Restaurants Serve Valentine’s Day Specials
Valentine’s Day brings couples together for a romantic meal for two, and the DMV has a variety of dining options for lovebirds. Some are also offering dinner with other singles for those bitten by love. We’ve put together this extensive list of Valentine’s Day specials in the DMV. Unless otherwise noted, the following specials are offered on Saturday, Feb. 14. Reservations are recommended.
1789 Restaurant, 1226 36th St. NW, is serving a six-course tasting menu from 5-11 p.m. for $105 per person or $150 with wine pairings that includes potato bavarois with Champagne cream, duck egg and American sturgeon caviar; Japanese A5 Wagyu tataki with pickled pearl onions, smoked parmesan foam and bonito; bucatini with niçoise olives, cherry tomato, boquerones, panko bread crumbs and burnt lemon ash; Florida red snapper with littleneck clams, shishito peppers and house-made bacon; and short rib with spaetzle, roasted chestnuts and heirloom cauliflower. For dessert, guests will enjoy Valrhona chocolate profiteroles with cocoa nibs, dulce de leche, hot fudge and Stumptown coffee ice cream.
701 Restaurant, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will offer couples an $85 three-course tasting menu with a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. The menu includes tuna crudo with pineapple, wasabi and Asian pear; ricotta gnudi with kabocha squash, hazelnuts and black truffle; foie gras torchon with vanilla sour cherry marmalade and brioche; braised beef short ribs with Aligot potato puree, royal trumpet mushrooms and red wine jus; halibut with sweet potatoes, fennel and bouillabaisse broth, and roasted duck breast with pistachio puree, carrot, kumquat mostarda and vincotto. Dessert includes a choice of white chocolate panna cotta with lemon curd, beets and raspberries; cheesecake with peanut crunch and blackberry sorbet; and pear crisp with orange streusel, sour cherries and amaretto ice cream.The Valentine’s Day menu is available from 5-11 p.m.
Arcuri, 2400 Wisconsin Ave. NW, will offer a special a la carte menu from 5:30-10 p.m. The menu includes potato and leek ravioli with crème fraîche and American caviar; local dry-aged N.Y. strip for two with truffle potato gratin and roasted garlic, and whole roasted bronzino for two with fennel, Taggiasca olive and dill. End the meal on a sweet note with Valrhona chocolate mousse with candied blood orange. Prices range from $17- $34.
Agora, 1527 17th St. NW, is offering a four-course dinner from 5-11 p.m. for $59 per person. Choose from dishes such as seared scallops with saffron yogurt sauce; grilled large shrimp, head on with garlic and oregano; lobster salad with lobster, avocado and yuzu lemon vinaigrette; filet with wild mushrooms and pomegranate reduction; and sea bass served over white truffle polenta, garlic confit and tomato broth. For dessert, guests can enjoy the chocolate cup filled with chocolate mousse and raspberry coulis or Aegean Delight, walnut stuffed apricots over a vanilla bean and mascarpone cheese spread topped with caramel sauce and pistachios. Couples will also receive a complimentary glass of Champagne.
Ambar, 523 8th St, SE, will serve a four-course tasting menu with two options from 4-11 p.m.. Couples can enjoy traditional Balkan dishes. The first four-course option is priced at $55 and includes a choice of first selection, second selection, third selection and complimentary dessert. The second four-course option is priced at $75 and includes a wine pairing for each course selection as well as the option to select from the restaurant’s signature selection menu. Choices include creamy zucchini soup with zucchini, potato and sundried tomato; cheese pie with crispy phyllo, cucumber yogurt and a roasted red pepper sauce; cabbage casuela with braised cabbage, dry pepper, yogurt and lepinja; beef tenderloin with green peppercorn sauce, kajmak mash potato and asparagus; Balkan kebab with beef, pork, roasted pepper and aged cheese; or grilled duck breast with duck “cracklins,” orange saffron glazed onion and allspice jus. For dessert, couples have the choice of the four chocolates, dark chocolate biscuit, dark chocolate mousse, milk chocolate Chantilly, almond crumble and passion fruit espuma served with raspberry sorbet; or panna cotta, white chocolate panna cotta with strawberry yogurt and a hazelnut biscuit. Couples will receive a complimentary rose upon arrival.
Ardeo+Bardeo, 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, is offering a three-course prix fixe menu from 5-11:30 p.m. Diners will choose dishes starting with a caviar kiss with bellini custard, creme fraiche and chives amuse. Following the amuse, guests will choose from dishes such as hearts to hearts with baby beets, artichoke hearts, hearts of Palm and feta; braised veal breast with coconut polenta, aromatic bitters and pickled radish; petit filet mignon with truffle whipped potato, baby zucchini and a “ménage à trois” reduction; or orecchiette with melted burrata, rapini, tuscan kale and spinach crema. Dessert is To complete the dinner, couples will indulge in the restaurant’s sexy chocolate trio with death by chocolate cake served with tuxedo strawberry, chocolate pot de creme and white chocolate cashew ice cream.
