Special Valentine’s Day restaurant menus in the San Fernando Valley

BY KAREN YOUNG

If you’ve decided to make Valentine’s Day a dining experience this year, here’s some restaurants in the 818 featuring special menus for Cupid’s holiday.

D’Cache

Give your Valentine’s Day Latin flair with a charming dining experience inside a 1928 renovated mission cottage house semi-hidden on Riverside Drive. Their specialty is Latin-Fusion and Tapas. Don’t miss the house signature sangria infused with apples.  The special Four Course Dinner includes such choices as: Miami Style Crab Cake, Sweet Corn Soup with gambas al ajillo, Charbroiled Filet Sangria Poached Pear, Warm & soft chocolate cake. $75 per person with live entertainment included. Two seatings at 5 pm and 8 pm. 10717 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, Ca (818) 506-9600. www.dcacherestaurant.com

Firenze Osteria

Celebrate Valentine’s Day the whole weekend with Top Chef’s Fabio Viviani at this new Lankershim establishment (and the former Barsac Brasserie). There is a special Valentine’s menu available, in addition to the regular menu. $75.00 per person, including: Shrimp stuffed with Gorgonzola Wrapped with Pancetta, Steak Tatare, Ricotta and Egg York Ravioli Grilled Lamb with Pistachio Causolet, Olive Oil Cake with Blueberries and Mascarpone Whipped Cream,Chocolate Covered Stawberries.  Complimentary Chocolate Covered Strawberries for all guests.  Order the entire fixed menu, individual items or from the regular menu. Live romantic guitar music will serenade this weekend they coined “Love. Food. Misbehavior.” 4212 Lanshershim Blvd., Toluca Lake, CA 91602 818. 760.7081. www.firenzeosteria.com

Il Tiramisu

This father and son owned trattoria has a real feel of Italy. Ivo and Peter Kastelan are offering a three course Valentine menu that they are designing from their regular menu. There is a choice of  five appetizer choices, five main course choices and three desserts for $50 per person. Classic standouts are Osso Bucco and Pappardelle con Capesante (wide ribbon pasta, scallops, tomatoes, onions, spicy white wine sauce). Il Tiramisu: 13705 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; (818) 986-2640. www.il-tiramisu.com

Inn of the Seventh Ray

Set among the trees and next to a creek in Topanga Canyon, this is one of the most romantic spots in Los Angeles. If you haven’t been here in a decade, the menu has changed dramatically. The five course menu, plus an amuse bouche, is $100; vegetarian route $90.There is a wine flight with 3 oz pours paired for each course at $45 per person. There are vegan, vegetarian, meat, fish and poultry choices (which are organic or sustainable), including Vodka Cured Salmon Caviar, Quail Egg, Lemon Oil, Espelette and Steamed Fingerling Potato, Oven Roasted Filet Mignon, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Watercress Salad with Salmarigillo Vinaigrette, Goat Cheese and Truffled Cippolinni’s, Be My Seafood Plate Medley (a lover’s plate to be shared), Shrimp and Lemon Ceviche, Lump Crab with Corn, Piquello Peppers and Herb Mayo, Ash Seared Tuna with Moroccan Spice Emulsion and Nicoise Calamari with Cold Pressed Olive Oil.  Inn of the Seventh Ray: 128 Old Topanga Rd.,Topanga; (310) 455-1311. www.innoftheseventhray.com/home.htm

Marché LA

Marché (which changed from Max last Fall when chef Gary Menes took over) is offering a special Valentines Degustation Menu — meaning small plates.  It’s a five course menu with a choice three choices under each course. $75 per person. Interested in wine pairings for each course? That is $55 per person extra. Enjoy such entrees as lobster, hokkaido scallops and filet mignon. There are a few items such a black winter truffle risotto, foie gras cusine, and oysters that are extra. Chef Gary Menes helms this kitchen which prides itself on seasonal cuisine and small plates. Marché LA: 13355 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; (818) 784-2915. www.marche-la.com

Oliva Restaurant

This neighborhood restaurant, which  expanded to two rooms, is offering a three course meal for $45 per person. Try such specialties as Brasato — Italian Brisket Rib-Eye Meat Slowly Cooked Over 4 Hrs in Red Wine & Spices, Mashed Potatoes and Spinach, Lobster Spaghetti Lobster Tail and Shrimp with Spaghetti in a Spicy Tomato Sauce Porcini, Portobello, Shitake and Oyster Mushroom Sauce.  They are known for their fun martini list and a plentiful bruschetta starter. 4449 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks CA 91403 olivarestaurant.com/Oliva-Valentines-Menu-2009.pdf

Pinot Bistro

This Studio City mainstay is offering their Valentine’s Day celebration all weekend long with a choice of of three courses for $65 or four for $75, which includes includes a complimentary glass of rose. Choices include: Oyster ménage à trios, raw with zesty mignonette, pickled in Champagne, fried with spicy pepper aїoli; Yukon Gold potato gnocchi, confit tomatoes, basil pesto, crispy Parmigiano-Reggiano ; Duo of beef-roasted filet mignon, red wine braised short ribs potato fondant, whole roasted shallots, bordelaise sauce. Check out the menu here: www.patinagroup.com/restaurants/41/menus/CafePinot_ValentinesDay2010.pdf Pinot Bistro: 12969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; (818) 990-0500.

