Prix Fixe Romance: 8 Long Beach Restaurants for Valentine’s Day

Long Beach restaurants are taking their menus to new heights in February. Chefs are planning exotic appetizers, inspired entrees and rich desserts that will give lovers a taste of something truly special this Valentine’s Day.

Finding a romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day isn’t difficult in Long Beach. But with all the stress and pressure of this once-a-year love-fest, wouldn’t it be nice to have more than just dinner? How about a relaxing atmosphere where everything is taken care of? Prix Fixe dining is a wonderful indulgence. Let the Chef plan the menu and you and your sweetheart will be free to focus on more important things… like the bubbles in the Champagne.

 Fuego at The Maya

There’s love at the water’s edge at Hotel Maya this Valentine’s Day weekend highlighted by marriage proposals, romantic dining and romance room packages. For Valentine’s Day dinner, Fuego Executive Chef Victor Juarez has a recipe for romance. The special prix fixe menu begins with Poached Maine Lobster and Artichoke which includes Succulent Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Artichoke Bottom Wilted Baby Spinach, Shaved Fennel Champagne Cream, Osetra Caviar . This delicious dish is followed by a Winter Cupid Salad of Baby Wild Organic Red Leaves, Apple, Cabreles Blue Cheese, Pistachio Rain Hazelnut Dressing. The main dish gives you an option of Prime Tenderloin of Beef, Champagne Poached Halibut, Spice Loin of Lamb or or Grilled Vegetable Terrine and then followed by a rich dessert.  Valentine’s Dinner is served for $75 per person, or come by on Sunday for a Valentine’s weekend brunch for $45.

Fuego is located at 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach 90802. Visit www.fuegolongbeach.com for more information.

Alegria Serves Latin Heat on Valentine’s Day!

If you want to heat things up this Valentine’s season, Alegria in Long Beach is offering  Latin heat including a special 4-course dinner and live Flamenco entertainment.  The Latin influenced dining establishment will celebrate romance by offering a menu easy to share and showcasing the spectacular and passionate talents of Flamenco dancers.    Cost for the 4-course dinner is $100 per couple, though guests may also order from a special a la carte menu.

Space is limited; reservations can be made by calling (562) 436-3388. Alegria is located at 115 North Pine Avenue in Long Beach or visit http://alegriacocinalatina.com/p.php?id=1

Dine like Royalty aboard the Queen Mary

Take romance seaside on Valentine’s Day and reserve your table in one of the Queen Mary’s fine dining restaurants. On Tuesday,Feb. 14, Sir Winston’s ($111.00) and Chelsea’s Chowder House ($75.00) will both offer a special Prix Fixe menu for couples from 5pm to 10pm. If morning is more your style, make a reservation for a Valentine’s Champagne Sunday Brunch ($48.95) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Queen Mary, 1126 Queen’s Highway Long Beach. Visit www.queenmary.com or call (877) 342-0738.

Dine With Your Darling at Delius

Delius Restaurant will serve Valentine couples in two dining rooms February 12-14. An a la carte menu ($65) allows diners to select items from four-course menu specially designed from Valentine’s Day. The Prix Fixe dining room  ($85) will serve a menu prepared by Chef Louise Solzman that includes hors d’oeuvre, appetizer, first course, main course, fresh bread, soup, vegetables, fruits and cheeses, and a trio of desserts all paired with a wine flight selected by sommelier Dave Solzman.

Delius is located at 2951 Cherry Ave., Signal Hill, CA 90755. Call (562) 426-0694 for reservations. For more information visit http://deliusrestaurant.com/events.html

Valentine’s Line-up at La Traviata

One of Long Beach’s most romantic restaurants is getting even more heated with its Valentine’s line-up.  La Traviata is offering romantics of all ages a series of specials and live entertainment.  The highlight  will be a 4-course, prix fixe dinner prepared by Executive Chef Trinidad Betancourt which will include Artichoke Ricotta Ravioli, Baby Spinach Salad and Sea Bass, Steak or Porcini Risotto.The meal will be topped off with a chocolate hearts gelato.  Cost is $69 per person.

La Traviata is located at 301 Cedar Avenue (near Third Street), Long Beach.  Call (562) 432-8022 for reservations and www.latraviata.com for more information.

Love at the Lighthouse

Experience a romantic evening at Parkers’ Lighthouse where you and your sweetheart can take in the breathtaking view of the Long Beach Harbor while enjoying fine cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. From the savory appetizers to the mouthwatering desserts, Parker’s Lighthouse has created the perfect menu to woo the weakest of hearts on Tuesday, February 14, 2011. The special Valentine’s weekend menu will be served  for $85 per person.

Parkers’ Lighthouse is located at 435 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA  90802. For reservations and information please call 562-432-6500 or visit www.parkerslighthouse.com.

Dinner and the Art of Dancing

What could be more romantic than an evening in Spain? Bring your sweetie to Cafe Sevilla for Valentine’s Day or the days leading up to it.  The main dining room and tapas bar will host a special four-course dinner accompanied by live entertainment from Flamenco and Rumba guitarists. The Art of Flamenco Dinner, also with a four-course dinner, takes place in Club Sevilla. Both dinners are $49-69 per person, depending on seating time and date.

Cafe Sevilla Long Beach is located at 140 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802. Call 562-435-1111 or visit their website.

…On Naples, On Valentines

Michael’s On Naples will celebrate romance with a special five-course menu prepared by Executive Chef David Coleman. The culinary experience begins with Crostino Di Fegato D’oc and includes a choice of antipasto, and entree before concluding with a decadent decision over Panna Cotta or Cristato di Cioccaloto.  Dining with your darling inside or under the stars on Michael’s rooftop fireside terrace is $75

Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (562) 439-7080 or by visiting www.michaelsonnaples.com.