Whiskey ‘N Rye, Pico, Alisal, and more ready to serve couples, families, or just friends getting together
February is here and soon to follow is Valentine’s Day, the time for couples, young and old, to celebrate their love and their good times together.
And with that usually comes a night out, and many restaurants and establishments are getting ready to serve those people who choose to celebrate. It could be a fancy eatery, a bar-type atmosphere, or a good old-fashioned barbecue place like Whiskey ‘N Rye in Solvang.
Joe Padilla, the chief operating officer for Whiskey ‘N Rye, located at 442 Atterdag Road, admits his place isn’t the one people would think of for a romantic night out, but he is still expecting a big crowd on Feb. 14, which happens to fall on a Saturday this year.
“We’ve always had good business on Valentine’s Day,” said Padilla, whose restaurant has been at its current location for three years. “We don’t do any specials for Valentine’s or anything, but we think our menu is strong enough on its own.”
That menu a robust list of cocktails, BBQ, vegetarian and even vegan options. Cozy in at Whiskey ‘N Rye and enjoy items including the Loaded Mac N Cheese, a Sampler Trio with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork tossed in Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, and Smoked Spaghetti Squash with Squash noodles tossed with hickory smoked tomato, garlic, shallots, basil, spicy chili flakes.
But Padilla said drawing customers is more than just the food.
“One thing we always stress in hospitality,” he said. “We want to have the absolute best service and filling all the diners’ needs to give them that full experience on a special day.”
It’s a strategy no doubt many other restaurants share no matter the atmosphere or cuisine. One of those is Pico, located at 458 Bell St. in Los Alamos, which describes itself as “Upscale comfort food made with local ingredients, sourced from farmers committed to organic, regenerative, and humane practices. [A] historic dining room with the charm of fine dining, your grandmother’s favorite recipes, edible gardens, and a small town vibe.”
With reservations available on Feb. 14 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., couples can enjoy a four-course dinner featuring house favorites such as the Avocado Crudo, Finley Warm Broccolini and Kale Salad, Kiani Preserve Filet Mignon with Mighty Cap Mushroom Demi and Flourless Chocolate Cake — all made with the freshest seasonal ingredients from neighboring farms and ranches. Go to www.losalamosgeneralstore.com/special-events to get a reservation.
And there are other special events for Valentine’s Day in The Valley. Among them:
Romance at the Ranch, Alisal Ranch, Feb. 13-15
Searching for a unique romantic experience this Valentine’s Day? Nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch is the perfect California resort destination for a dreamy getaway. Whether you’re joining us for our exclusive “Romance at the Ranch” package or celebrating at home, we’ve got some heartwarming ideas to spark romance, ranch-style. Our 2-night “Romance at the Ranch” package from Feb 13-15, is thoughtfully curated to add a western-style magic touch to your love story. Here’s what you can expect at our luxury dude ranch:
Welcoming gifts: Flowers, champagne, and chocolate in your room ready to celebrate your arrival in true romantic fashion.
Outdoor adventures: Two activities per night like horseback rides, golf sessions, and more.
Wine-Country flavors: Get a taste of ranch life with fun classes like wine tasting and cheese pairing.
Learn more about our Romance at the Ranch package.
Plenty on Bell Three Course Prix Fixe Dinner on Friday, Feb 13.
Plenty on Bell, at 508 Bell St. in Los Alamos, jump the gun a bit, opening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a dinner
on Friday, Feb. 13, which includes a glass of wine or Champagne. Go to plentyonbell.com
Chocolate and Wine-Tasting Pairings at Sunstone Winery, Feb. 13-15
Celebrate love and indulgence this Valentine’s Day weekend at Sunstone Winery with our guided Wine & Chocolate Pairing Experience. From Feb. 13-15, savor the romance of perfectly paired wines and handcrafted chocolates from the renowned Twenty-Four Blackbird in an intimate and enchanting setting.
These exclusive tastings will be offered throughout the day, with limited spots available. The cost for this romantic and delectable experience is $50 per guest. Go to sunstonewinery.com/
Valentines Wine & Truffle Weekend in Santa Ynez with Live Music at Brander Winery & Vineyard, Feb. 14-15
Includes artisan chocolates from Jessica Foster Confections, a flight of five signature Brander wines, and music from Hayli Carleton (Saturday) and Lindsey Marie (Sunday). For more info, go to www.brander.com/winery-events/
Looking for more, see www.opentable.com/events/valentines/region/santa-ynez-valley
