Valentine's Day Round-up: More restaurants added!

Love is in the air!  It isn't too late to snag a reservation at one of DC's hot restaurants.  Don't wait until the last minute or you might miss out.  DC restaurants are ensuring everyone enjoys the holiday with special Valentine's Day festivities and menus.

Acacia Bistro, located at 4340 Connecticut Avenue, NW is offering the essence of love in their special Valentine’s Day menu, Tuesday, February 14^th.  Seating is available from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m with a special 5 course menu priced at $70 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included) $100 with wine pairing.  Lovingly prepared by Chef Ravi Narayanan, the menu begins with a choice of Pumpkin and Roasted Apple Soup with Ricotta Herb Dumplings or Soup of Garlic Essence with Red Wine Risotto and Fried Shrimp. Course Two includes a Duet of Lobster: Lobster Boudin with Watercress Coulis and Almond Tempura or Beef Cheek Braised in Red Wine with Grilled Polenta, Crisp Pancetta and Parsley.  The Third course is a palette cleanser of Pink Grapefruit with Ginger, Tarragon and Black Pepper followed by a choice of Steamed Dourade and Escargot with Mushroom Crepinette and Glazed Radish or Handmade Garganelli Pasta and Short Rib of Beef Ragu. The dinner concludes with a choice of Upside Down Mango Cake with Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta and Raspberry Sauce or Chocolate Ganache with Glazed Berries and Pistachio Meringue.  Reservations are accepted at (202) 537-1040 or at rezv@acaciabistro.com

Acqua Al 2: Italian Valentine's Day Prix-Fixe- February 14th: As Lady and the Tramp taught the world, there's nothing more romantic than sharing a bowl of pasta with that special someone. One of the most charming restaurants in the city, Acqua Al 2 is offering a special Italian prix fixe Valentine's Day Menu. A popular spot for wedding proposals, Acqua Al 2 will serve a five-course menu of dishes ranging from fresh, creamy Burrata with grapefruit, roasted pine nuts and honey, Linguine all'Aragosta with lobster, white wine and tomato, and of course, the option to enjoy their famous sauced-up steaks - the Filetto all'Aceto Balsamico with a balsamic glaze, and the Filetto al Mirtillo with a blueberry sauce. Acqua Al 2's Valentine's Day menu is available for $85/person and reservations can be made by calling (202) 525-4375. Acqua Al 2 is located at 212 7^th St. SE. 

Addie’s, located at 11120 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, 20852, will be offering a seasonal four-course, prix fixe menu in addition to their regular a la carte menu from February 10^th through 13^th.  Priced at $90 per couple (tax and gratuity not included), the menu includes an appetizer to share, choice of two soups or salads, two entrees and a dessert to share.  Then on Tuesday, February 14^th, Addie’s will offer a four-course, prix fixe menu for $65 per person, or $95 with wine pairings (tax and gratuity not included), as well as a limited a la carte menu.  For reservations or additional information please call (301) 881-0081 or visit www.addiesrestaurant.com.

Also in Dupont Circle, Agora, located at 1527 17th Street, NW, 20036, offers guests authentic Turkish and Greek cuisine this Valentine’s Day.  From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. guests can select dishes off the a la carte menu or enjoy a four-course, prix fixe offering priced at $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included).  Prepared by Executive Chef Ghassan Jarrouj, the menu begins with Seared Scallops Over Saffron Yogurt and Caviar followed by Duck Confit Salad with Papaya, Baby Mache, Walnut and Blood Orange Vinaigrette.  Next guests can choose from Grilled Petit Filet with Asparagus and Pomegranate Reduction served with Shrimp Brushed with Grand Marnier Butter or the Pan Seared Lamb Loin with Butternut Squash Puree, Fresh Mint, Pistachio and Sour Cherry Sauce.  For dessert, couples can choose from Panna Cotta Rice Pudding with Raspberry Coulis or the Chocolate Tart with Roasted Hazelnuts.  For more information or reservations, please call (202) 332-6767 or visit the website at www.agoradc.net.

