DC Life: Be my Foodie Valentine
DC
,
DC Life
,
DC Restaurants
,
foodie
,
Valentine's Day
Washington, DC is known for politics, which is far from romantic. However, there is plenty to do in the city during the international day of love. For me, Valentine's Day is not only about romantic dinners but about celebrating with those you love whether it is your significant other, family or friends. That being said, I did a little research about what's hot (and delicious) for Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day Solo: Why stay at home with Netflix when you can meet interesting people via Bookalokal? Bookalokal is hosting several special events for Valentine's Day, from chocolate making to carnival. The carnival themed Carna-val...entine dinner of local chef and hostess Aisha at the DC food incubator, Eats Place sounds like a deliciously fun event. The menu highlights: caviar deviled eggs and pecan tarts. Bookalokal dinners are usually composed of strangers getting together for a meal. Who knows? You may find a sweetheart there! I've actually met couples who met at a Bookalokal dinner!
Valentine's Day Brunch: Want to show mom and dad some love on Valentine's Day? Do you have small kids at home and a hard time finding a late night babysitter? Brunch is a fun alternative. One of my favorite restaurants, Art and Soul (where the Dutchman took me the night he proposed, so I love this place) is adding a special brunch with red velvet pancakes and chocolate waffles.
 |
| Airlie |
Valentine's Day Escape: Want to escape the madness of the city? Head to the country to Airlie, a country estate in Warrenton, VA. The country themed rooms and gardens will transport you to the English countryside without having to hop on a plane. During Valentine's Day, there will be a special menu by Airlie Culinary Director Jeff Witte and Executive Chef Jeremy Anderson with wine pairings by master winemaker Doug Fabbioli. Packages with dinner start at $369.
Girls' Valentine's Day: Why do couples get to have all the fun? On Friday, February 13th STK, one of DC's newest hot spots (check out SpicyCandyDC New Year's Eve story) will be offering a special menu and complimentary round of prosecco for the ladies. Put on your DVF and strap on your Ferragamos for a fabulous night out with the girls.
 |
| Scallops at Hank's Oyster Bar |
Valentine's Day for the Seafood Lovers: They say seafood is great for seduction, especially oysters! What better place to get in the mood than at one of my faves, Hank's Oyster Bar. The chefs at all three locations are creating a unique tasting menu for their guests and special cocktails for the evening.
Valentine's Day for the Spa Lovers: The Mandarin Oriental in DC Spa is offering sweethearts a chance to escape with a Valentine Couples Retreat. Couples can book a private suite which includes an 80-minute Massage using Mandarin Oriental’s signature oils, a Moroccan Oil Scalp Massage and chocolate-covered strawberries with champagne. If February 14th is not a good date, there's good news! The offer is valid for the whole month of February, starts at $420, and includes valet parking. Tip: Ask for a room with a view of the Jefferson Memorial.
Valentine's Day Staycation: Loews Madison Hotel has "Love on M Street" package. It includes private car service from the airport, Champagne at arrival, flowers in the room, breakfast, and my favorite part: dinner at the chef's table at Rural Society, one of DC's most popular restaurants. Also, make sure to take advantage of the Fiat complimentary car ride offered by the hotel to see the romantic sites of the city. Tip: The National Mall at night is quite romantic and less crowded!
 |
| Rural Society |
Valentine's Day for the Foodies: The Blue Duck Tavern, at the Park Hyatt Washington is offering a delicious four-course menu served family-style (what is more romantic than sharing!), created by newly appointed Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche and Chef de Cuisine Brad Deboy. The dinner is priced at $95 per person (exclusive of beverage, tax and gratuity) or $140 per person with the carefully selected wine pairing for each course (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Tip: To easily reserve a table at these restaurants, head to OpenTable for a hassle free reservation (you can even book flowers and car service!).
Valentine's Day on a Budget: There's no shame in a cheap Valentine's Day! I know this because I just bought a home! What ever happened to simple dates like dinner and a movie? The new ArcLight Cinemas in Bethesda has assigned seating and a delicious café with a full cocktail menu (think Cosmos at the movies) and delicious bites to include tuna tartare and cheese plates. When I sampled the menu I fell in love with the movies again.
Valentine's Day on a Budget: There's no shame in a cheap Valentine's Day! I know this because I just bought a home! What ever happened to simple dates like dinner and a movie? The new ArcLight Cinemas in Bethesda has assigned seating and a delicious café with a full cocktail menu (think Cosmos at the movies) and delicious bites to include tuna tartare and cheese plates. When I sampled the menu I fell in love with the movies again.
 |
| Eno Wine Bar |
 |
| Brownie at Home |
Valentines Day at Home: Are you on a budget? Can't find a babysitter? Are you a homebody? How about impressing the person that you love with a lovely home cooked meal? Head to CookIn/DineOut blog for some delicious recipes and food inspiration for your sweetheart. Andrew, the amazing cook behind the blog recommends baking a delicious homemade brownie for your sweetheart.
Valentines Day for the Chocolate Lover: This event is great for a group of friends (what better love than the family you choose). At the Sofitel in Washington, DC the pastry chef will be creating desserts made with Valrhona, a premium French chocolate maker. A Valrhona ambassador will be there to guide guests through a global tour of chocolate. The experience is $40 per person.
 |
Our Wedding in Barcelona |
I am a big believer that there is a lot of love shared through food. My first loves, my parents, made me fall in love with food as a kid. From my mom's rice crispy treats to my dad's thanksgiving dinner, it was all made with love. Some of my favorite memories with my friends are of long nights sitting at the dinner table talking about life. I fell in love with my husband when he made homemade risotto for me. To me, food is love.
CONVERSATION