Bibiana Osteria-Enoteca, 1100 New York Ave. NW, is offering a four-course prix fixe menu, which includes a choice of antipasti, primi, secondi and dessert tasting for two. Priced at $85 per person, the menu includes licorice scented veal sweetbreads with sunchoke puree and pickled fennel; burrata with creamy mozzarella, fried prosciutto balls and winter melon jam; beet and gorgonzola ravioli with Italian butter and poppy seeds; roasted ricotta crusted lamb chops with smashed fava and puntarella; classic emilia-romagna lasagna baked for two; and sugar smoked whole trout with braised rapini and guanciale vinaigrette. Dessert is designed to share and includes formaggio, La Tur with pear butter and roasted Piemontese hazelnuts; Sgroppino, prosecco sorbet with sparkling blood orange juice; and Per Due, chocolate, cappuccino and blood orange bonbons with zabaglione and raspberry sorbet. The special is available from 5:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
BLT Steak, 1625 I St. NW, is offering a three-course dinner for $85 from 5:30-11 p.m. on Feb. 13 and 14. The meal featuring dishes like sunchoke risotto with butter poached lobster and caviar froth; crispy oyster salad with grilled pork belly, soft poached egg and pine nut-jalapeno vinn; or foie gras stuffed quail with black truffles and pomegranate demi glace. The sharable Wagyu tomahawk is meant for two with apple gastrique and spaetzli; and for dessert, red forest black velvet cake with cherry ice cream and chocolate ganache or s’mores bread pudding with salted caramel ice cream. They are also featuring Cupid’s Flower cocktail with Champagne, blood orange liqueur, liqueur de violettes and cassis for $14 or enjoy Terra Valentine cabernet sauvignon for $16 a glass or $64 a bottle.
Bombay Club, 815 Connecticut Ave. NW, is offering a five-course, prix fixe menu from 5:30-11 p.m. for $85 per person. Begin with an amuse bouche of roasted pineapple corn saffron shorba followed by a chaat course and then a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Appetizers include goat keema pao with onion, ginger, tomato and garam masala; crab ki seekh with fennel, chili pepper and cashew; and khoya paneer with cheese, pomegranate, potato and black cumin. Entrées include duck pepper fry with green pepper, tomato and orange pulao; tandoori lobster with tomato, basil and garlic; adraki venison chop with ginger, yogurt and garam masala; and mustard fish curry with coconut, chili pepper and panch phoran. Dessert choices include dark chocolate mousse cake; strawberry kulfi and orange cardamom crème caramel.
Buffalo & Bergen, 1309 Fifth St. NE at Union Market, will introduce a sweetheart’s Old Fashioned board for two from 5-9 p.m. The flight of four full-sized cocktails will tell the story of most relationships and costs $40 each. The progression goes light and breezy, fiery and passionate, a little bitter and finishes with lasting sweetness. Each flight will be served on a keepsake wooden plank with cocktail stain artwork. At the end of the date the couple will be given a sharpie to write what they wish to memorialize this special occasion. The board is theirs to keep and can be preserved with linseed oil and used in the future for cheese and charcuterie or anything they like.
Central Michel Richard, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, is offering a three-course dinner for two for $100 or $160 with wine pairings on Feb. 13 and 14. The dishes are also available a la carte. The three-courses to share include, starter Hamachi-salmon sashimi platter for two with avocado and yuzu dressing; rack of lamb entrée for two with haricots verts, pomme noisette and garlic-lamb jus; and for dessert a chocolate-raspberry “heart.”
City Tap House, 901 9th St. NW, will host an Allagash Brewing Co. sour ale dinner. Singles and couples will be able to enjoy a four-course, prix fixe menu priced at $54 per person or $75 with suggested beer pairings. The menu begins with spruce smoked steelhead salmon salad with roasted butternut squash, chicory, pickled shallots and a Sherry-crème fraîche vinaigrette paired with Allagash Fluxus 2014 Bière de Miel. Next is the crispy Berkshire pork belly with Fuji apples, macadamia nut crumble, farm egg and Lambic sauce paired with Allagash Farm to Face, followed by Angus beef tenderloin and lobster with sea salt fingerling potatoes, broccolini and foie gras hollandaise paired with Allagash Sixteen Counties. For dessert, guests can enjoy a dark chocolate tart with sour cherry sauce and vanilla gelato paired with Allagash Nancy. The special will be available from 5-10:30 p.m. The four-course prix fixe menu must be ordered for the entire table.
