Love is in the air, but 2024 is a leap year, so why not take the plunge and try something different this Valentine’s Day! LA’s two most spectacular historic theaters are presenting a Valentine-themed cinema and dance party, and an authentic French cabaret performance, respectively. Die-hard romantics won’t want to miss Matthew Bourne’s scintillating interpretation of Romeo & Juliet at the Ahmanson Theatre. Or try some curated tastings & pairings at LA’s oldest winery. And your favorite DTLA restaurants are pulling out the hearts and flowers for romantic chef-driven dinners à deux, many not far from Circa. No SO? No problem. Raise a glass with the most important people in your life – friends and family. Whatever your relationship goals, you’ll find endless ways to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day.
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet The Ahmanson Theatre 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet gives Shakespeare’s timeless story of forbidden love a scintillating injection of raw passion and youthful vitality. Confined against their will by a society that seeks to divide, our two young lovers must follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together. Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, collaborating with the New Adventures Artistic team; with Terry Davies’ thrillingly fresh orchestrations of Prokofiev’s dynamic score.
Romeo + Juliet Cabaret Performance The Million Dollar Theater 307 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Street Food Cinema presents Romeo + Juliet, Shakespeare’s famous play updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona, while still retaining its original dialogue. Enjoy a live performance by Cabaret Versatile, the only company to represent the culture of authentic French Cabaret in California, in addition to offering traditional showgirls entertainment. Concessions and two full bars with specialty cocktails will be available for purchase in the theater.
Cinespia: The Notebook Valentine’s Party Los Angeles Theatre 615 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Let love lift you sky high with a timeless romance and a heavenly Valentine’s Party at the gorgeous Los Angeles Theatre. Celebrate love with 20th Anniversary of The Notebook, then party away in all the gorgeous, opulent corners of this rare gem of a theatre. Enjoy five floors of magnificent treasures and surprises, including live performances, DJ sets, free photo booth, and full bars offering all the bubbling flourishes you need.
Concerts by Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special The Biltmore 506 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Discover the romantic music of Valentine’s Day at a special performance Romeo and Juliet & More under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tentative program includes Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy, The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns, and Flower Duet by Delibes, performed by the powerhouse string quartet, Orchid Quartet. Strike a pose and their photographers will print an instant photo for you to take home as a lovely keepsake. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before.
San Antonio Winery 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031
Soak up Los Angeles history as you sip on some of the finest regional wines at the San Antonio Winery 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro. For Valentine’s Day, they are going all out in the name of love, including a Valentine’s Vineyard Voyage: Wine Tasting Flight; Valentine’s Wine Tasting in the private Stefano Cellar which includes a delicious wine and charcuterie tasting and the opportunity for guests to make their own flower bouquet; and a Valentine’s Day four-course wine pairing dinner by Chef Joe Dijamco and sommelier Mike Papalia, featuring some of the Riboli’s family award-winning estate wines.
Redbird 14 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Neal Fraser’s stunning downtown restaurant, located in the former Vibiana cathedral, will offer a three-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu, with champagne and wine pairings. Choose from decadent appetizers like shigoku oysters with blood orange migonette, smoked venison tartare, and black truffle gnocchi. Mains include rack of Australian lamb with borlotti beans, beef tenderloin, and squid ink raviolo. Cap off your meal with a luscious dessert such as white chocolate and passionfruit gateau or milk chocolate ganache tart.
Camphor 923 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George’s Michelin-starred French bistro in the Arts District is holding their popular monthly Steak Frites dinner series on Valentine’s Day, featuring Frites, Lobster, and Bubbly. This new-school fine dining spot is regarded as one of LA’s best restaurants, noted for its elegant menu. extensive cocktail selection, relaxed atmosphere, and scrumptious pastries.
Cara Cara Downtown LA Proper Hotel 1100 S Broadway PH, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s breathtaking rooftop restaurant is serving a three-course prix fixe meal for Valentine’s Day. The menu features Torres potato chips + caviar and crème fraîche, roasted + raw fennel salad with blood orange and brabander, wagyu ribeye with patatas panadera, and roasted asparagus señorío de vaca pudding with snap peas and iberico butter. For a decadent finish, try their chocolate “molten” tart with Bailey’s anglaise.
Pez Cantina 401 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Looking for a fun alternative to hearts and flowers this Valentine’s Day? Experience the vibrant ambiance of Pez Cantina, an exuberant Mexican seafood restaurant helmed by renowned Chef Bret Thompson. Their culinary expedition seamlessly fuses the exquisite flavors of Mexico with the invigorating freshness of the Pacific Coast, culminating in an unparalleled and indelible dining affair. Savor delectable ceviches, tantalizing tacos, and artfully crafted cocktails. At Pez Cantina, you are invited to embrace the vivid hues and daring flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine, all within a spirited and welcoming setting.
February 13 is Galentine’s Day
We’re quick to shower our significant others with gifts and treats on February 14, but the day prior was designed to celebrate other equally important relationships in our lives – our girlfriends! Galentine’s Day was the creation of the beloved fictional deputy director of Parks and Recreation in Pawnee, Indiana, Leslie Knope. So gather your gal pals and celebrate with a special brunch, spa day, or fabulous night out on the town.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Pez Cantina
Photo #2: Center Theatre Group
Photo #3: Cabaret Versatile
Photo #4: Cinespia / Los Angeles Theatre
Photo #5: Feverup
Photo #6: San Antonio Winery
Photo #7: Redbird
Photo #8: Camphor
Photo #9: The Proper Hotel DTLA
Photo #10: Pez Cantina
Photo #11: National Today