Blog
Valentine’s Sweets Worth Sharing at South Coast Plaza
01.30.26
Valentine’s Day shopping at South Coast Plaza comes with a sweet bonus. From storied European chocolatiers to California classics and beautifully crafted desserts, the confectionery lineup makes it easy to bring home something thoughtful, indulgent, and gift-ready. Here are a few standout stops to know before you shop.
Venchi
New to South Coast Plaza, Venchi traces its roots to Turin, Italy, in 1878. The brand is known for premium chocolate made with carefully sourced ingredients and presented in elegant packaging that feels tailor-made for Valentine’s Day. A seasonal highlight is the house-made gelato flavor “Berry in Love,” a festive treat worth savoring on the spot.
Yu Cake
This handcrafted dessert shop specializes in visually stunning and delicately flavored sweets. The menu includes mille crepe cakes, distinctive cheesecakes, and other refined confections. Popular flavors range from tiramisu and rose to matcha strawberry and dark chocolate.
Läderach
Swiss-made Läderach chocolates are crafted from premium ingredients and shine during Valentine’s season. The collection includes the brand’s signature FrischSchoggi slabs, elegant pralines, truffles, and Dubai-style chocolates, all offered in a variety of gift-friendly sizes.
See’s Candies
A California favorite that never goes out of style. See’s Candies offers a wide selection of milk and dark chocolate treats, thoughtfully packaged for Valentine’s Day. It is a reliable choice for classic flavors done right.
Sugarfina
Sugarfina’s Valentine’s Day collection leans playful and polished, with imported candies displayed in bento boxes, trunks, and heart-shaped containers. These colorful assortments are as fun to give as they are to open.
Blog
Marelle Santa Monica Sets the Tone for Coastal Dining on Ocean Avenue
01.30.26
Marelle Santa Monica is the signature restaurant at Sandbourne Santa Monica, led by Santa Monica native and respected chef Raphael Lunetta. With decades of experience and deep local roots, Lunetta brings a thoughtful, ingredient-driven approach that feels right at home along the coast.
Set on Ocean Avenue, Marelle blends fresh California flavors with an easy indoor and outdoor flow, making it a natural choice for sunset dinners, weekend brunch, and cocktails that stretch into the evening. The menu highlights seasonal produce, local seafood, and small details that reflect a strong sense of place, including honey harvested from Sandbourne’s onsite beehive and ingredients sourced from the Santa Monica farmers market.
The cocktail program adds a creative touch, balancing coastal influence with modern flair. Favorites include the Matcha Martini and the Star of the Sea, a shell-served cocktail that has quickly become a signature and a favorite at the bar.
Designed by architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, the space mirrors the surrounding coastline with warm tones, natural textures, and a seamless connection between the dining room and open-air terrace. Marelle also offers inviting indoor and outdoor spaces for private events, from celebrations to brand dinners, all set in the heart of Santa Monica.
Marelle Santa Monica is at 1740 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica. 310.899.6122
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