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Dining Destinations Worthy of Love
by Matt Dye
When it’s only the best for your special someone, check out these fine dining options. Each estabishment has some interesting Valentine’s Day specials planned.
If you’re looking to get started with a quality cocktail, head over to Pat’s of Henderson for their special Cupid’s Kiss, a peach and dragonfruit martini with a candied sugar rim. While you’re there, try their other new specials, like the Bacon-Wrapped Alligator – seasoned gator meat and applewood smoked bacon atop a drizzle of root beer glaze.
Mazen’s is also offering a special Valentine’s Day cocktail – their Sparkling Cherry Blossom, made with Yuzu liquor, strawberry puree, Sparkling Luxe Brut Rose, garnished with a strawberry. You’ll also find Veuve Cliquet Champain for $75 a bottle or $20 a glass, as well as Frangelico Crème Brulé for dessert.
Downtown at Luna Bar & Grill, they’re serving up a special Redfish Hebert for the occasion – grilled redfish and jumbo Red Royal shrimp, topped with a lemon seafood cream sauce, and paired with one of their delicious sides. This is sure to leave any seafood loving partner smiling at the end of the meal.
Speaking of seafood, 121 Artisan Bistro has two special dishes planned – Pan Seared Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops as a specialty appetizer for the day, and Lobster Ravioli in a spicy plum tomato sauce for dinner. They intend to add more features as Valentine’s Day draws closer.
The James 710 is bringing back its own Specialty Scallops dish for Valentine’s Day, as well as getting their décor into the festive occasion. They’ll have white tablecloths indoors or outdoor patio seating, and roses on every table, inside and out. For dessert, they’ll offer Dark Chocolate Raspberry cake by the slice.
Bodega Wine Dive is planning a special dinner with different levels of wine pairing. The dinner consists of a three-course meal highlighted by Parmesan Crusted Grouper with charred baby vegetables and maple glazed heirloom potatoes. For dessert, they’ll serve a Chocolate Mousse Cake with coffee liqueur and toffee crumbles. They do require a deposit first though, so visit their Facebook page for more information and pricing.
1910 will also offer a three-course meal for Valentine’s Day, but the exact details are not yet determined at the time of this writing.
Similarly, Villa Harlequin plans on making your Valentine’s Day a special experience, but at time of this writing, specifics are pending.
If you can’t do Valentine’s Day in the middle of the week, the Lake Charles Symphony has you covered with their 6th Annual Valentine’s Dinner & Concert on February 16 at Treasure’s of Marilyn. You’ll be treated to a candlelit dinner with both piano and classical guitar provided by the talented musical couple Lina Morita and Jay Kacherski. They have a limited number of Private Tables for Two, which includes dinner, wine, roses, and chocolate. Visit the symphony’s website at www.lcsymphony.com for more information.
Hearts, Roses & All Things Red
Whatever your heart may desire this Valentine’s Day, shop local first!
by Katelynn Mouton
For many along the Gulf South, this time of year is focused on celebrating all things purple, green and gold, but with Valentine’s Day coming in on the heels of Mardi Gras in 2024, mixing in a little red, pink and white is a must!
While roses and other floral arrangements remain a mainstay gift on this holiday for lovers, local retailers are gearing up to offer some additional unique gift options perfectly suited for your special someone.
Accessory Zone
If a sweet smell speaks to the heart of your Valentine, Accessory Zone is home to the Bridgewater Candle line, featuring the go-to Sweet Grace scent. Sweet Grace combines the scents of full-bodied fruits, sparkling tea and classic patchouli to create the crowd favorite. Sweet Grace is available in candle form and other room refreshers. Accessory Zone also carries a variety of accessories, apparel, home décor and other gift items.
2801 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Bux Kajun Korner
This downtown corner store is known for daily lunch specials and a variety of gift options fit for each holiday. With more than 40 local vendors, you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind gift.
Bux makes their own candles, soaps, bath salts, whipped soaps and linen sprays in house. For Valentine’s Day, be on the lookout for gift baskets featuring their blackberry magnolia scent. Valentine’s Day themed home décor items and candy bouquets are also available.
729 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Expressions
If holiday themed drinkware is on your list, stop by Expressions for Swarovski Crystal Glassware arriving just in time for your romantic, candlelight dinner. This locally owned gift shop also features Swig Life Drinkware with appropriately themed designs.
Accessorize your Valentine with selections from the Ayala Bar spring 2024 jewelry line or fill their home with the sweet smell of Nest candles and diffusers. Be sure to check out the new Indian Jasmine scent.
