If you live in the San Diego area and are looking for a place to start your Valentine’s evening, check out Verbena Kitchen on University Avenue.
Verbena Kitchen wants to give couples a memorable experience with a pre-fixe menu with wine and cocktail pairing options curated by its expert culinary team.
Verbena Kitchen also offers a menu of items that guests may pre-purchase for a one-stop-shop for romance.
Included is the option to purchase a bottle of champagne for $85, a small bouquet for $85, or a large bouquet for $125.
To continue the party at home, after dinner cocktails to-go, a large format cocktail created by General Manager Dallas Juanes, are also available for $32.
To save time, guests can order items on Tock before arrival.
Amuse
Roasted Beet, citrus, pistachios
- Wine Pairing: Sparkline
- Cocktail Pairing: Beet Me To The Punch Gin, Pistachio Orgeat, Pineapple, Beet Simple, Blackberry Tangerine Shrub
First Course
Choice of + Pairing:
Little Gem Caesar, preserved lemon, herb breadcrumbs
- Wine Pairing: Riesling
- Cocktail Pairing: The Californian (Lavender Sauv Blanc, Grapefruit, Lemon, Sparkling)
Shrimp Bisque- Lobster oil, fennel salad
- Wine Pairing: Chardonnay
- Cocktail Pairing: Sea Bird (Cappelletti, Dark Amaro, Rum, Fennel Bitters, Lime, Soda)
Buratta and Citrus- hot honey, parmesan crackers, pickled herbs
- Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
- Cocktail Pairing: The Stinger (Gin, Honey, Blackberry Tangerine Shrub)
Oysters- tobiko, micro wasabi
- Wine Pairing: Albarino
- Cocktail Pairing: New Bay (Vodka, Old Bay Simple, Lime, Grapefruit, Melletti, Celery Bitters)
Entrees
Choice of + Pairing:
Roman Spiced Prime Rib Eye- whipped potatoes, Black Pepper, charred seasonal Veg
- Wine Pairing: Cabernet
- Cocktail Pairing: Solace (Allspice Vodka, Red Wine Reduction, Pear, Lime, Bitters, Egg White)
House Made Spaghetti, crab, pumpkin seed pesto, scallion
- Wine Pairing: Red Blend
- Cocktail Pairing: Imposter (Gin, Cappelletti, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Bitters)
Parsnip and Truffle Ravioli- hazelnuts, kale
- Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir
- Cocktail Pairing: Winter in Manhattan (BA Tequila, Cardamaro, Sweet Vermouth, Walnut Bitters)
Seasonal Fish- tomato and seafood broth, farro, root vegetables, pesto
- Wine Pairing: Chardonnay
- Cocktail Pairing: Cappelletti Spritz (Cappelletti, Gin, Lemon, Sparkling, Olives)
Desserts
Choice of + Pairing:
- Pot de Creme
- Wine Pairing: Amaro
- Cocktail Pairing: Russian Bulldog Coffee Amaro, Vodka, Cola Coffee Foam
- Brown Butter Lemon Curd
- Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
- Cocktail Pairing: No Tai Affair Light Rum, Banana Orgeat, Lime, Walnut Bitters, Coffee Amaro
- Cheese Plate
- Wine Pairing: Syrah
- Cocktail Pairing: Gin Fizz Gin, Lime, Lemon, Orange Blossom Water, Heavy Cream, Egg White