What February delights await you?

Well, that’s a wrap on January.

We’ve got Valentine’s day and Lunar New Year, all those birthdays, and — oh yeah! Ski week. But let’s focus on Valentine’s Day first.

It’s good to get a handle on Valentine’s Day before the squeeze of time hijacks your best intentions. As in, you don’t want to be that guy frantically buying the “whatever’s left” roses at Safeway, ordering takeout pizza and calling it a “cozy night at home together” - no, no, no. It’s the thought that truly counts, followed by even more thoughful execution.

Is it dinner out? Then reservations NOW (ideas below!)

Is it a mind-blowing gourmet dinner at home? Oooh, let’s find some recipes!

Is it a dreamy hike & picnic followed by a soak and then some sips, and then some chocolate, and…

WHATEVER plans you’ve got cookin, start dropping hints today. That way, they’ll know you’ve taken care of everything — and what better gift could you possibly give than the one that fills them with delicious anticipation — a full 2 weeks in advance?? Let’s get some mileage out of Valentine’s Day 2026!

Let’s DO this!

Kim Neumann

Are you kidding me? Talk about thoughtfulness — just look how much they put into NAMING these dishes, nevermind what’s actually in them… e.g. ‘Layers of Love’ is a white chocolate cremeux with passion fruit curd and 24k gold. This one’s gonna sell out quick — reserve here.

In their own words: One Night in Italy—served Bungalow style. This Valentine’s Day, escape to the Riviera without leaving the shoreline as The Bungalow Kitchen reimagines romance through a coastal Italian lens. A thoughtfully layered tasting menu brings together indulgent flavors, a touch of truffle, a hint of gold, and a reservation turned memory.

Love Potion No. 9. Need we say more?

In their own words: Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the tavern with a romantic menu designed for savoring and lingering a little longer. Enjoy special dishes like beet carpaccio with burrata and aged balsamic, saffron spaghetti with jumbo prawns, and a petite filet mignon finished with red wine demi-glace, along with our regular menu. Toast the evening with a lineup of festive cocktails, from Love Potion No. 9 to a bright Strawberry Spritzer. Reserve here - just a few spots left!

Follow dinner with a show at the Lark Theatre, where Valentine’s night feels a little extra rich: red velvet seats, art deco details, and Ella Fitzgerald-inspired jazz. The evening stars Freda Payne in Valentines is for Lovers, a swinging tribute to the Queens of Jazz. Feel extra good about this one — every ticket supports one of Marin’s most lovingly-restored small town landmarks. Get your tickets here.

Meet (and smootch!) the lovable pups of San Rafael-based First Responder Therapy Dogs. It’s also a bake sale that supports emotional care for first responders. (And did you know? Executive Director Heidi Carmen was named a CNN Top 5 Hero of 2025 — recognized for making the world a better place through kindness, compassion, and courage.) Get in on the warm fuzzies 11am-1pm, just outside the San Anselmo Town Hall. No reservations needed, but expect to wait in line. 😁

With a sumptuous weekend brunch menu (beignets with citrus crème Anglaise, burrata and figs, and the Campeón cocktail to start), Sula at Cavallo Point makes a most romantic and picturesque start to Valentine’s Day. Reserve right here.

See more events here.

Thanks for reading,
Kim

Kim Neumann, Publisher