In case you weren’t paying attention, Valentine’s Day is this weekend! For many couples throughout the Los Angeles area, it brings up one simple question: What’s for dinner? This holiday is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and have a romantic meal with your special someone. Unfortunately, things are just a little different this year. Getting a V-Day dinner reservation at popular LA restaurants used to be the hardest challenge. Now, it’s more complicated while we’re still in the middle of a pandemic.

The good news is that LA County is allowing some restaurants to open up for limited outdoor service. This will make those reservations even more difficult to get. Plus, many people are still going to be a little hesitant to go out and eat in a busy public setting. That’s why we want to offer some alternative ideas for your Valentine’s Day dining pleasure.

Show Your Appreciation

The first thing to remember is that the restaurant industry is hurting right now because of COVID-19. It’s important to show your favorite eateries a little love on Valentine’s Day. Give them your business, tip those servers a little extra and find ways to share your appreciation. Below are some ideas to consider.

Buy Gift Cards

Gift cards are always a great idea. They provide LA restaurants with much-needed revenue and you still have the credit you can come back and use at anytime. You can wait until indoor dining is back or use it for take-out or delivery services. You can also buy gift cards to give out as gifts, as the name would imply.

Order Delivery or Take-Out Meals

Of course, most restaurants have been open this entire time with great delivery and carryout options, so don’t forget that when thinking what you want to eat on any night of the week. You don’t have to wait until a holiday to enjoy your favorite local cuisine, though it is certainly a nice time to splurge. Many restaurants have special Valentine’s Day meal options that you can reserve and order in advance to make sure there is no wait that evening.

Get a Private Meal Catered

Whether you gather a small group of friends or family, or you just want a gourmet meal to share with your partner, you can hire a private chef or catering service to make you some incredible food for your romantic evening at home. Some chefs will cook right in your kitchen while others will bring pre-prepared dishes.

Try a Meal Kit

Many grocery stores and local restaurants offer delicious meal kits you can make right in the comfort and safety of your own home. They provide all the ingredients and instructions, and it can be a fun date night activity to figure out the recipe together!

Positive Word of Mouth

One of the best things you can do for your favorite restaurants throughout Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley is share your appreciation online. Write a glowing online review. Make posts on social media (don’t forget to tag the restaurant). Tell your friends about the great new place you tried or why you have loved going to a certain restaurant for years.

Personal Recommendations

One of our team’s absolute favorite local restaurants is Bacchus’ Kitchen in Pasadena. Chef Claud Beltran is known for some truly inspired gourmet creations set within this fun and casual dining atmosphere. They are an exclusive caterer for many HD Group special events, including our annual client appreciation party we also happen to be hosting this week. They have a special Valentine’s Day Weekend menu available for take-out, and will be offering limited patio seating, as well. Click the link below to learn more about their holiday specials.

Bacchus’ Kitchen Valentine’s Day Weekend 2021

Bacchus’ Kitchen is a wonderful place to eat any day of the year. Chef Beltran also runs his own catering business, Claud and Co. We highly recommend check him out if you are hosting a special event.

We want everyone to have a happy, yet safe, Valentine’s Day. This also happens to be Presidents Day weekend, so many local restaurants, stores and other small businesses will be offering some great deals. It also means that you can celebrate Valentine’s Day all three-day weekend long or save your romantic dinner until Sunday night if your favorite places are all booked up Saturday. You still get to sleep in Monday if you have the day off!

Happy Valentine’s Day from The HD Group!