Copperwood Tavern, 4021 Campbell Ave., Shirlington, will serve its a la carte menu on Valentine’s Day. Couples dining between 5-10 p.m. will receive a free chocolate covered strawberry after dinner.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 801A 9th St. NW, will offer a la carte menu with a Cuban twist from 4-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Dishes include mushroom ceviche, a trio of seasonal wild mushrooms marinated in citrus, blackened chiles and tomatoes served with tropical chips; ham and brie croquettes served with mustard BBQ sauce; spinach and manchego buñuelos, manchego cheese and spinach puffs served with goat cheese-ranch sauce and organic olive oil; lechón asado, slow roasted marinated pulled pork, classic sour orange mojo served with amarillo chile smashed yuca and black bean broth served with vigorón slaw; and ropa vieja, classic Cuban shredded beef brisket stewed with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and red wine, served with maduros and steamed white rice. Two dishes will also be available for sharing and include seafood plancha mixta, Atlantic salmon, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi pinchos, jumbo shrimp, per green-lipped mussels on the half shell and baby octopus served with mojito salsa verde, red curry-mango sauce and salsa criolla, or the plato gaucho mixed grill, adobo-rubbed all natural black angus sirloin steak, chimichurri skirt steak, jumbo shrimp, herb marinated chicken breast and Spanish artisan chorizo sausage served with jalapeño chimichurri, Cuba Libre steak sauce and salsa criolla. Dessert, is a tapas trio featuring mini versions of house-made Cuban flan, chocolate torte and tres leches.
Daikaya, 705 6th St. NW, will serve an a la carte menu from 5 p.m.-midnight. Valentine’s Day specials include bay scallops with passion fruit, white soy and mustard oil; uni shots, sea urchin, shiso, quail egg in a sweet soy bonito broth; Wagyu beef “sashimi” with onion dressing and crispy potato; slow roasted sweet potato with miso butter; and seasonal mushroom in a teapot with shrimp, chicken and dandelion greens. Prices for specials range from $7-$18. Couples will receive free rose petal tempura and Nama chocolate.
The Daily Dish, 8301A Grubb St., Silver Spring, is offering an Unhappy Hour at the bar from 3:30-6:30 p.m. with Flying Dog Raging Bitch & Snake Dog ($4); Suffering Bastard Cocktail ($5) and the “I don’t care what my breath is like…because I’ll be talking to myself” olives and pickled garlic ($5); anchovy butter and crostini ($6); and blue cheese dip with garlic pita ($7). From 5:30-9:30 p.m., they will offer a $45 prix fixe dinner for lovebirds in the restaurant and will cater to singletons at the bar with drinks including the Bitter Betty Martini with Sloop Betty vodka, dry vermouth, orange bitters and orange peel ($12.50); Love on the Rocks with Grand Marnier, raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice and lime, bitters ($14) and blood orange margarita with fresh blood oranges, Jose Cuervo 1800, Cointreau and fresh lime juice ($12.50). The a la carte menu at the bar includes the Consciously Uncoupled, vegan lentil patty topped with beef short rib ($12); Lipstick on a Pig with pork belly, charred red beets and blood orange gastrique ($10); In a Pickle salad with house pickled vegetables with caper vinaigrette ($9); You’re Not My Lobster, lobster filled ravioli ($22 for three of them, to make sharing difficult); and Love Stinks, a platter of stinky cheeses with house-made jams, chutneys, pickles and baguette with a sharp knife ($15). Dessert items include Love is Bitter(sweet), a bittersweet chocolate pot de crème ($6) and You and Tequila Make Me Crazy, a shot of Corralejo tequila.
Del Campo, 777 I St. NW, is serving a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $120 per person from 5-11 p.m.
El Centro D.F., 1819 14th St. NW and 1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW, will serve a four-course prix fixe menu priced at $45 from 5-11 p.m. The regional Mexican menu includes popular traditional guacamole with tomato, onion and chile serrano; huitlacoche empanadas with mushroom empanadas, roasted corn, Oaxaca cheese, rajas and creamy salsa verde; chile-lime BBQ prawn skewers with Mexican slaw and chipotle aioli; steak alambre with crab, bacon, poblano, Oaxaca cheese and refried pinto beans; or beer battered lobster tacos with Mexican slaw, cilantro rice, corn tortillas and pickled jalapeño. For dessert, couples will have the option of Mexican classics like banana tres leches with passion fruit sauce and toasted soft meringue; churros with chipotle caramel and canela spiced chocolate; and flan with Mexican custard, caramel and pineapple-strawberry pico. Couples will receive free rose.
