If you want to wine, dine and put on a show for your honey on Valentine’s Day, the list of places to go and things to do in Point Loma and Ocean Beach is nearly inexhaustible.
But Valentine’s Day can — and should — be more than just dining out.
• In the Peninsula, novel choices abound, such as Claytime Ceramics at 1863 Bacon St. in Ocean Beach.
“We’ll have complimentary wine, appetizers and a musician come by and sing and play guitar from 6 to 9 p.m. by reservation for $5 a person,” said Caroline Anthony, Claytime’s owner, who asked those interested in coming out to RSVP before Feb. 14.
This is the 10th year in a row Claytime has rolled out the red carpet for couples on Feb. 14. Anthony noted it’s a fun, unique and offbeat way to observe the romantic holiday.
“We do potter’s wheel and clay-building classes,” said Anthony, pointing out all participants need to do is show up and “we’ll start them out with instruction on how to build on the (potter’s) wheel then give you space to be creative.”
For more information, visit http://claytime-ceramics.com.
• Even Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, which commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s landing at San Diego Bay in 1542, is getting into the Valentine’s spirit.
Cabrillo National Monument Conservancy, a private nonprofit, will host the first annual Valentine’s Night at the Park at Cabrillo National Monument.
“Treat your Valentine to a romantic view of the dazzling nighttime San Diego skyline from the Monument,” said Tara Dell, the conservancy’s event coordinator. “Stroll hand in hand through the grounds of the park. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy dining under the stars.”
Gates will open at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14 for general admission tickets costing $35 per couple, which includes a gift basket and an opportunity to win prizes.
“For a very special moment with your special someone, treat them to an interlude up in the Old Lighthouse tower,” continued Dell, adding, “We’ll have romantic lighting and music to make the moment extra special. Bring a camera and we’ll take your picture.”
Tower reservations available from 5:30 to 9:15 p.m. for $65 per couple include general admission for two. The park will remain open until 10 p.m. For information and ticket purchases, visit http://friendsofcabrillo.com/calendar-events/. For those interested in a more relaxed evening of fine dining, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Wherever you go in the Peninsula, the ocean will serve as a romantic backdrop providing dazzling views — and much of the cuisine — for those lucky enough to be out on the town on Feb. 14.
Here are a couple other places in town to consider whetting your whistles and pleasing your palates:
• Love is in the air at OB Warehouse at 4839 Newport Ave. Chef Elias has put together a fabulous three-course menu including a champagne toast to showcase his cuisine.
• BO-Beau Kitchen Bar at 4996 W. Point Loma Blvd. is offering guests a romantic interlude on the 14th. “We are doing a three-course, prix fixe menu for $49.95 per person from 4:30 to 11 p.m.,” said assistant manager Jaime Jones, noting the venue with its heated patio, fireplace and wood stone oven out on the patio is perfect for the occasion. “We’re a small, romantic, quaint French Mediterranean-style restaurant,” she added.
• Nati’s Mexican Restaurant at 1852 Bacon St. isn’t doing anything special for Valentine’s Day. Just come on out and enjoy a regular terrific meal, said restaurant manager and co-owner Marilyn Thomas.
“Bring your sweetheart down for a nice dinner,” Thomas said. “Nati’s has been here for 55 years, and we have delicious Mexican food and have been awarded best restaurant on the Peninsula for six years in a row. We have great margaritas. Our wine and food is award winning.”
• Vignettes, 4828 Newport Ave., will present “Matters of the Heart,” a Valentine’s Day Soiree on Feb. 14, from noon-5 p.m. featuring author, editor, international photo stylist and blogger extraordinaire Fifi O’Neill. Info: Vignettesantiques.com.
Those taking advantage of the Valentine’s Day holiday will also be observing a Western cultural tradition dating back to early Christian times.
St. Valentine’s Day began as a liturgical celebration for one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. According to Wikipedia, several martyrdom stories were invented for the various Valentines that belonged to Feb. 14.
The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
In 18th-century England, Valentine’s Day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Valentine’s Day symbols still used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.