20% savings and includes gratuity. Serenity for Two includes two 80-minute simply Zen massages in The Spa’s couples room, followed by a relaxing reprise in a heated whirlpool on The Spa’s private patio and topped off with a glass of Gloria Ferrer champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for two. Price is $376 and includes a 20% savings and includes gratuity. For reservations and information call The Spa at Chaminade at 831-465-3465. Both treatments will be offered February 1-28, 2014.
An Affair to Remember
Spend Valentine’s weekend at Chaminade Resort & Spa overlooking Monterey Bay and enjoy luxurious accommodations for two, a bottle of sparkling wine or cider, chocolate covered strawberries, a $75 resort credit in Linwood’s Bar & Grill and 20% off select spa services and spa products. Package prices start at $259, not including tax or resort fee. For reservations or information call 1-800-283-6569 or visit www.chaminade.com. This deal might be available later in February, as well.
VALENTINE’S DINNER VIA OPENTABLE – SANTA CRUZ AREA
As of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, the following restaurants (listed alphabetically) still had selected Valentine’s Day dinner reservations available. Call or make reservations through OpenTable.com:
- Café Mare (831) 458-1212
- Chocolate the Restaurant (831) 427-9900
- Hoffman’s Bistro (831) 420-0135
- Johnny’s Harborside (831) 479-3430
- Lago Di Como (831) 454-8257
- Pearl of the Ocean (831) 457-2350
- Rosie McCann’s (831) 426-9930
VALENTINE’S DINNER VIA OPENTABLE – MONTEREY AREA
As of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, the following restaurants (listed alphabetically) still had selected Valentine’s Day dinner reservations available. Call or make reservations through OpenTable.com:
- Domenico’s on the Wharf (831) 372-3655
- the C restaurant & bar (831) 375-4800
- Fish Hopper (831) 372-8543
- Jacks-Portola Hotel & Spa (831) 649-2698
- Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar (831) 372-2628
- Tarpy’s Roadhouse (831) 647-1444
TusCA Ristorante (831) 372-1234
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