Last year, for my first coupled Valentine’s Day, I freely admit that I was a huge Valentine’s-Day-zilla. I wanted a box of pink and red V-day themed Sprinkles cupcakes, a leisurely brunch, gifts, flowers, homemade dinner–the works. I also may or may not have cried a little when I didn’t get a few of the above-mentioned things.
In any case, that was last year. I’ve since mellowed and, this year, really just wanted to spend a low-key day with J, celebrating two of the things I love most–him and food! I was bummed about having to work from 8:30-5, but this homemade acai bowl (my favorite breakfast!) and Valentine’s Day card got my morning off to the right start. (As a side note, the “Kitty” on the card is a reference to my obsession with Hello Kitty).
Right at 5 PM, J and I kicked off the Valentine’s Day festivities with a trip to the wonderfully New York-esque Bottega Louie downtown.
Bottega Louie was fully decked out for Valentine’s Day, and I was loving the pink that was everywhere in the restaurant!
Even their delicious French macarons were made especially for the day.
I’m not 100% on what these are but goshdarnit they’re cute.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen any prettier chocolate covered strawberries!
Took home some Valentine’s Day-themed sweets of my own thanks to my sweetie.
Now, normally, I’d say that $3.50 is a little steep for a chocolate covered strawberry but 1) I made sure to pick the biggest one in the display case to make it worth it and 2) it was not only the prettiest but also the best-tasting chocolate covered strawberry I have ever eaten. The strawberry was fresh and sweet, and the chocolate was top notch.
I just love Bottega Louie’s French macarons. They have a wonderful, light flavor, and the cookies are so delicate that they practically melt in your mouth. These flavors are raspberry, raspberry cream, vanilla, rose and strawberry.
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love In-N-Out? When it comes to delicious burgers that give you a bang for your buck, In-N-Out is second to none. I usually order a #2–with an animal style cheeseburger, animal style fries and a strawberry milkshake (talk about a calorie splurge…).
In light of the strawberry and macarons in the car, however, I decided to get regular fries and stick with a Diet Coke. Definitely was NOT willing to forego the animal style cheeseburger.
Afterwards, we headed to the Egyptian Theater for a screening of Casablanca to see it in gorgeous 35 mm–the way these films were intended to be viewed. They had an incredible print, and the theater was packed with other cinephiles who clapped, laughed and cried together. I strongly suggest checking out their screening list and paying the Egyptian or the Aero in Santa Monica a visit.
What a lovely, lovely (tantrum-free) day. I can’t imagine a better Valentine’s Day with a better Valentine!
Bottega Louie
700 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 802-1470
In-N-Out
7009 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Noms Not Bombs 