Cleveland Park hot spot Ardeo+Bardeo, located at 3311 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 20008, offers diners a chance to enjoy the best modern America cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Nate Garyantes this Valentine’s Day.  On Tuesday, February 14^th guests can enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu priced at $65 per person.  Standout dishes not to be missed include Baby Red & Golden Beets, Shaved Candy Cane Beets, Mint, Smoked Red Onion and Pistachio Goat Cheese; Oxtail Risotto with pickled Beech Mushrooms and Black Truffle Emulsion; Salt Cured Foie Gras with Fig Mustard and Toasted Brioche; Butter Poached monkfish with Red Bliss Potatoes, Sea Beans and Sea Urchin Sabayon as well as Duo of Beef: Barrel Cut Ribeye with Smoked Potato Mousseline and Royal Trumpets paired with Wagyu Beef Brisket with Horseradish Potato Salad and “Borscht”.  Valet parking is available after 6 PM for $8.  For more information, please call (202) 244-6750 or visit www.ardeobardeo.com. 


America Eats Tavern, Andrés’ groundbreaking temporary restaurant designed to celebrate the history of American cooking, will showcase a seven-course prix fixe tasting on Tuesday, February 14^th.  The menu honors Esther Howland, the founder of The New England Valentine Company, who is credited for creating the first Valentine’s Day greeting card.  Priced at $95 per person (tax and gratuity not included), and $150 with wine pairings, standout dishes include Hush Puppies with Homemade Sorghum Butter; Waldorf Salad “You’re the Top”; Vermicelli Prepared Like Pudding; Lobster Newberg as well as an assortment of seasonal desserts.  merica Eats Tavern is located at 405 8^th Street, NW, 20004.  For reservations, call (202) 393-0812 or visit www.opentable.com.   Please note a credit card is required for booking reservations, and all there is a 48-hour cancelation policy.  For the complete Valentine’s Day menu please visit http://www.americaeatstavern.com/about/calendar/valentines_day_at_america_eats_tavern/.

Assaggi Mozzarella Bar, located at 4838 Bethesda Avenue in Bethesda, MD, 20814, is dishing up authentic Italian cuisine for couples in an elegantly rustic restaurant this Valentine’s Day.  Their “Amore Mio” dessert will be available in addition to their regular a la carte menu during lunch and dinner service on Tuesday, February 14^th.  Priced at $10, the “Amore Mio” includes a heart shaped chocolate hazelnut mousse accompanied by an almond biscotti, chocolate dipped strawberry and a glass of Italian Moscato wine.  Guests can also enjoy the dessert without the wine pairing for just $8.  For reservations or additional information please call (301) 951-1988 or visit www.assaggirestaurant.com. 

Bar Pilar: 2^nd Annual Anti-Valentine's Day Party- February 14th: Sorrowful singles can commiserate together at the soon-to-reopen 14^th Street hotspot on February 14th. Bar Pilar will again serve up a special menu of Bitter and Sour Cocktails and Desserts to commemorate the sappy holiday while playing a roster of breakup songs. Guests can drown their sorrows in Bitter Cocktails (all $10) made with a selection of mixologist Jonathan Fain's housemade bitters like the Tuff Love with Rye Whiskey, housemade Peach Bitters and Lemonade, Cupid's Broken Arrow with Rum, Sugarcane Citrus Soda, housemade Bitters, Citrus Pickled Melon and Mint, Hemingway's Ex-Wife with Rum, Housemade Cherry Bitters, Ginger Beer and Lime, and the Cheap Date, a concoction of Pilsner and Underberg. After a relationship has taken a sour turn, Bar Pilar's bitter and sour desserts such as their Bittersweet Chocolate Terrine with Burnt Orange Sabayon and Maldon ($7) or the Lemon and Ricotta with Salted Caramel Sauce ($7) are the perfect cure. Bar Pilar is located at 1833 14^th St. NW.

