ROSES (AND TEQUILA) ARE RED AT AMARANTA

Nothing can approximate the feeling of being in love. Except, perhaps, the warm shudder you feel upon drinking some quality tequila. Maybe this is the year you cancel your reservation at that fancy French restaurant and seek out an Agave Rose Martini -- one of the specialties at the recently opened Canoga Park tequila palace, Amaranta Cocina Mexicana. Executive chef Sarah Gomez created the Agave Rose, using Cazadores Reposado tequila (one of 400 varieties available), cherry brandy and a proprietary margarita mix blend. The simple-yet-glowing cocktail is finished off with a dash of grenadine and an edible orchid. Ole to Valentine’s Day, we say. $10. Amaranta, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd. (818) 610-3599