Ask Mrs. T - Culinary Advice for the Lovelorn

ACE Features - Entree

Written by Gretchen Williams Tostrup

Friday, 08 February 2008

Valentine's Day can be a warm and joyous holiday, wrapped in declarations of love and caring, or can be fraught with complications. This week, guest columnist Mrs. T answers readers' queries about the sweetest day. The correspondence in the Entree' column reflect real questions presented, though the letters are imaginary. Mrs.T will answer readers' queries and quandaries in future issues. Please email Mrs. T with questions using the contacts page on this website Dear Mrs. T, My sweetheart means the world to me, and I love her with all my heart, but my wallet can only stretch so far this time of year. How can I show her how special she is, without breaking the bank? --Full of Love but Flat Dear Full but Flat, A romantic picnic is just the ticket, and you can have a special day without the ducats. Call the wonderful ladies at Nosh, and they will prepare a delicious picnic lunch, beautifully assembled and packed for take out. Ask for an assortment of the day's salads, and perhaps a Panini of smoked turkey, brie cheese and pears, or a slice of spinach and feta quiche. With strawberry lemonade and some freshly baked cookies, a festive feast for you and your dove. Stop at Von's for a red rose, and take her for a seaside picnic at Royal Palms, or hold her hand as you walk through Averill Park. She will get the message!  Nosh, 617 S.Centre St., San Pedro. (310) 514-1121. Dear Mrs. T, We have sophisticated Europeans visiting, escaping the winter weather, and enjoying the beauty of San Pedro at this time of year. Our Valentine's quandary? They think that American cuisine is an oxymoron, and that the U.S. is only interested in mac and cheese or Mickey D's. Where can we dine to change their minds? --Loving Locals Dear Locals, Lucky for you and the Europeans, Gigi Bosc at The Blue Crab is serving cutting edge cuisine, complimented by a full wine list, and excellent bar. Alaskan crab legs are sure to impress, and oysters on the half shell are a taste of the sea. The foie gras is splendid, and signature blue crab cakes are bursting with crab. The tender filet mignon with bordelaise and mushrooms is enough to please even the most jaded. Gigi is proud to showcase California's bounty, and changing seasonal specials reflect the myriad and delicious products that the U.S. has to offer. Call Gigi at The Blue Crab and he will arrange a menu to make your visitors sit up and take notice. (And you will love it, too!) The Blue Crab, 29601 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes. (310) 831-1100. Dear Mrs. T, My significant other was born and raised in San Francisco, and I know that he misses the salty atmosphere of the City. Where can I take him for a Valentine's Day dinner where he will feel at home, and have some of that great seafood San Francisco is known for? --Southern California Sweetie Dear Sweetie, San Pedro is blessed with a little piece of San Francisco on 22nd St. 22nd Street Landing overlooks Outer Harbor, and enjoys views of the sport fishing boats, the marina and inside Cabrillo Beach. The second story setting is reminiscent of the best seafood eateries of San Francisco and the menu changes daily to reflect the day's catch. The solid bar, ceiling fans and tile floors speak of 'Frisco style and the tables are arranged to take full advantage of the great view. Don't miss the terrific lobster bisque. Crab Louie is a classic, and the seafood appetizer platter is irresistible. Ask for the house salad with crumbled bleu cheese. Save room for the dessert cart – the fruit cobbler is scrumptious. 22nd Street Landing, 141A W.22nd Street San Pedro. (310) 548-4400. Dear Mrs. T, I'd like to take my honey for dinner on Valentine's Day, but I don't want to try to cuddle up in a cold, impersonal or touristy restaurant. Is there a cozy and romantic place to go, with good food and perhaps a nice wine list? --Hugs and Kisses Hubby Dear Hugs, Andrew at the Whale & Ale to save the window seat next to the fireplace for you. Warm and cozy, this San Pedro favorite has a marvelous menu, with classic pub food to prime rib. Chef David Juarez offers daily specials, with an emphasis on seafood and fresh local ingredients. Soups are soothing and flavorful (roasted tomato soup is fantastic) and the house salad with Chef David's signature dressing is delightful. The carvery offers roast lamb or beef, with all the trimmings, and the prime rib with Yorkshire pudding is perfectly executed. Try the creamed spinach alongside for a real treat, and don't forget the horseradish sauce! A fine dish of poached salmon with vegetables is light and very appealing. Traditional English desserts like sticky pudding and trifle laced with rum are lovely, and fun to share. Andrew has assembled a quality wine list, and the bar is also well equipped - try the English brew on tap. The Whale & Ale, 327 W.7th Street San Pedro. (310) 832-0363.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 August 2008 )