Blue Duck Tavern, located at 24^th and M Streets, NW, 20037, is offering up a special Valentine’s menu on Tuesday, February 14^th.  Seating in this popular restaurant, known as the place for intimate gatherings and celebration, is available from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with a special four-course menu that is priced at $70 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included).  Crafted by newly appointed Executive Chef Sebastien and Chef de Cuisine John Melfi, the menu begins with Espelette Pepper Crusted Scallops with Winter Citrus, Endive and Smoked Trout Roe followed by Butter Poached Maine Lobster with Cardamom, Clementines and Hearts of Palm and Beef Wellington Reinvented with Seared Foie Gras, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Pommes Maxim and Truffle Jus.  The dinner concludes with a Warm Chocolate Fondant with Rosemary Cream and Brandied Cerries.  A complete a la carte menu will also be available for the evening with prices ranging from $11 to $17 for appetizers and $16 to $36 for entrées.  The Blue Duck Tavern is located on the corner of 24^th and M Streets, NW, within the Park Hyatt Washington, 20037.  For reservation for additional information please call (202) 419-6755 or visit www.blueducktavern.com.


Experience a romantic gastronomic trip to Paris in downtown DC.  On February 14, treat your loved one to a delicious five-course Valentine’s Day Dinner in Café du Parc, named among the top DC restaurants by Washingtonian Magazine. Chef Angelo Galang’s Valentine’s menu is priced at $65 per person, or $90 with wine pairing, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity.  Seating begins at 5:00 p.m. Guests will be welcomed with a mood-setting libation and will enjoy choices including, Gigamoto Oyster in ginger jelly dusted with Kaffir lime powder, Consume with Mushroom and Foie Gras Ravioli, Pepper-crusted Fillet of Beef with Dark Chocolate sauce and Confit Finger Potatoes and Butter-Poached Maine Lobster with Almond Cream and Tomato Tartar.  Pastry Chef Gary O’Hanlon offers a choice of three mouth-watering desserts.  To view complete menu and make reservations, visit www.cafeduparc.com  or call 202.942.7000.   After this romantic dinner why not take a stroll around the monuments then spend the night at the Willard.  For those who have a reservation in Café du Parc, a special rate of $359 is available, excluding tax.  For reservations please call, 202.628.9100.


Casa Nonna : Truffle, Champagne and Chocolate Tavola 12 Dinner Experience- February 14th: A dinner that couples will be sure to remember, Casa Nonna is bringing all Valentine's Day indulgences to one table - their intimate 12-seat dining experience, Tavola 12. The unique, exclusive Italian gastronomic experience will feature 12 courses of never-been-served sumptuous cuisine courtesy of Chef Amy Brandwein herself. An unforgettable experience, diners can expect to enjoy decadent dishes like Raviolo of Farmer's Egg in Black Truffle Sauce, Wood Roasted Turbot with Vanilla Braised Endive and Champagne Zabaglione, and the sweet Banana Fritelle and Molten Gianduia. The special Tavola 12 menu is available for $75/person, or $105/person with Prosecco pairings. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at 202.629.2505. Casa Nonna will also offer a special four-course Valentine's Day tasting menu to enjoy throughout the rest of the restaurant. Casa Nonna is located at 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW.

Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar, located at 801A 9th Street, NW (9th & H Streets), 20001, will offer a ‘Golden Age of Romance’ menu with a Cuban twist this Valentine’s Day.  Inspired by Cuban’s golden age of the 1940s, the menu is available Saturday, February 11^th through Tuesday, February 14^th.  Guests can choose two apetitivos, two platos and a duo of desserts designed to share for $78 per couple (beverages, tax and gratuity not included).  Standout dishes include Ostras Julio Lobos: Oysters Baked in a Cazuelita with Spinach, Goat Cheese, Scallions and Aguardiente Sauce; Palometa en Bolsa: Fresh boneless Pompano Fillet, Shrimp Crabmeat in Parchment Paper with Mango Beurre Blanc, as well as Langosta Thermidor: Lobster Tails Gratin, in its shell, with Butter, Cream, Gruyere Cheese and Mushrooms with Forbidden Black Rice and a Lobster Sauce.  For dessert, diners can enjoy Isla Flotante: Vanilla Meringue Floating on a Natilla Custard Sauce with Caramel and Toasted Almonds or Crepas con Naranja: Crepes Sautéed in a Butter, Orange Juice and Gran Marnier Sauce with a Passion Fruit Chantilly Cream.   Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (202) 408-1600 or visiting www.CubaLibreRestaurant.com.


Table 67 at DC Coast:  DC Coast is an anomaly among today’s restaurants, as there is no TV celeb or book author at the helm, so the stories you see about chef Jeff Tunks are guaranteed to be based purely on his attributes as a chef.  Diners come back for more and more of his perfectly executed fish dishes, which have garnered accolades by the boatload. The generous fuss-free informality of the restaurant has great appeal, yet no detail is left unturned, especially when you are seated in the secluded circular booth, number 67.  Of the three booths at DC Coast, this particular one is hugely satisfying. Weekend of February 10-12, a $150 per couple, three-course, prix-fixe menu including two glasses of champagne; Valentine’s Day, starting at $108 per couple for four courses, choosing right from the menu.


At El Centro (1819 14^th Street NW, www.elcentrodf.com) couples can enjoy a three-course $50 menu filled with Mexican Comfort Foods, topped off with choice of bubbly, a signature margarita or Mexican beer. Indulgences include Lobster Guacamole, Duck Confit Sopes and more.  For the full menu, click here: http://www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrodf/menus/elcentrodf_vday_2012.pdf

Join Chef Todd Gray at Equinox for an elegant Valentine's Day meal with your special someone. Available with three or five courses and the option of wine pairings, menu highlights include Braised Duck Gnocchi with Caramelized Sunchokes, Brussels Sprouts, Foie Gras Broth and Gremolata; Pan Roasted Black Bass with Razor Clam Velouté, Tessa Bacon, Gigante Beans and Black Kale; and Warm Amadei Chocolate for dessert. The full menu is available online. Pricing/Reservations: Three courses - $70 per person ($95 with wine pairings); Five courses - $90 per person ($125 with wine pairings). Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling 202.331.8118.

Planning a cozy night in this Valentine's Day? Founding Farmers in downtown Washington, DC is currently accepting pre-orders for a 7" mini version of their signature, house-made Red Velvet Layer Cake with whipped frosting. Perfect for sharing, this dessert comes boxed and tied with a ribbon for your sweetheart. Pricing/Reservations: The mini cakes are available for $35 (plus tax). Orders can be placed by calling 202.822.8783 and must be paid in advance.
 
Fuel Pizza and Wings : Sweetheart Pizzas- February 10th - February 14th: There's no better way to tell that "special someone" - at least special pizza-lover - how you feel about them than with a heart-shaped pizza on Valentine's Day. Baking up a special menu of Sweetheart Pizzas, the just-opened NC transplant Fuel Pizza will offer its loved New York-style pies in heart form all weekend from Friday, February 10^th through Tuesday, February 14^th. The 12-inch pies serve two and can be ordered in any of their specialty varieties such as the Riviera Pizza with fresh spinach, kalamata olives, roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and crumbled feta, or theSpinach, Ricotta and Tomato Pizza for $15, with the Old Bay Crab Bake Pizza available for $18. Fuel's Heart-Shaped Pizzas must be ordered 24 hours in advance by calling (202) 659-3835. Fuel Pizza and Wings is located at 1606 K St. NW.