3204 Ryan St., Lake Charles
Gordon’s Drug Store
From jewelry and other accessories to hand towels, drinkware, makeup bags and more, Gordon’s Drug Store has a wide array of gift options suitable for any Valentine. Local artwork and Tyler Candle products in scents like Diva are also ideas to consider. Locally authored children’s books are perfect for younger Valentines while the Lemon Lavendar line of self-care products is perfect for tweens and teens. For a little something spicy this Valentine’s Day, swing by Gordon’s to pick up a bottle of Calcasieu Hot Sauce. Bottled locally, this sauce promises “a little heat, a little spice and a lot of flavor,” Bottlers say it “dances on the tongue like a Cajun waltz.”
2716 Lake St., Lake Charles
Navarra’s Jewelry and Gifts
While engagement rings are always in style for Valentine’s Day, according to Navarra’s, this local favorite also carries the Charles Garnier line that is a perfect option for married couples, or those who may not quite be ready to put a ring on it. The Charles Garnier’s line features gold over silver, giving it a high end look in a more reasonable price range. Navarra’s also carries the Julie Vos line of jewelry out of New York. This line is a perfect consideration for someone looking to gift their special someone with jewelry that is a little more fashion-oriented in style.
1025 Ryan St., Lake Charles
YaYa & Company
Opened in May 2023, YaYa & Company is one of the newer gift shops in town. They stock a wide variety of gifts and seasonal items for women, men, and children. For Valentine’s Day, YaYa offers apparel such as heart motif fashion sweaters, pajamas, socks and slippers. You’ll also find love-themed ornaments, delicate plates, sweetheart headbands, and more.
5685 Nelson Rd. Suite C, Lake Charles
Sweet Treats for Your Sweetheart
by Stefanie Powers
We’re all aware of the long-standing tradition of giving your loved one a heart-shaped box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. It actually dates back to the 19th century, when Richard Cadbury, son of Cadbury Chocolates founder John Cadbury, decided to create what he called “fancy” boxes of chocolates to increase sales. Thus, the first heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day debuted in 1861.
But it’s 2024, so let’s think outside of the (heart-shaped) box and see what other sweet delights are available for that special someone!
Edible Arrangements
If you want to make a big impression, Edible Arrangements has so many choices! Check out the “Eternal Love Bakeshop Platter” that comes with strawberries (both plain and dipped in chocolate), brownies, cheesecake with strawberry swirls, fresh grapes, and oh yes, more chocolate-dipped strawberries topped with sprinkles. If you like, you can add a bouquet of flowers or balloons. And speaking of bouquets, “You’re the Sweetest” is a beautiful bouquet of fresh fruit that comes in three different sizes. A delicious gift that’s also good for you!
Edible Arrangements, 4110 Lake St. Lake Charles, (337) 602-8622
Twanie’s Terrific Treats, LLC
Antwan Pettis of Twanie’s promises us a menu that includes Ravishing Red Velvet Cookies, along with other Valentine-themed treats. Their brookies (brownie/cookie combos) will satisfy any sweet tooth, and their bread pudding is on the menu daily – and that’s a party in itself!
Twanie’s Terrific Treats, 206 11th St. Lake Charles, (337) 202-1211
Cypi’s Cake Box
Cypi’s offers a special Valentine’s Day cheesecake, along with praline gift bags, assorted cake balls and cupcakes, and gourmet apples and strawberries. The couple’s cakes are perfect for the two of you to share, and there are larger cakes if you’re throwing a party or treating the office! It’s a good idea to call in your order in advance if you know what you’d like.
Cypi’s Cake Box, 520 W. McNeese St. Lake Charles, (337) 478-0269
Crave Cookies of Lake Charles
Crave Cookies bakes individual 8-inch heart shaped decorated cookie cakes (you can also get them decorated any way you’d like) and red velvet cookies are also on the Valentine’s menu. Their cookies are so moist that customers often wonder if they’ve been fully baked. Yes, they have – and the cookies go through thorough temperature checks to achieve that gooey middle that Crave prides itself on . . . and their customers love!
Crave Cookies, 4407 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles (337) 990-5250
Pronia’s Deli and Bakery
Pronia’s Deli and Bakery is a longtime Lake Charles favorite that has always offered delicious desserts. Valentine’s Day is no exception, so expect a variety of special treats for the occasion. Their personalized cookie cakes are big hit, and if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, try a champagne cake with strawberries or a white chocolate raspberry cake. And don’t forget their cannolis and baklava!
Pronia’s Deli and Bakery, 3101Kirkman St. Lake Charles (337) 478-0785