Raphael

As one of the newest fine dining restaurants on Ventura Blvd, owner  Alon Raphael and Chef Stephen Burkalis will offer a unique champagne of choice with a three course prix fixe menu for $80 per person. The regular menu which features seasonal cuisine and identifies its dishes to a specific global regions, is also available. 1st Course: Chilled lobster Salad Heirloom tomatoes, marcona almonds, mizuna, balsamic tomato gelée 2nd Course: Duo of Beef Filet and sweet breads, Okinawa sweet potato purée, cauliflower, Madera wine sauce 3rd Course: Petite Fours Ancho chili chocolate flourless cake, passion fruit pavlova, caramel butter cream macaroon. Raphael’s has one of the most extensive wine lists in the San Fernando Valley with 50 choices of wine by the glass. www.raphaelonventura.com 11616 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 505-3337.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Rustic, yet sophisticated and elegant, this long standing restaurant hideaway off  Las Virgenes Canyon goes unmatched for its history and its building, as well as its unique cuisine. It is Michelin rated and a real special occasion destination. The Valentines Menu is four courses with such choices as kumamoto oysters, black truffle soup, New Zealand Elk Tenderloin and Butter Poached Main Lobster. $125 per person  and it’s an additional $60 for wine pairings. The regular menu is also available. Saddle Peak Lodge: 419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas; (818) 222-3888. www.saddlepeaklodge.com

Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of My Daily Find

Tasty Tidbits: New Years Eve Dining in the San Fernando Valley

BY MY DAILY FIND STAFF

Still looking for a special New Years Eve dinner in the 818?   Here’s some restaurants with a variety of cuisines, times and budgets through the Ventura Boulevard corridor.

Arnie Mortons  The Steakhouse

Three-course Steak & Seafood menu. $54.50/person. Morton’s signature a la carte menu also available. 6250 Canoga Ave Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (818) 703-7272 3400 West Olive Avenue (in The Pinnacle Building) Burbank, CA 91505 (818) 238-0424 www.mortons.com

Bistro Garden

Gala dinner and dancing, three-course meal with complimentary champagne at midnight. $150 per person. www.bistrogarden.com 12950 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604-2234 (818) 501-0202

Bistro Ka

Seven-course Omakase chef specials menu at $49.95. Regular menu will also be available. Bistro KA Lounge will feature live DJ music. Westfield Topanga Mall 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd #2010A Canoga Park, CA 91303 (818) 340-1300 www.bistroka.com

California Canteen
A special a la carte menu, plus the regular menu, is offered at this casual French Bistro. 3311 Cahuenga Blvd. Universal City, CA 90068 (323) 876-1702 (818) 765-3311 www.californiacanteen.com

D’Cache Restaurant

Four-course meal with champagne toast, live latin music in a cozy house setting. 10717 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, CA 91602  www.dcacherestaurant.com (818)506-9600

Fins Creekside Calabasas

Special menu with signature items. www.finsinc.com 23504 Calabasas Road. Calabasas, CA 91302-4028 (818) 223-3467

Firenze Osteria

New Years Eve with Top Chef Fabio Viviani. Three seatings. 6 pm: Choice of $55 three-course menu or $95 five -course menu. 8 and 10 pm: $95 menu with entertainment. 4212 Lankershim Blvd, Toluca Lake, CA (828) 760-7081. www.firenzeosteria.com

Kravings

Food, drinks, entertainment, live music, Brazilian dancers, DJ & dancing. Three seatings 4:30-5 pm arrival $49, 7-7:30pm arrival $59, 9-9:30 arrival $69. Kids under 10 are 1/2 price for first two seatings. 18663 Ventura Blvd. #100 Tarzana, CA 91356 (818) 881-7111 www.kravingsfusion.com

La Loggia

Regular menu with special items. The dining room will be decorated for New Years.  11814 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604-2617  (818) 985-9222

Mistral

Early seating  $79 per person. Late seating  with DJ music 8:45 – 9:30 pm.  $138 per person.  Three courses, plus passed hors d’ouerves, dessert and champagne.  13422 Ventura Blvd. Sherman  Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 981-6650  www.mistralrestaurant.net.

Moz Buddha Lounge Restaurant

Dinner & dancing featuring a special menu with  signature items & chef’s specials at this modern venue with an asian-fusion vibe. 30105 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91302 www.mozbar.com (818) 735-0091

Pinot Bistro

Prix-fixe menu & live jazz 9pm-close. 3-courses $65; 4-courses $80. 12969 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 990-0500

Profile Wine and Grill

Four-course prix-fixe. Champagne toast. Live entertainment after 9pm. First seating ($65), second seating ($75). First Seating must be finished by 8 pm. www.profilewineandgrill.com 20969 Ventura Blvd, Suite 32 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (818) 992-5500

Raphael on Ventura

Four-course global, seasonal menu includes bottomless champagne and entry to the brand new R Nightclub for jazz and dancing next door. $125 per person. 11616 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 505-3337 www.raphaelonventura.com

Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion

Four- course special menu based on entree choice $52- $85 per  person at this prominent island influenced restaurant. Woodland Hills (818) 888-4801 6363 Topanga Canyon Blvd. www.roysrestaurant.com

Spazio

A special five-course prix-fixe menu. Champagne toast & all the party favors. Dancing & live music after 9pm. Dinner & party admission: $125. 14755 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 www.spazio.com

Vino Wine and Tapas

Five-course tapas & wine pairings, live music & party favors. From 8pm to 1 am, regular menu served from 4 to 8 pm.$75/person. 18046 Ventura Blvd Encino, CA 91316  www.vinowineandtapas.com (818) 343-2525

Wine Bistro

Three seatings at this French Bistro. Three Course Menu. 5:30 pm ($45), 7:30 pm ($55), 9:30 pm ($65) raffle, DJ and dancing. 11915 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604  (818) 766-6233  www.winebistro.net