Affordable Valentine's Day Romance in Eagle Rock

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it might seem as if the whole world is making reservations, perusing wine sites and checking out online menus. So it may come as a surprise that in terms of reservations for Valentine’s Day 2012, Los Angeles ranks Number Three (behind Seattle and Atlanta) in the nation’s “cash-strapped ZIP codes” according to a February 2 article on Motley Fool, the financial services site.

The economy isn’t the only reason for reduced reservations for Valentine’s Day. The demands of parenting—not to mention a dearth of babysitters on Cupid’s Day—are also factors. And there’s work night exhaustion—with Valentine’s Day on a Tuesday this year, you may be ready to put your feet up instead of dressing up. And some just might find it more fun to stay in with the beloved, a fire, and a nice bottle of bubbly or romantic red wine.

Whatever your reason for staying in on Valentine’s Day, the following Eagle Rock establishments help you celebrate with tasty takeout treats, creative specials, and a pre-V-day gathering to pick out a special wine.

Bellissimo Café

“Bellissimo” means “very beautiful” in Italian and Michael Nogueira’s eatery has an attractive Valentine’s Day offer indeed: Through February 14, is offering a “Buy one/get one half-off” special on all entrées, salads, and pastries for lunch or dinner.

Dine at home on delectable dinner entrées such as Chicken Champagne, Chicken Marsala, or Primavera Pasta, which come with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables ($8.95 - $11.95).

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with a romantic picnic lunch? Pick up a couple of Paninis—Ham and Two Cheese or Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Parmesan are faves ($7.95). And don’t forget salads ($6.85 - $7.85)—Bellissimo’s selection includes Caesar and Chef. Add a baked-fresh-daily dessert for romance on the go. Call ahead or walk-in.

CaCao Mexicatessen

Chocolate and roses are Valentine’s Day staples; now try them together in a gorgeous entrée.

In addition to ’s weekly, creative specials, owner Andy Lujan reports that his sister Chef Christy will be offering a one-day-only Valentine’s Day special: Free Range Chicken in Rose Flavor-infused Mole de Cacao is topped with Rose Petals and Cotija Cheese and served with a side of Mexican Rice and Farmer’s Calabacitas. ($15.75)

Of course, the dish doesn’t preclude more chocolate and roses.  

The Capri

Twins Jim and Jeff Thiel, who emerged triumphant from their encounter with Chef Gordon Ramsay on Kitchen Nightmares, are offering a sweet Eve of Valentine’s Day special at the . On Monday, February 13, come in to the Capri for a heart-shaped pizza (that’s 12 creatively-shaped slices, according to Jeff), salad, and their addictive garlic knots for only $15.

And as our columnist Carrie Borzillo , if you do want to dine out without taking out a loan, the Capri is offering an amazing Valentine’s Day deal: a four course meal with a bottle of wine or champagne for $70 per couple. Seating is at 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.; call for reservations.

Colorado Wine Company

Amp up the at-home Valentine’s Day romance—or make your V-Day picnic perfect—with a bottle of great wine from Colorado Wine Company.

turns seven years old on February 15, and spousal co-owners John Nugent and Jennifer Morgan are kicking off the celebratory week with a “We Heart You Long Time” wine tasting from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, February 10. For $15, you’ll sample five cheeses and five wines, including several love-worthy reds and “Monmousseau pink bubbly” from Loire, France, which pretty much sounds like romance in a bottle. (After 8:30 p.m., the wines will be served by the glass until closing time.)

And if you’re looking for a low-key spot to start, spend, or sign off on your Valentine’s evening, John and Jen will be pouring wine and serving cheese at their “no-reservations required candle-lit tables”.

Spitz/Eagle Rock

If you like your Valentine’s Day spicy, is offering a “Spitz on Valentinez” special from 4 p.m. until its 10 p.m. closing. On February 14 only, buy two combo meals at $10.50 each and get a free small gelato or cinnamon sugar pita strips.

And if you’re not a fan of Cupid—corporate or otherwise—head down to Spitz Little Tokyo to drown your sorrows with DJ Manboy and Anti-V-Day Cocktails that have provocative names such as The Cheatin’ Heart, The Bloody Valentine, and the Black-Hearted B!$@# (the latter sports a rim of crushed candy hearts).

Happy Valentine’s Day!