Thoughtful tips from Chef Meg Walker
For Valentine’s Day, we asked Chef Meg Walker of Made by Meg Catering to share a few thoughtful (and delicious) ways to make the day feel special—without overcomplicating it. From a sweet morning surprise to an elegant pre-dinner bite and a festive cocktail to shake up at home, Chef Meg’s ideas focus on intention, advance planning, and elevating simple moments into something memorable.
A Simple Way to Start the Day with Love
Valentine’s Day—or anytime—is a good time to do something special for someone you love. It doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful; often, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impression. In the days or weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day—or whenever you’re looking for a thoughtful way to surprise someone—pay attention to the little details. Notice their morning coffee or matcha order, the milk they prefer, or the flavor they always choose. These quiet observations speak volumes. On a special morning, start the day by picking up their favorite drink from the café they love, along with their go-to breakfast treat. Bring it home fresh, set it out with intention, and let the day begin on a sweet note. Even if you have brunch plans later or a reservation at a favorite spot, starting the morning this way sets the tone for something special.
It’s a simple reminder that love lives in everyday moments—and that sometimes, the most meaningful gestures come in a cup, made exactly the way they like it.
Sip With Love: Spicy Watermelon Margarita
Que “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo & Michael Buble
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Mezcal
- 0.5 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz Fresh Watermelon Juice (no added sugar)
- 0.75 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
- 1.5 oz Simple Syrup
- 2 Jalapeno Slice, seedless
- Garnishes: Fresh Watermelon Cube, Candied or Dehydrated Lime Wheel, Jalapeño Slice, Tajin
Instructions:
Enjoy your margarita (and mid-to-end cocktail snack of watermelon!)
Rim glass with juice of lime & finish with Tajin
Fill cocktail shaker with tequila, mezcal, triple sec, watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, jalapeño slices
Use larger, hard ice & shake aggressively for 10 – 15 seconds until chilled
Strain into a glass filled with large ice cubes
Garnish with lime wheel + jalapeño slice + watermelon
A Thoughtful Way to Begin the Evening
Valentine’s Day—or anytime—is the perfect excuse to be intentional about how you start the night. Romance isn’t about how much you spend; instead, it’s about planning ahead and creating an experience that feels calm, considered, and special.
Before heading out, set the tone with something elegant and easy. For example, a simple pre-dinner spread—like a chilled bottle of champagne, a small tin of caviar with crème fraîche, crisp root chips, and a curated mini cheese board—creates a relaxed, celebratory moment without the stress of last-minute prep. Ultimately, the goal is to feel composed and present, not rushed or flustered in a messy kitchen.
When it comes to cheese, think beyond the basics. Rather than defaulting to cubes, select something you’ve heard your partner mention or have always wanted to try, and share why you chose it. That way, the story behind the selection becomes part of the experience and makes the moment feel personal.
In the end, it’s a reminder that a beautiful evening often begins at home, with thoughtful details, a little sparkle, and the simple joy of slowing down together before the night unfolds.
What’s Happening..
Made by Meg Catering
Made by Meg Catering is heading into 2026 with fresh updates, including a newly released 75-page catering menu filled with vibrant, seasonal offerings for weddings and special events. In response to growing interest from Gen Z and Millennial clients, the team has also introduced a Specialty Mocktail Package featuring elevated, thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic and adaptogen-inspired drinks. Check out Made by Meg’s food HERE
Redondo Beach Historic Library
Renovations at the Redondo Beach Historic Library are well underway, with in-person hard hat tours currently available and room renderings now posted online. Event dates are officially open beginning May 2026—earlier than expected. Once complete, this iconic venue will host weddings, galas, corporate events, and milestone celebrations in its ocean-adjacent indoor and outdoor spaces for up to 320 guests.
La Venta Inn
La Venta Inn is welcoming prospective clients for weekly Open House visits every Thursday from 10am–4pm, pending event bookings. Perched at the highest point on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this historic venue offers sweeping ocean views and a relaxed opportunity to tour the property and explore event options for 2026 and 2027.
Read about the historic LaVenta Inn HERE
