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Restaurants in Southern California (for Valentine's Day that is)

       Sappy cards, overflowing bouquets of fresh-cut flowers, See�s chocolates, and an enchanting evening on the town; such are the things that describe the month of February. Now the question is: where to eat? If you�re thinking of Mimi�s Caf�, Cocoa�s, or Denny�s, then please sit down, grab some coffee, a highlighter, and read on.
       Sorry, but your date won�t be too thrilled to order yet another club sandwich over the counter. It�s 2002- a brand new year, and another chance to improve your romantic finesse. Instead of going to the usual family restaurants, why not expand your menus horizon by going to Aubergine in Newport Beach (for directions, call information: 411). Aubergine is quite possibly one of the only restaurants where first class is just within your reach. Seniors, if you want to top off all of your tender memories now, this is the place to do it. At around $90 per head, the restaurant offers a fixed carte du jour. From this menu you will order: one soup, one main course, and one desert. The included appetizers (normally of two dishes) will be whatever specialty the head chef has for the night. These specialties may vary anywhere from French truffle eggs to sashimi marinated in wine and delicate spices. As for the selection for the three main portions of dinner, most plates are exquisite meals that have French and Eurasian undertones. This includes delicacies such as rabbit, sashimi and spring rolls, frog, squab, lamb, and so forth. The ambiance of Aubergine is quaint, yet highly attractive. With a French townhouse exterior, Aubergine opens its doors to reveal lavish velvet curtains, white wooden doors with windows, redwood furniture, and high-end service. If you make a reservation in advance, the secretary may gladly reserve for you a small room accompanied with low-lit candles, a chandelier, and double doors that may be closed for more privacy. If you wish to come here, by all means, dress in good taste. Ladies, put up your hair and use red lipstick. It may sound tacky now, but when you get there, the make-up will work perfectly with the scenery.
        Considering that Aubergine is reasonably expensive, there is another, more affordable place to go for European fusion entrees. This place is Tu Tu Tango in the Block at Orange. Orders here are the size of small plates that can, surprisingly enough, feed up to four people. For this reason, Tu Tu Tango is a good place to go if you�re contemplating a fun double date. The prices for each dish are sensible and fair. Furthermore, the menu has different types of foods coming from all over Europe and Latin America. Favorite orders are: Spanish paella, Cajun chicken egg rolls, bar-b-que wings, skewered salmon, and crab croquettas. Tu Tu Tango, unlike Aubergine, is very laid-back and loud in style. Around you are hanging paintings by contemporary artists, all of which are for sale at tag price. The floors are tile, the plates are multicolored, the music is Hispanic, and almost everything is unconventional. It may not seem very alluring, however, choosing to eat outside changes that image. Outside there are candles, tall wooden chairs, and a starry night- noise and laughter included.
         In search of Asian cuisine? In that case, sample The Curry House at Culver and Walnut. The Curry House menu consists of Japanese-styled curry (inspired by India), served with your choice of delicious spaghetti noodles flavored with garlic and olive oil or a plate of plain rice. Your order (which may be of chicken, beef, or seafood curry) will be accompanied with the standard ginger salad and an option of either cream corn soup or miso. If you or your date is in no mood for the hot and spicy, don�t worry! This restaurant also offers a wide variety of popular, yet unique Japanese meals, as well as pasta, and oriental appetizers. If all this sounds too rich, then try another Japanese fare at Koji�s Shabu Shabu in the Block at Orange. At Koji�s, you prepare your own food in a stainless steel pot that is embedded within the tables. The pot is then heated to boil the water inside it. When you place your order of chicken, beef, or a combination of both, the waiters will show you how to cook your meal in these pots once your plates arrive. It may sound odd to cook your own food at a restaurant, but the cooking is simple and done at your preference. The experience of shabu shabu (it�s name coming from the sound effect of stirring water) is a delight in itself. It�s interesting, different, and above all else, healthy. After your dinner is finished, order the desert called mochi. Mochi is a Japanese ice cream wrapped in a skin of pasted rice covered with powdered sugar. Flavors come in orange, mango, and green tea. Both restaurants, The Curry House and Koji�s Shabu Shabu, have very postmodern settings. Furniture is polished wood with black paint on tabletops and edges to match as well as highlight the Japanese calligraphy hanging on walls. Also on walls are watercolor paintings of beautiful mountain peaks, flying cranes, and geisha women dressed in the finest kimonos. To save some change, celebrate Valentine�s Day on a weekend afternoon and have lunch at Koji�s instead of dinner. This way you can spare some agony from your thinning wallet or be more generous by using whatever money leftover to go see a movie or purchase a gift.
           Some of you may be a little lazy- I mean- cautious about driving all the way out of Irvine just for dinner. This is not a problem. If you want to dine within the Irvine Bubble, and with �lan, go to Waters. Waters is located at Barranca on the Lake. This restaurant�s double doors lead you through a wood planked hall, down a flight of stairs, and into one of the most stunning views of Irvine�s lake. Picture this: a dim lit room with one flickering candle on the table. To your side is the window, filled with the lovely scenery of peaceful waters, glowing lights, the pale white moon, and its glistening stars. Your menu will consist of both excellent seafood dishes and steaks. While the price is slightly steep, you certainly get what you pay for. The foods are fine, and are in fairly large servings. If money is still an issue, why not split an order? There�s nothing more suave than gingerly feeding your beloved from the same meal.
            Hm� I see some of you are pulling out your barren pockets and pouting. If you�re really that desperate, go to Ruby�s at the Woodbridge Plaza. True, Ruby�s is definitely a family restaurant, but at least the ambiance is bright and fun. Not only that, you will still have a pretty view of the lake (albeit, not as good as Waters). In addition, ordering from the menu will be easy. No fuss. No confusion. To add a pinch of sweetness in your simple night out, secretly (remember now, secretly) order a large milk shake with two straws. If possible, also ask the waitress to bring the flower that you somehow hid in your coat or dress to present to your dearest. These small, but affectionate surprises should be enough to light-up your date�s face.