Guest blogger Amy Robertson visited XINO in the new Santa Monica Place to hear about what they are cooking up for Valentine’s Day. The swanky restaurant has a special menu for lovebirds and 10 percent of all the evening’s proceeds benefit a local charity.

You know those places that make you feel chic the moment you walk in? Well, XINO is one of those places. And, if you plan on going out to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, who wouldn’t mind a little added boost of chic-ness? Put a cherry on top of it all with some warming of heart by performing charity work at the same time and you’ve got yourself a pretty good sundae.

You Say ‘Zeno,’ I Say ‘Zino’

XINO, which is pronounced zi-no, means “of Chinese origin.” It seems a fitting name for the new restaurant, which serves up traditional Cantonese cuisine, but with a modern twist. The swanky-looking eatery is located in the brand new Santa Monica Place right next to famous Third Street Promenade.

From the Heart

Valentine’s Day always means one thing to me — restaurants everywhere will be packed to the brim. And, although that may be no different at XINO this year, lovey-dovey restaurant goers can at least get something more out of this dining experience — the knowledge that they’re giving back all while having a fun Valentine’s Day.

This year, XINO will be donating 10 percent of all their profits from Valentine’s Day to the St. John’s Heart Institute of Santa Monica. Regional Manager Ken So says, “We like to get involved with the community. It’s not just about us, it’s about the people around us too.” And, what better organization to give to on a day that’s devoted to all things love?

On to the Food

Aside from raising money for a good cause, there are a few other things to expect from XINO on February 14. First, there will be a specialty menu being offered, which includes a Seafood Platter, Beef and Chili Prawn Medallions and a Chocolate Fondue. “It’s one day that our chefs can really shine,” Ken adds. The Spicy Dragon Prawns from the dinner menu are pictured below.

Also, on the menu – the liquid menu that is – is an array of aphrodisiac cocktails. Perfect to get in the mood, right? Most popular is their lychee martini, which if you’re like me and don’t know what a lychee is – it’s a type of berry.

Added Touches

If delicious food, sexy drinks and a good cause aren’t enough to pull you in, XINO has a few other surprises up their sleeves. To give you one hint, all I’ll say is this: free “teaser” bites to start off your meal.


Where?
XINO
395 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Additional Links
http://www.straitsrestaurants.com/_xino/xino_sm.php
http://www.santamonicaplace.com/

Photography provided by Amy Robertson