{"id":7431,"date":"2016-02-06T12:42:23","date_gmt":"2016-02-06T20:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7431"},"modified":"2016-02-05T12:45:52","modified_gmt":"2016-02-05T20:45:52","slug":"cocktail-corner-sip-and-savor-valentines-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7431","title":{"rendered":"Cocktail Corner: Sip and Savor Valentine’s Day"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Finch

Finch & Fork, courtesy photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your true love, or a true friend, our local watering holes and restaurants are working overtime to make the holiday a memorable one. Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n

A Classic Valentine Weekend at Finch & Fork<\/strong><\/p>\n

Finch & Fork<\/a> (31 West Carrillo St.) is honoring the classics this Valentine\u2019s Day. On both Feb. 13 and Feb. 14, order from their regular dinner menu, or from a variety of specials. Try the Lobster Bisque, served tableside and sure to impress. Next, order Chef James Siao\u2019s Beef Wellington served with wild mushroom puree, speck, brioche, grilled asparagus salad and roasted garlic peppercorn sauce. For the ultimate finale, indulge in their tableside Hot Fudge Sundae, prepared with all the toppings.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Hungry Cat SB | Photo by Andrew Stuart<\/p><\/div>\n

Tempt Your Catch at the Hungry Cat’s Ocean-Inspired Valentine’s Day\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gems from the sea set the scene for romance in Chef\/Owner David Lentz\u2019s Hungry Cat<\/a>\u00a0(1134 Chapala St.). For Valentine\u2019s Day, guests may select from a prix fixe menu that includes\u00a0Peruvian Scallops\u00a0with fennel, sambal and granny smith apple; Prawns\u00a0with\u00a0chili, lime, shrimp chip and egg custard;\u00a0Smoked Salmon\u00a0with\u00a0cr\u00e8me fraiche, caper berry, heirloom beet and cauliflower;\u00a0Lobster Raviolo\u00a0with black garlic, king trumpet and spinach;\u00a0and\u00a0Grilled Branzino\u00a0for two with\u00a0chickpea, green romesco, cucumber and mint.\u00a0Meat lovers will savor a rich and tender\u00a0Stout- Braised Lamb Shoulder. In addition, the restaurant’s signature\u00a0Ocean-Fresh Raw Bar is available \u00e0 la carte along with two specially created Valentine\u2019s Day craft\u00a0cocktails \u2014the\u00a0Laws of Attraction\u00a0(made with Ford’s Gin, Pamplemousse Rose, lemon and chocolate bitters) and\u00a0Love Me Forever (made with rose petal infused vodka, ginger, blood orange juice and gran classico).<\/p>\n

\"Love

Love Me Forever, Hungry Cat, photo by Dona Bridges.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Lark Presents Three Nights of Valentine-Inspired Specials <\/strong><\/p>\n

Set the table for romance at The Lark<\/a>\u00a0(131 Anacapa St.),\u00a0where Executive Chef Jason Paluska\u00a0and\u00a0Executive Pastry Chef Jeff Haines present a weekend of\u00a0Valentine\u2019s Day\u00a0dining with enticing specials designed to be shared by two for the ultimate romantic dining experience. Chef Paluska\u2019s creations include\u00a0Santa Barbara Sea Urchin Toast\u00a0with Perigord Black Truffle Butter, Grilled Sourdough Levain, Breakfast Radish & Chervil;\u00a0and\u00a0Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras\u00a0with Pink Peppercorn-Buttermilk Biscuits with Roasted Strawberry Duck Jus, Pickled Fennel & Tarragon.<\/p>\n

\"The

The Lark, courtesy photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

Couples may also share the luscious\u00a0Dungeness Crab & House-made Gnocchi\u00a0with Spanish Chorizo, Navel Orange, Castelvetrano Olives & Lobster Roe. For dessert,\u00a0Chef Haines\u00a0prepares a\u00a0Classic Chocolate Cake\u00a0with\u00a0Hibiscus, Olive Oil, Raspberry Meringue and Passion Fruit Ice Cream.\u00a0Served with the dessert is a toast for two of\u00a0Sparkling Gamay\u00a0from\u00a0Patrick Bottex, La Cueille, Savoie, France.\u00a0The\u00a0Lark\u00a0also offers the complete market-driven\u00a0menu\u00a0that has made the restaurant so popular.<\/p>\n

\"Les

Les Marchands| Photo Credit Rob Stark<\/p><\/div>\n

Wining and Dining at Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant<\/strong><\/p>\n

Les Marchands<\/a>\u00a0(131 Anacapa St.) and\u00a0Chef Weston Richards\u00a0have a romantic weekend planned with three seductive dishes\u00a0that are passionately playful for couples seeking a relaxed and casual evening of courtship. Begin with Les Marchands Valentine\u2019s Day aphrodisiac of\u00a0Crispy Fried Oysters with Lemon-Caper Remoulade and House-Made Hot Sauce. Then savor Chef Weston\u2019s definitive burger\u2014\u201cRoyale with Cheese,\u201d\u00a0two 1\/4-pound beef patties with caramelized onions, Taleggio cheese and housemade thousand island\u00a0served with a side of garlic-herb pommes frites.\u00a0For the ultimate in decadent desserts, try a rich\u00a0Dark Chocolate Mousse with\u00a0Chocolate-Pistachio Crisp, Marshmallow, Ancho Chile Powder & Olive.<\/p>\n

