Valentine’s Day 2013 – South Bay Dinners and Events

V-Day 2013 is just around the corner! If you’re going out, there’s plenty to do right here in our neighborhoods. Get together with your sweetie and sip some wine, settle in for an expertly prepared meal, and even do some yoga! All in the name of love.

Here’s a round-up of some of the dinners and hang-outs that are on our radar for a South Bay Valentine’s Day!

Biggest Loser Celebrity Chef Devin Alexander Creates Low Calorie Diet for Shade Hotel: 30 Days of Devinly Decadence

There’s still time to work on those New Year’s resolutions. Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach has partnered with Celebrity Chef Devin Alexander to put together a menu that cuts the calories but keeps all the flavors, textures, and sensations we love. The South Bay Foodies sampled a few of her “Devinly” creations and we agree, they may be low in calories but are decadent indeed.

Affordable Thai for Dinner at Siam I Am, Redondo Beach

Finding affordable, well made Thai food for dinner in Los Angeles can be difficult. Not for a lack of options. On the contrary, there may be far too many places to choose from. A few stand out, though, and rise above the competition. Siam I Am is one of those restaurants.

In this review, I’ll share the dishes selected for my family of four and how we came out with a bill for less than $10 per person.

Challenge Butter’s Recipe for Caring Contest (Plus a $75 Giveaway!)

For the second year in a row, South Bay Foodies is teaming up with Challenge Butter* to share with you an exciting contest, an opportunity to help others, and a chance to nab something for yourself.  Along with cash and prizes for casting a vote for your favorite of three recipes, We’re giving away a bakeware set valued at $75.

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese for “Big Kids” at Panera

One of the first menus that come to mind when thinking about winter foods is a crispy, grilled cheese sandwich paired with a warm bowl of tomato soup.  Panera puts a grown-up spin on both with their Vegetarian Tomato Soup and Big Kids Grilled Cheese sandwich.

Salads and Signature Beverages at Lemonade, Manhattan Beach

I was first introduced to the cafeteria style offerings of Lemonade during Taste of Abbot Kenney a couple years ago. I had no clue at the time, but was soon swept away by their puckeringly tangy lemonade and expertly made salads and proteins. I’m so happy they’re in Manhattan Beach!

Top Chef and New Menu Items at Hudson House, Redondo Beach

Hudson House is an unassuming, cozy little gastropub on Pacific Coast Highway not far from the Redondo Beach harbor area. On any given night you can find regulars and newcomers sharing tables in the small dining room, ordering from a menu crafted by of a Top Chef.  Recently, I stopped by Hudson House to find out what was new on the menu. Spoiler alert: the drinks, appetizers, and dessert are highly recommended.