Spanish-inflected brunch classics at striking
Cafe Sevilla include eggs Benedict with jamón Serrano crisp and saffron hollandaise on Kalamata olive loaf. There’s also breakfast paella with a variety of meats and fried eggs on saffron bomba rice. Tapas brunches exist, too. Start with a pear cava sangria or mezcal muddled Mary. Kick-start with brunch shots such as the Latin Lollipop. 1870 HARBOR BLVD., COSTA MESA, 949-688-1555
You won’t find the Mexican weekend mainstay menudo at
El Mercado Modern Cuisine’s Sunday brunch. Instead you can dive into huevos ahogados, “drowned eggs” atop estofado broth; an elaborate tlayuda with Oaxaca cheese, black bean spread, pea puree, and skirt steak; and distinctive French toast with sweet custard, goat-milk sauce, and hibiscus syrup. Toast the day with a pretty En las Nubes cocktail with Oaxacan rum and creme de violette. 301 N. SPURGEON ST., SANTA ANA, 714-338-2446
Photograph courtesy of Sushi Roku
Note: We’ll continue to update this list as more restaurants share Valentine’s day offerings. Last updated Feb. 3.
Sushi Roku in Newport Beach
What: The Lovers Box comes with two bento boxes (upgrade for specialty sushi), a bottled 16-ounce cocktail, and a choco bomb. Add discounted bottles of wine or sake (50 percent off).
The Details: $85 (serves two), Order at bbot.menu/srnbpickup/
Adya in Anaheim and Irvine
What: The meal includes: citrus salad with mint and fennel, naan, grilled asparagus, saffron pulao, a packet of house-ground chai masala, your choice between grilled lobster tail with garlic chili butter or stuffed squash with truffled farro, greens, and nuts, and a chocolate tart for dessert.