Evan J. LancasterIf you’re still trying to plan your Valentine’s Day itinerary, here are some casual ways to celebrate the special day in Irvine and Orange County.
From bright red Valentine’s Day-themed tortillas to heart-shaped pizzas, here are some local eats that will surely swoon your Valentine.
Puesto
With more than 20 million tacos sold, it’s safe to say Puesto is a favorite of many locals in Orange County. This year, Puesto is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a limited-time red tortilla, which is made in-house with fresh beet juice.
With two locations in Irvine — Puesto Park Place and Puesto Los Olivos, the chain has become familiar with its warm plates and welcoming vibes.
Puesto Park Place is located at 3311 Michelson Dr, Irvine.
Puesto Los Olivos is located at 8577 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine
www.eatpuesto.com
Postino WineCafe
For those looking to stay in this year, Postino Wine Cafe wants you to “Takeout and Make Out” with their Valentine’s Day to-go dining option. The “Takeout and Make Out” to-go package includes One item from the Snacky Things menu, two bruschetta boards, and a salad for $55. A bottle of Postino wine can be added for an additional $20 charge.
Postino expanded out of Arizona in 2021 and is located inside Irvine’s Park Place. At 5,200 square feet, the space offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
This year Postino announced that it will be taking Valentine’s reservations until Feb. 18.
Call (949) 336-2600 or visit www.postinowinecafe.com.
Postino Park Place is located at 2981 Michelson Dr Suite E, Irvine
Sgt. Pepperoni’s
In addition to its beloved garlic knots, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza is dishing out another fan favorite with Heart-shaped pizzas during the entire month of February.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3LnhANuBhO/
Established in 1976, Sgt. Pepperoni’s is now known as Orange County’s longest-standing pizza company, with locations in Irvine, Aliso Viejo, and Newport Beach.
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Irvine is located at 4533 Campus Dr, Irvine
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Aliso Viejo is located at 26601 Aliso Creek Rd Suite D, Aliso Viejo
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Newport Beach is located at 2300 SE Bristol St Ste F, Newport Beach
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Designed like a modern whiskey room, Bosscat Kitchen & Libation’s new Lakeshore location in Irvine features more than 5,000 square feet of restaurant space and a 1,200 square foot outdoor patio.
This year, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is has is kicking off Valentine’s Day in Irvine with a dessert for two. The Decadent Chocolate Love Affair features a berry-filled chocolate-shaped bowl, on top of a mousse-topped chocolate cake, then drizzled with a “sensual chocolate heat”, according to its Instagram page.
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is located at 18101 Von Karman Ave.
Benny & Mary’s
Recently opened at an eclectic space inside the Irvine Towers, Benny & Mary’s is offering a three-course Prix Fixe Dinner starting at $120 per person.
The Valentine’s Day special features a starter menu consisting of Pork Belly over cauliflower chive puree served with rainbow roasted carrots and pork au jus. Jumbo lump crab cakes paired with an herb salad and pickled shallots with Bernaise. The starter menu also includes a fennel salad with candied pecans, goat cheese fennel pollen, and muscatel vinaigrette.
The main course includes jumbo scallops over saffron risotto, butternut squash, asparagus tips, and fresh shaved Grana Padano.
The second course is followed by filet and South African Lobster Tail over pommes puree and finished with hollandaise sauce.
The final main course consists of salmon over a bed of lentils with heirloom tomato confit and salmon jus.
The Prie Fixe menu is capped off with a strawberry champagne panna cotta.
Benny and Mary’s is located in Irvine Towers at 18420 Von Karman Avenue.
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