Jaleo, known for its delicious array of tapas and paella ideal for sharing, will offer a variety of specials in addition to its a la carte menu this Valentine’s Day.  Highlights include the Arroz con Trufas Negras y Queso de La Serena: Creamy Rice with Black Truffles and La Serena Cheese; Ostras con Aceitunas y Picadillo: Raw Kumamoto Oysters with Olives and Capers; Higado de Pato con Manzanas y Membrillo: Foie gras Terrine with Membrillo and Apples.  Prices range from $9 to $16, and up to $65 for the Paella de Bogavante: Lobster Paella, which is ideal for a couple to share, and serves two to six people.  For the perfect ending, couples can enjoy the Pastel de Chocolate Caliente con Sorbete: Warm Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sorbet priced at $10.  Jaleo downtown is located at 480 7^th Street NW, (202) 628-7949; Jaleo Bethesda is at 7271 Woodmont Avenue, (301) 913-0003, and Jaleo Crystal City is located at 2250-A Crystal Drive, (703) 413-8181.  The complete Valentine’s Day menu is available at: http://www.jaleo.com/index.php/about/calendar/valentines_day_at_jaleo1/.

Enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day meal at J and G Steakhouse in the W Washington Hotel. The decadent menu includes highlights such as Warm Kumamoto Oysters with Creamed Basil; Steamed Maine Lobster with Japanese Turnips, Bok Choy and Yuzu Vinaigrette; and Warm Chocolate Cake with Caramel Ice Cream. View the full, prix-fixe Valentine's Day menu here, available with wine pairings by Sommelier Guy Golan. The regular dinner menu will also be available.Pricing/Reservations: $90 per person, $135 with wine pairings. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online or by calling 202.661.2440.

Two doors down at Masa 14 (1825 14th St NW, www.masa14.com) for $60 per guest, a menu of edamame, three signature plates (each) and dessert is available. Highlights include Fried Oysters and Mole Dusted Tenderloin…. but be warned, these Latin Asian small plates are designed for sharing- so be prepared to give up several bites of your delicious meal to your date. For the full menu, click here: http://www.richardsandoval.com/masa14/menus/masa14_vday_201201.pdf


Table 28 at Marcel’s:  Despite its old world-charm, Marcel’s embraces the nuances of a contemporary establishment with its forward thinking cuisine, which has earned it the highly coveted status as One of the Top 25 Restaurants in the Country by Zagat. Table 28 is the stand-out seat to grab, dramatically hidden behind velvet curtains that give the impression of having the entire place all to yourself.  Settle in and let the expert staff serve you.  It should not be hard to pick a bottle you’ll adore from a list of over one hundred Champagnes…$135 per person five course prix-fixe menu, arrangements for Table 28 to be made with Maître d’ Adnane Kebaier.

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana invites guests for an enchanting Mexican Valentine’s Day. A special a la carte menu will be available on Tuesday, February 14^th from 5 PM to 11 PM with menu options to include Ceviche de Marlin Azul con Toronja y Coriandro: Ceviche of Hawaiian Pacific Blue Marlin Marinated with Grapefruit, Coriander Seeds and Mint; Lentejas con Fruta: A Oaxacan Stew of Ancho Chiles, Green Lentils, Pineapple and Plantains; Langosta en Mole Blanco: Roasted Maine Lobster in a Mole of Nuts, Spices and White Chocolate; Quail, Like Water for Chocolate: Crispy Quail with a Sauce of Pitaya, Rose and Chestnuts, as well as Taco de Mollejas con Xec a la Oro: Sauteed Veal Sweetbreads with a Mayan Style Relish of Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Radish, Jicama and Habanero Chile.  Prices range from $6.50 to $20.  Additionally, a selection of romantically themed cocktails including A Kiss, a Raspberry and Jalapeno Margarita with Rose Petal Air and A Seductive Night, a Strawberry and White Chocolate Punch with Lemon Tequila, Cardamom and Shaved Vahlrona Chocolate will also be available for sipping.  Prices range from $12 to $16 each.  Oyamel is located at 401 7^th Street, NW, 20004. For reservations call (202) 628-1005 or visit www.opentable.com. A complete Valentine’s Day menu is posted at http://www.oyamel.com/images/uploads/O_menu_valentines_main.pdf.

