Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst ranked among most romantic

OAKHURST, Calif. (KFSN) -- Love is in the air at Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst. The tables are set for Valentine's Day, fitting since the restaurant is on the most romantic places to dine by OpenTable -- an online restaurant reservation service.

"Very happy because I know that my guests are enjoying and having a special time here," said Erna Kubin-Clanin, owner of Erna's Elderberry House.

Kubin-Clanin says the recognition is a great honor. The staff has been busy preparing for its busiest time of the year: Valentine's Day.

"Almost 3 1/2, almost 4 weeks, so we have a long waiting list. Guests keep calling. A lot of people wait until the last minute," said Kubin-Clanin.

Special menus have been created and roses have been hung from the ceiling. Inside the kitchen, Chef Jonathan Perkins is busy perfecting his six-course Valentine's Day meal. The restaurant has around 100 reservations for Saturday, and the staff hopes to provide more than just good food.

"We have a really exciting menu that kind of revolves around the senses of Valentine's Day; so poetic, desire, and then we worked with ingredients that kind of evoke these senses," said Perkins.

It's the food and the ambiance helping to create sparks.

"Then of course the service is elegant and proper, and the food smells wonderful, it's just all in sync. And you are with a very special person, that makes romance happen," said Kubin-Clanin.

With the holiday taking place Saturday, the restaurant is hoping to help love and fine dining flourish for the entire weekend.

And while Erna's restaurant has received numerous accolades and nationwide attention, they say the best gift is knowing they're helping others create memories all year long.