Greer's OC

Valentine’s Day is only days away, and you might still be hard at work coming up with the perfect gift or romantic evening for your special someone. Luckily, SOCO has you covered! Whether you’re looking for gourmet treats, personalized gifts, or special dining options from award-winning restaurants, you can find it all at SOCO, Orange County’s premier dining and shopping destination. 

Fancy a quiet night in or a romantic Valentine’s Day picnic? Then pick up a cheese plate at Surfas Culinary District.  With a delicious array of cheese - including Fromage d'Affinois double cream brie and Ewephoria Extra Aged sheep's milk gouda, and Prosciutto di San Daniele and half of a French baguette, all you need to do is pair with a refreshing bottle of rosé or prosecco.

Pick up something sweet for your valentine at Valenza Chocolatier’s Valentine’s Day Pop Up Shop at Local Fare on February 12 from 3 – 6 p.m. Everyone who stops by will be eligible to win a Valenza Tartaruga Gift Box full of delicious confections from their holiday-inspired collection, including signature bonbons and chocolate bars.

For a more hands-on culinary experience, take Chef Treand’s Valentine’s Day Chocolate Truffle Class at ST Patisserie Chocolat. Lead by master pastry chef, Stephane Treand, you’ll be able spend the afternoon hand-rolling beautiful chocolate truffles to take home with your valentine. Spaces are limited, so make sure to reserve a seat online. 

Oysters and champagne are another Valentine’s Day classic offered at Shuck Oyster Bar. Shuck’s Valentine’s Day dinner for two, aptly named “Shuckin’ Love,” includes six oysters, seafood stew, garden salads, and two glasses of bubbly to toast to your love. 

Pueblo at SOCO is featuring several Valentine’s-inspired menu items in addition to their award-winning lineup of Spanish-style tapas. Make sure to try the “El Chuletón” grilled rib eye for two, served with roasted beets and bone marrow, or the “Cazuelita de Queso,” a sweet charred goat cheese.

Enjoy guilt-free Valentine’s Day sweets with a Chocolate Workshop at Environment Furniture on February 12. Lead by Christina Ross, cookbook author and blogger at www.Love-Fed.com, you'll make molded chocolate, bark and turtles that aren't only decadent, but also healthy! Christina prepares food in a raw vegan fashion sans any processed ingredients. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 online.

If you’re looking for casual indulgence, head to the popular waffle sandwich shop The Iron Press. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, they will be serving “The Aphrodisiac,” a fried oyster po’ boy on a sriracha-infused waffle, and the “Fifty Shades of Velvet,” a red velvet Belgian waffle with blood orange compote and topped with vanilla ice cream. 

For more information, visit SOCOCollection.com. SOCO is located at 3303-3323 Hyland Avenue in Costa Mesa.  

Romance-Inspired Dining at Tamarind of London

Tamarind of London is a romantic and award-winning Indian restaurant in Orange County and a great choice to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Chef Imran has put together a perfect romance-inspired pre-set menu to set the mood for the evening. Tamarind of London highlights India’s flavorful traditional dishes while artfully using California’s robust selection of seasonal, fresh and sustainable ingredients.

The Valentine’s menu starts with a choice of Crispy Portobella mushroom stuffed with seasonal vegetables and paneer tikka with fresh mint and green chilies; or Peshawari Chicken tikka and grilled black pepper prawns; Baby eggplant and potatoes with pickling spices; or Hyderabadi chicken curry braised with browned onion and tomato; or Lamb mughul korma with smoked onion and yoghurt sauce.

The pre-set meal is served with naan, saffron basmati rice and raita. The dinner ends with a decadent dark chocolate and raspberry gateaux with blood orange yogurt sphere.

The menu costs $75 per person. A vegetarian set menu will also be available. The a la carte menu will not be available on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; open for dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Tamarind of London is at 7862 E Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. 949.715. 8338.