The Bird’s Nest at Plume:  Tucked away in a discreet corner of the Plume Restaurant at The Jefferson, DC, the Bird’s Nest maintains a waitlist as long as the names signed to the Declaration of Independence.  While enjoying the prized seat, surrounded by a back drop of leather bound books and a shimmering glow cast by a 110-year old chandelier, each guest of the Bird’s Nest is served its dedicated finishing touch, available only to that fortunate table: The Nest is an all-edible sugar egg filled with meringue and a dollop of richly colored passion fruit sorbet, resting on a bed of wiry lemon cotton candy.  $550 per couple, a seven-course tasting menu paired with wines.

Bar for Two at PS 7’s:  Chef Peter Smith at PS 7’s kicks the bar up a notch, making it one of the hottest places in town to imbibe with your amour.  With only 8 seats at the bar, the cocktail-culinary collaboration is a labor of love for the chef and his spirited bar servers as they present handcrafted masterpieces throughout the night.  From genuine classic cocktails to the adventurous concoctions paired with an ambitious and playful American menu, each of the successive courses elevate the evening’s expectations… with no disappointments -- only delights. $107 per person, 7 course prix-fixe menu paired with cocktails. 


Treat your beloved to a sumptuous three-course meal at Smith Commons in the Atlas District on H Street, NE. The inventive, prix-fixe menu by Chef Carlos Delgado includes highlights such as Smoked Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp Ragout and Celery Paper; Squab with Foie Gras and French Green Lentils; King Salmon with Smoked Salmon, Sorrel and Caviar; and Banana Panna Cotta with Coconut Air, as well as a complimentary glass of champagne.Pricing/Reservations: $60 per person, all-inclusive. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online or by calling 202.396.0038

Urbana: Chef John Critchley has prepared a special offal-centric Valentine’s Day bar bites menu of hearts, cheeks and tongues available February 11^th through the 14^th. In the dining room, Chef Critchley will be serving a prix fixe Valentine’s Day tasting menu that will transport diners to Elba, Lyon, or both with four courses featuring dishes inspired by the two respective locales. The four-course tasting menu is $65 per person with wine pairings available for an additional $30 per person. 

The Butcher’s Block: The Butcher’s Block is taking orders for its Valentine’s Day to-go menu so diners can enjoy chef de cuisine Chris Watson’s fare at home. For a sweet ending to the meal, diners can take home a selection of pastries and wines, such as BRABO’s house made truffles. 


 BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier: Chef de cuisine Chris Watson will serve a decadent five-course menu for $85 per person with an optional wine pairing for an additional $45 per person.


 Poste Moderne Brasserie: Chef Dennis Marron will offer diners a chance to dine family style with their Valentine with the special “plats pour deux” menu available for the evening for $80 per person. Couples with divergent palates can go their separate gastronomic ways by ordering their own dishes from the “plats pour un” menu for $75 per person. 


The Grille at Morrison House: The Grille will serve a seven-course prix fixe menu composed of new dishes such as winter pumpkin ravioli with duck confit and olive oil poached Faroe Island King Salmon. Available February 10^th through the 14^th, the menu is $95 per person. 


