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Community Corner

Patch's Valentine's Day Picks for 2012

Movies, candlelight dinners and a picnic by the beach make the list of what to do locally on Feb. 14.

Need some Valentine’s ideas in Rossmoor, Seal Beach or Los Alamitos? Patch has got you covered.

Double Feature

Dinner and a movie is passé. But how about dinner and two movies, one of which is free?

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Start with a delicious meal at , then head down to the to catch Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, the espionage thriller starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth.

On the way home, grab a carton of Thrifty ice cream at and then pick up a free movie from Redbox for Valentine’s Day.

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Candlelight Dinner

Here are two options for the traditional romantic dinner:

is offering a Valentine’s Day special of two soups, two filet mignons with two sides (garlic potatoes and seared green beans are recommended), and a homemade cheesecake drizzled with chocolate for $75 altogether.

Or you could visit the  and get a three-course meal with wine and dessert for $60 per person. That’s crab bisque, a warm spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette, either baked white fish or filet mignon, and berries in chocolate with vanilla ice cream.

A Romantic Picnic

Tuesday night doesn’t normally scream romance, but a picnic at the beach during sunset does.

You don’t even need to prep for this low-key option. Just grab a blanket and stop by on Main Street on your way to the beach.

Angelo’s has fresh bread, cheese, cold cuts, wines and dessert.

Simply Charming

Perhaps the single most romantic spot in Los Alamitos is the patio behind at the Arbor.

If you haven’t been there, Valentine’s is a good time to start.

Wear a sweater so you can brave the cool evening, because it is worth it to sit outside.

The patio glows, thanks to a strand of lights that follow the branches of an old tree that covers the entire area like an umbrella.

A small waterfall offers soothing sounds, and the menu is a mix of the Southern comfort food and California flair.

If you visit or have visited any of these restaurants, please tell us what you thought.

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