The Grand Del Mar may only be five years old, but this elegant, Mediterranean-inspired resort certainly knows its way around romance. February is right around the corner, and now that the holidays have been cleared out of just about every department store, you’ve probably noticed that the reindeer centerpieces and red and green home décor has been promptly replaced with everything red and pink. If consumerism is good for one thing, it is an unavoidable reminders of upcoming holidays, so make sure to take a cue and look into the variety of luxurious offerings The Grand Del Mar has put together to infuse your Valentine’s Day with romance.
Lovers Tasting Menu at Amaya
Amaya is one The Grand Del Mar’s outstanding dining venues featuring beautiful views of The Grand Del Mar’s architecture and a setting that is cozy and intimate. Executive Chef Camron Woods is the talent behind Amaya’s kitchen and has created a special, four-course Lovers Tasting Menu for this Valentine’s Day. Couples can enjoy plates such as Lobster Bisque, Blue Crab and Cauliflower Risotto or Marinated Asparagus Salad with tangerine, goat cheese, and pine nuts. Entrée selections are either the Crispy Sea Trout with celeriac panna cotta and champagne-poached golden raisins; or butter-poached Main Lobster-Red Bliss potato gratin. A Valentine’s Day meal isn’t complete without a sweet conclusion, which on the Lovers Tasting Menu comes in the form of Chocolate Passion Delice, a milk chocolate mousse with passion fruit cream. The dinner is $110 per couple and is on-going through February.
Love on The Rocks Mixology Demo and Tasting
If you’re a couple that seeks a bit more interaction than The Grand Del Mar’s Love on The Rocks Mixology Demo and Tasting will be a fun way to shake-up your union. Single? Don’t fret. Valentines isn’t just restricted to lovers, grab your most loved friend and allow mixology expert Adrian Biggs to teach you some insider cocktail-making tips (This will prove handy when the love of your life does come around). The event will include sips and bites from Amaya as well as the demonstration of three specialty drinks: Valentine’s Punch, Cherry Chocolate Chili, and Between Decks. For $45 a person on February 7th, Biggs will teach you to mix and muddle a variety of liqueurs, fruit juices, and simple syrups.
Six-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Addison
Southern California’s only Five Star/Five Diamond restaurant, Addison is The Grand Del Mar’s signature restaurant, with a menu that is headed up by Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef William Bradley. On Thursday February 14th from 5:30 to 10 pm, Chef Bradley will prepare an elegant six-course menu that will hopefully be the perfect romance recipe for you and a loved one this year. The six-course meal is $185 per person or $285 per person with optional wine pairings. Diners will begin with Sea Scallop “en coquille” served with sea lettuce, cucumber and caviar before moving onto Langoustine feuille de brick with Caesar salad and sweet garlic purée; Loup de Mer served with lemongrass and shellfish; Lamb “croute de persillade” accompanied by apricots, fennel and olives; and a chocolate cake with passion fruit gastique and vanilla gelato to finish.
Uniquely Grand Valentine’s Escape
Extend the romance a bit longer this year—The Grand Del Mar is offering, through March 31st, the Uniquely Grand package. Guests will enjoy two nights in either the Fairway King ($3,100) or the Palazzo suite ($5,000) as well as incredible, behind-the-scenes opportunities and private tours rarely offered at the beautiful San Diego resort. To start off the escape, sweethearts will enjoy a tour of the Addison’s kitchen and experience a tasting with world-renowned Chef Bradley before taking a behind-the-scenes look at the resort’s Wine Cellar and enjoying a a private wine-tasting experience with Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez. For a bit of recreation, The Grand Del Mar has planned a three-hour golf lesson with PGA-certified Director of Golf Shawn Cox as well as a private riding lesson and tour of The Grand Del Mar’s Equestrian Center. To top off the experience, couple’s will be invited on a private hike with a resort naturalist in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Grandview Canyon Trail and Coastal Views
Rated among The Grand Del Mar’s most romantic spots, the Grandview Canyon Trail offers a picturesque way to enjoy the beauty of Del Mar’s vistas and views. Hike to the canyon waterfall during a guided tour which takes place Saturdays from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. One of the resort’s nature guides will instructor walkers on prehistoric history as well as local flora and fauna while the group traverses creeks, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. The four mile hike is a wonderful way to connect with your partner while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of Del Mar—a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s this year. Self-guided scenic trails are also available. However, if the ocean is more your speed, The Grand Del Mar also offers a three-hour sunset sail, which features gorgeous coastal landmarks such as the Cabrillo Monument emblazoned with the setting San Diego sun—nothing quiet spells romance like a sunset.