Situated in the Southwest Waterfront at 1101 4^th Street, SW, 20024, Station 4 is offering a three-course, pre-fixe menu priced at $75 per person from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. this Valentine’s Day.  Executive Chef Orlando Amaro will invite guests to select from a variety of seasonal appetizers and entrées, which include Crab Tartar with Maryland Crab Meat, Lemon Aioli, Wasabi Foam and Chive Oil; Seared Muscovy Duck Breast with Smoked Strawberry Jus, Sous Vide Style Brussels Sprouts and Infused Cardamom-Dill Carrots; Beef Short Rib Ravioli with Bone Marrow Butter, Pecorino Foam and Syrah Syrup, as well as Ginger Infused Salmon with Fried Rice and Preserved Pineapple-Sour Cubes.  To finish off the meal, Chef Amaro will be serving up delicious desert options including Golden Profiteroles with Vanilla Gelato; Trio of Chocolate Truffles, or Chocolate Lava Cake with Coconut Crème Anglaise and French Vanilla Ice Cream.  Wine pairings are also available for $95 per person.  Valet parking is available for $10 per car.  For reservations or additional information please call (202) 488-0987 or visit http://www.station4dc.com/.

Head to Todd Gray's Watershed in NoMa and enjoy a four-course, Valentine's Day tasting menu, with the option of wine pairings. Highlights include a Winter Salad of Maine Lobster with Cara Cara Orange Mizzuna Lettuce and Passion Fruit Vinaigrette; Thirty-Six Hour Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Fondue, Port Wine Cabbage and Crispy Onions; and a Baked Chocolate Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and Fleur de Sel. Don't miss Watershed's special Valentine's Day cocktails, the "Fool Me Once" (Chamomile Infused Vodka, Rose Syrup, Aperol, Fresh Lemon, Rose Petal) and the "Fall In Love" (Old Overholt Rye, Aperol, House-Made Apple-Pear Cider, Baked Apple Bitters), both available for $11. Pricing/Reservations: $55 per person ($80 with wine pairings). Reservations are recommended, and can be made online or by calling 202.534.1350.

ZENTAN, located in the ultra-chic Thomas Circle hotel, Donovan House, at 1155 14^th Street, NW, 20005, will offer guests a four-course, prix fixe Valentine’s Day offering, featuring celebrity Chef Susur Lee and Executive Chef Jaime Montes de Oca’s inventive global Asian cuisine.  Priced at $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included), the menu features standouts such as Beausoleil Oysters with Caviar, Dill, Seaweed and Sudashi; Red Snapper with Rose Essence, Beet Root, Balsamic and Fennel, as well as Creek Stone Farm Short Ribs with Chicory, Truffles and Horseradish.  For the perfect ending, guests will enjoy a variety of House-made Truffles. Two Valentine’s Day cocktails will also be available.  Priced at $14, the new cocktail, SHE.WA. DA (Chinese for “Be Mine”) is made from a combination of Poema Cava Brut, St. Germain and a splash of Chambord while the Y. I. Knee (Valentine’s Day) is made with Absolut Apple, Cranberry, Cointreau, Fresh Lime and garnished with Candied Rose Petals and a Splash of Champagne.  For reservations or additional information please call (202) 379-4366 or visit http://www.zentanrestaurant.com/.

Hank’s Oyster Bar, located at 1624 Q Street, NW, 20009, is enticing guests to express their love of oysters with a special lovers sampler this Valentine’s Day.  Priced at $32 per person, or 60 per couple (tax and gratuity not included), the sampler includes a half-dozen freshly shucked oysters paired with two one-and-a-half pound lobsters.  For an additional $30, guests can enjoy a half bottle of Gardet Champagne for the table.  Additionally, Mixologist Megan Coyle has created a special Valentine’s Day drink, My Bloody Valentine, available for sipping this holiday.  Priced at $14, this libation is made from a combination of Rye Whiskey, Blood Orange Juice, Chinato, Clove Syrup and rimmed with a mixture of Campari Crystals, Crushed Coco Nibs and Demerara Sugar.  Hank’s Valentine’s Day menu is available exclusively Monday and Tuesday evenings throughout the month of February at the DC location only.  For more information visit www.hanksrestaurants.com. 

