February 11, 2003     Los Gatos, California Since 1881
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Shop in town on Valentine's Day and have a sweetheart of a time
By Michelle C. Crowe
Michelle C. CroweShowing a loved one how much you care this Valentine's Day is especially easy this year, thanks to local hotels and merchants featuring a variety of specials for the annual celebration of love. Whether she (or he) prefers a night with the two of you together, an elegant gift or a memorable meal, Los Gatos business owners and managers are making it easy for couples to find treats to meet almost every budget. Plus, two local hotels in town are featuring romantic specials (including attractive pricing) for the holiday.

At Hotel Los Gatos, 210 E. Main Street, Katherine Cseuz reports that there are two different romance specials. Perfetto includes turndown service with rose petals, as well as in-room champagne; prices begin at $200 and go up according to room type. L'Amour features two one-hour spa treatments at the on-site Preston Wynne Spa, as well as a romantic room set up with champagne, beginning at $450. Call 408.335.1700 for additional details and reservations. The hotel also offers additional spa, as well as bed & breakfast, packages year-round.

The popular Kuleto's Restaurant, located in the hotel, is featuring a three-course prix fixe menu for the holiday as well. Call 408.354.8290 for reservations.

At the Toll House Hotel, 140 S. Santa Cruz Ave., lovers may also choose between two packages. The Romance Package includes champagne and truffles in an executive room, as well as a continental breakfast buffet and cooked-to-order breakfast at the Toll House Restaurant, plus a late checkout time of 1 p.m., for $159. This package is available throughout February, based on availability, with advance reservations required.

The Spa Package includes one spa treatment at The Spa­Los Gatos, just a few steps from the hotel at 100 S. Santa Cruz Ave., as well as a glass of wine in the Fireplace Lounge and a continental breakfast buffet plus a cook-to-order breakfast, and a night's stay in a deluxe room for $220. (This special can be enjoyed any day of the week for single or double occupancy, based on availability, with advance reservation required.)

The Toll House Restaurant features a lavish four-course dinner, with prices starting at $36 per person. Call 408.395.7070 for more information and reservations.

For those staying in town, the Los Gatos Cinema (part of the family of Camera Cinemas) at 41 North Santa Cruz Ave. features two new gift possibilities for Valentine's Day beyond the usual movie date. Gift cards in credit card format in the denomination of your choice could be a great gift for pre-planning a month's worth of date nights. These standard gift cards can even be used at the concession stand. Bargain hunters (or married couples on a budget) may prefer the discount admission credit cards with 10 admissions for $50 (some restrictions apply, such as not for shows after 6 p.m. on Saturdays). The order form is available at www.cameracinemas.com. Appropriately, the new romantic comedy 50 Blind Dates is scheduled for release this week. Call the theater at 408.395.0203 to confirm films playing and showtimes.

What would Valentine's Day be without candy or flowers? While it may seem more romantic to spontaneously purchase an arrangement at Bunches, 14 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave., it's better to plan ahead. Call 408.395.5451 for orders and deliveries. Longtime favorite Bloomer's also remains ready to handle Valentine's business at 408.369.4888.

As far as candy, bringing back the memories of childhood with a selection of sweets from A Kid in a Candy Store, 139 N. Santa Cruz Ave., may be more touching than pre-packaged candy. Call 408.354.4640 to check for favorites.

Many residents may want to visit a romantic restaurant such as La Hacienda , 18840 Saratoga­Los Gatos Road. Call 408.354.6669 for reservations. Or consider visiting the Forbes Mill Steakhouse at 206 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Call 408.395.6434.

And Transilvania, 330 N. Santa Cruz Ave., features a unique dinner experience, with its Romanian cuisine. Call 408.395.2424.

While some prefer something delicious yet informal, such as the Chinese food at Yeung Shing (408.370.2032), for a change of taste, consider sampling the casual yet loving aloha spirit of the Hawaiian Pacific Grill at 151 N. Santa Cruz Ave. for a change. Call 408.395.8800.

Advanced gourmet palates may prefer the sophisticated culinary adventures available in a prix fixe tasting format at glamorous Manresa, located at 320 Village Lane. Call 408.354.4330.

Planners may want to consider getting a jump on Valentine's Day with my husband's favorite tradition—breakfast at Southern Kitchen at 27 E. Main St. (408.354.7515), followed by a day of leisurely shopping at Main Street Antiques at 150 E. Main St., the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop at 39 E. Main St. and the numerous jewelry, art and other unique shops along the avenues, followed by a relaxing massage at Scandalous Salon , 420 N. Santa Cruz. Call 408.354.2300.

Los Gatos is filled with beautiful shops, luxurious curiosities and delicious experiences. This year, be sure to take someone you love out to share some time on the town together. Happy Valentine's Day.

Do you have or know about a cool new Los Gatos business, a hot news tip or a business anniversary or special event to announce? We'd love to hear about it. Contact Michelle C. Crowe at 408.378.9056 or a1writers@hotmail.com.


Michelle C. Crowe is a Silicon Valley-based freelance writer
and editor.
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