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
LOVE the pictures!
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