Situated just a block from the White House, the Oval Room, located at 800 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 20006, is offering a three-course menu priced at $85 per person (tax or gratuity not included).  Chef Tony Conte is preparing a special Valentine’s Day tasting menu with uniquely inspired dishes such as Crudo of Maine Sea Scallops with pickled Rose, Celery and Black Truffle; Spaghetti Flavored with Jalapeno and Smoked Uni Carbonara; American Wagya Rib Eye with Carrots, Coffee and Cardamom, as well as Japanese Red Snapper with Reuben Sandwich Garnishes.  For dessert, a Vanilla Almond Ice Cream Bon Bon is just one of the many options to choose from.  For reservations please call (202) 463-8700.

This February, Legal Sea Foods is hitting the ‘sweet spot’ with chocolate. Located in bustling Penn Quarter at 704 7^th Street, NW, 20001, Legal Sea Foods features the Ultimate Chocolate Ecstasy, a tasting flight of three one-ounce pours of cream liqueurs including Bailey’s Irish Caramel Cream Liqueur, Godiva Chocolate Cream Liqueur and Bailey’s Irish Chocolate Mint Cream Liqueur.  Priced at $10.95, this decadent treat is the perfect end to a meal (inclusive of fresh oysters of course!) or a great nightcap after a show. To make reservations at the Penn Quarter Legal Sea Foods, please call (202) 347–0007.  Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 11 AM- 11 PM; Friday through Saturday 11 AM-12 midnight and Sunday 12 PM- 10 PM. Legal Sea Foods is located across from the Verizon Center and is accessible by the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro. 

Rasika, located at 633 D Street, NW, 20004, with exotic and sophisticated décor offers diners a romantic ambience to enjoy Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam’s specially crafted Valentine’s Day menu.  A four-course menu priced at $85 (tax, beverages and gratuity excluded) and will be available in the main dining room from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Wine pairings will also be available for an additional $45 per person (tax and gratuity not included).  A three-course $55 per person menu (tax and gratuity not included) will also be available in the 16-seat lounge area.  Valet parking is available for $8.  For reservations or additional information please call (202) 637-1222 or visit http://www.rasikarestaurant.com/.

At 1789 Restaurant, one of Washington’s most romantic restaurants in charming Georgetown, Executive Chef Anthony Lombardo will be offering a four-course tasting menu for $65 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity), including a delicious dessert of warm Red Velvet Donuts for two. The Valentine’s Day dinner can also be ordered paired with 1789’s selection of wines for $90 a person, excluding tax and gratuity.  With complimentary valet parking, 1789 Restaurant on 1226 36^th Street, NW, is a must for intimate dining and reservations can be made by calling (202) 965-1789.  For additional information please visit www.1789Restaurant.com. 

Indulge this Valentine’s Day weekend in a special four course prix fixe menu at RIS in the West End.  Created by legendary Chef/Owner Ris Lacoste, the dinner includes Lobster Bisque, a classic fried Scallop, Filet of Beef and a delectable Chocolate and Raspberry Crème Brulee.  RIS is also offering either wine or beer pairings for each course.  Pricing/Reservations: $65 per person; $95 with pairings. Reservations are recommended and can be made at www.risDC.com or by calling 202.730.2500.

Zaytinya, located at 701 9^th Street, NW, 20001, will offer a variety of Mediterranean specials for lovers to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.  These sweetheart specials will be in addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu and priced between $6.50 and $15 each.  Menu highlights include Butternut Hommus with Tahini, Garlic and Crispy Pumpkin Seeds; Astakomakaronada: Main Lobster with Macaroni Gratin, Preserved Tomato and Lobster Cream; Blood Orange Portakali Salatsi with Shaved Fennel, Olives, Feta, Arugula and Blood Oranges, as well as Beef Tenderloin Adana Kebab: Beef Tenderloin Wrapped in Spiced Adana Kebab Farce, Tahini, Potato Puree and Sumac Onion Rings.  For reservations and additional information please call (202) 638-0800.  The complete Valentine’s Day menu is available at http://www.zaytinya.com/index.php/about/calendar/valentines_day_at_zaytinya1/.

Photo by Duane Heaton