If you’re anything like me, you’re one of those chronic last minute shoppers. A fatal disease to have during Valentine’s Day as many sleepless nights on the cold floor have reminded me. You race to the local department store only to find that all the good gifts are long gone. Or you’re short on time and can’t go out to the mall to get that special gift. If either is the case, have no fear.  No need to get your loved one a plunger or a 12-pack of ballpoint pens this year. Great Valentine’s gift ideas abound in your very own Montrose.
If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that women enjoy being pampered. Come to think of it, I like being pampered, too. So why not make it a date? Spa Pura (2270 Honolulu Ave.) is offering a special for couples. From Feb. 12th through the 14th, couples can get a 30 min. hand and foot treatment and an hour long massage, capped off with champagne and a fruit and fine cheese platter – all for $240. Shelby Yoshioka, Spa Pura’s manager, and her talented staff will soothe away your aches and leave you feeling utterly blissful. Now if your Valentine’s date at Spa Pura goes over really well, you might have to come back for their new “Mommy and Me” program. Beginning in March, Spa Pura will be offering classes for mothers on how to massage and pamper their babies. Where was Spa Pura when I was a baby?
OK, so you’ve made your significant other happy with the spa treatment. But now they’re hungry and they’re not feeling it for the combo at the local burger shack. It never ends—what to do? Rest your troubles, for just east on Honolulu onto Verdugo, the New Moon Restaurant (2138 N. Verdugo Blvd.) has just the fix for famished twosomes. This Valentine’s weekend, New Moon will have “sweetheart specials”: dinner for two specially priced at $60; $40 if take-out. New Moon’s fusion of Asian flavors and its glowing ambience are just the thing for Valentine’s. But before you go back home, don’t forget to visit their newly opened bar fully stocked with a wide assortment of beverages. A glass of wine or two served by their excellent bartenders and you’ll have the perfect cap to the perfect Valentine’s Day.
Montrose has great shopping ideas and events all year round. If you’d like to know more, call the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce at (818) 249-7171 or e-mail me at tayala@montrosechamber.org. You can also visit our offices at 3516 N. Verdugo Road. Our office is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You can also find us online at www.montrosechamber.org or keep track of all our exciting events and news at our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Montrose-Verdugo-City-Chamber-Of-Commerce/103979694092. As always – don’t forget to shop Montrose!

Ted Ayala is the executive director of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.