The sommelier team at\u00a0Les Marchands\u00a0has selected three preferred picks to be paired and discovered with each of the Valentine\u2019s Day specials: Gaston Chiquet Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc\u00a0to enjoy with oysters;\u00a0Weihenstephaner Hefe Weiss\u00a0as a match for the \u201cRoyale with Cheese\u201d burger; and\u00a0Domaine La Tour Vielle\u00a0\u201cRimage\u201d Banyuls\u00a0to accompany the richness of Chef Weston\u2019s dark chocolate mousse.\u00a0Pricing is \u00e0 la carte.<\/p>\n

Vintage Love at Outpost<\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrate a very special vintage Valentine’s Day at Outpost at the Goodland Hotel <\/a>(5650 Calle Real, Goleta), where Executive Chef Derek Simcik<\/a> has created the Vintage Love menu. It includes classic French dishes like Foie Tourchon with Sauternes, Beef Royale and Bouillabaisse. Pair your meal with the perfect cocktail, like the Novel Vintage with Woodford Rye, Maison Rouge VSOP, Earl Grey-Honey Syrup, Luxardo Maraschino, Orange Curacao and Lemon.<\/p>\n

\"Outpost

Outpost at the Goodland, courtesy photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

After dinner, stop by Goodbar and have lead bartender Chris Burmeister make one his newest creations. Try the Vendetta with Gran Lusso Vermouth, Lustau Palo Cortado Sherry, Amere Nouvelle, bitters and strawberry preserves, or the Handsome Haymaker with H by Hine Cognac, Avua Amburana, Masala Chai Syrup, milk and cream.<\/p>\n

S.Y. Kitchen Presents a San Valentino Dinner Designed for Romance<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The

The Courtyard at S.Y. Kitchen | Photo Credit Rob Stark<\/p><\/div>\n

S.Y. Kitchen<\/a>‘s San Valentino Dinner\u00a0features alluring holiday specials, a Valentine\u2019s Day cocktail and stellar wine recommendations (1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez). Starters include\u00a0Black Truffle Ravioli with Burrata and Shaved Black Truffles; followed by main course selections of\u00a0Filet Mignon with Mushrooms and Polenta\u00a0and\u00a0Grilled Giant Atlantic Prawns with Avocado Mousse, Local Tomatoes and Arugula.\u00a0For dessert, there is a special additional dessert prepared by Chef Francesco\u2014a rich\u00a0Chocolate Terrine with Raspberry Sauce and Fresh Berries.\u00a0Pricing is \u00e0 la carte and reservations are recommended for one of the most popular dining nights of the year.<\/p>\n

\"Rose

Rose & Hibiscus Martini | photo credit Alberto Battaglini<\/p><\/div>\n

In addition, Mixologist Alberto Battaglini will make his special\u00a0Rose & Hibiscus Martini: a stunning presentation of\u00a0Rose-Infused\u00a0Hendrix Gin with Fresh Rose Petals, Raspberry, Hibiscus-Blackberry Bitter, Lemon and Lime.\u00a0Wine lovers will enjoy\u00a0Sommelier Emily Johnston\u2019s suggested bottle of\u00a0Alma Rosa Brut\u00a0Ros\u00e9\u00a0‘El Jabali’ 2013\u00a0among other recommendations to accompany dinner.\u00a0Cuddle together in\u00a0the courtyard\u00a0at night or by the outdoor fire pit before or after dinner with an Aperitivo or Digestivo for a little extra flirting. In addition to the Valentine\u2019s Day Specials, S.Y. Kitchen will offer their complete \u00e0 la carte menu on Valentine\u2019s Day for those that prefer the restaurant\u2019s signature dishes. S.Y. Kitchen will also be serving their \u201cItalian Breakfast\u201d on\u00a0Feb. 14\u00a0from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.\u00a0for couples that want to get an early start on Valentine\u2019s Day.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rose, Reds and Truffles at Santa Barbara Wine Collective<\/strong><\/p>\n

Santa Barbara Wine Collective <\/a>(131 Anacapa St.),\u00a0offers a special all- weekend\u00a0Valentine’s Day\u00a0tasting\u00a0featuring two flights to sample from the Collective\u2019s five talented Santa Barbara County members. Choose a flight of two exceptional Ros\u00e9 selections from\u00a0The Paring\u00a0and\u00a0Fess Parker\u00a0or a flight of five reds from Babcock, Fess Parker, The Paring, Notary Public\u00a0and\u00a0Ca\u2019 Del Grevino.<\/p>\n

Both flights include pairings of artisan chocolate truffles created by Santa Barbara confectioner\u00a0Jessica Foster<\/a>, and are available all day Fri. Feb. 12-Sun. Feb. 14. To purchase advance tickets, visit\u00a0NightOut.com<\/a>:\u00a0sbwcvdayflight.nightout.com.\u00a0Tickets are also available in person.<\/p>\n

\"Santa

Santa Barbara Wine Collective, photo by Erin Feinblatt.<\/p><\/div>\n

Cheers!\u00a0Click\u00a0<\/span>here<\/a>\u00a0for more cocktail corner columns.<\/p>\n

\"Leslie<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

When she\u2019s not busy working as the editor of\u00a0Santa Barbara SEASONS<\/a>, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a \u201cgoal-oriented drinker.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine<\/em><\/a> on February 5, 2016.<\/p>\n

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