Et Voila!, 5120 MacArthur Blvd. NW, will feature specials in addition to their regular a la carte dinner menu from Feb. 13-15 priced from $16.92-$32. Dishes include cannelloni of crab with avocado cream and mint; beef oxtail with onion petals and whisky served with foie gras and Chantilly cream; duo of beef, crispy braised short rib and beef loin served in a cassolette with mushrooms, Swiss chard and barolo sauce; and North Carolina prawns served with lobster pappardelle, artichokes, Taggiasca olives and marjolaine. For dessert there is a duo dessert made for sharing: a chocolate biscuit with raspberry ganache and Chantilly litchi, and a chocolate biscuit with rum ganache and chantilly cream infused with a cigar.
Fainting Goat, 1330 U St. NW, will serve a Broken Heart brunch with bottomless Goat Mosas and Bloody Goats from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dishes include the “It’s Not You, It’s Me” soft scrambled eggs with goat cheese, avocado and roasted cauliflower; “I Thought We Were in an Open Relationship” eggs in a basket with jamon serrano and red eye gravy; “Let’s Just Be Friends” sunny side egg with chicken and potato hash; and “We Were On A Break” lobster quiche with leeks and fontina cheese. Brunch entrees range from $8-$14 and bottomless drinks are $15.
G by Mike Isabella, 2201 14th St. NW, is serving a five-course San Valentino tasting menu with Italian-inspired aphrodisiacs on Feb. 13 and 14. Cost is $65 per person with an optional beverage pairing for $39 per person or a premium beverage pairing for $59 per person. The menu includes salumi and buffalo mozzarella, veal heart tartare with crostino, capers and tonnato and passion fruit bruleed oysters with lemongrass and gingers, spicy lobster amatriciana with chittar, caviar and guanciale; and roasted duck to share with farrotto, rainbow swiss chard and romesco. For dessert, choose between Nutella zeppoli or banana bourbon mousse.
Graffiato, 707 6th St. NW, will serve a tasting menu with dishes designed to serve two including charred octopus hot pot and Boston cream zeppole for $65 per person. The menu items are also available a la carte until 8 p.m.
Jack Rose Dining Saloon, 2007 17th St. NW, will serve a three-course dinner in the dining saloon for $45 per person starting at 5 p.m. and an alternative Valentine’s Day party on the terrace beginning at 5:30 p.m. In the dining room, the special three-course menu includes chicken confit perlou, grilled half lobster with house-made fettucine, and apple-cranberry cobbler. On the terrace, Jack Rose will partner with Capitol Standard magazine for QLIKD, a Valentine’s Day party where men will get a complimentary grooming service from Roosters of Georgetown and ladies can enjoy a braid bar by Haute 202 Salon. Guests can purchase VIP tickets for $15 to enjoy specialty craft cocktails featuring whiskey sponsor Glenfiddich. General admission is free and the event is open to the public. To purchase tickets, visit qlikd.eventbrite.com. Jack Rose’s saloon, Dram & Grain, will serve a romance-themed cocktail tasting for two with six cocktails for $85 per couple from 6:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Kapnos, 2201 14th St. NW, is offering an a la carte menu with holiday specials was well as a selection of premium Champagnes by the glass or bottle. An optional chef’s tasting menu is available for $65 per person and a Valentine’s Day tasting menu for $85 per person.
Legal Sea Foods’ four DMV locations will have Valentine’s specials on their menu. Specials include Jonah crab claws; braised king crab legs with Grand Marnier, orange, and garlic butter; sherry garlic braised king crab and sirloin steak with tomato cipollini onion jam; and chocolate ganache flourless cake. Valentine’s Day specials are priced from $7.95-$49.95. the 704 7th St. NW location will serve from 11 a.m.-midnight; Tysons Galleria from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 2301 Jefferson Davis Hwy in Crystal City from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and National Hall at Ronald Reagan National Airport from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Lupo Verde, 1401 T St. NW, will be offering a San Valentino pre fixe menu from 5-11 p.m. priced at $65 per person. Choices include vongole croccanti, potato crusted clams with chicory veloute; ravioli rossi, tomato ravioli stuffed with seafood ragu and parmigiano cream; and rombo piccante, halibut with white bean and nduja sofritto, and grilled green onions. For dessert, tortino al cuore di fragola e cioccolato picante, chocolate cake with vanilla cream and a warm strawberry heart, will be served with a Vin Santo dessert wine pairing.
Mango Tree, 929 H St. NW, will offer a prix fixe menu designed for sharing from 5 p.m.-midnight for $150 per couple. The menu features wild pepper leaf wrap served with Thai condiments and sweet tamarind sauce; fresh caught seafood platter; and tom yum fried rice. For dessert, couples will enjoy a chocolate ginger mousse with ginger meringue, coffee reduction and a graham crumb. Add the Bangkok seduction with beefeater gin, fresh lemongrass, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, fresh strawberry and Champagne for $12.
Mari Vanna, 1141 Connecticut Ave. NW, is serving a prix-fixe caviar dinner. Guest can choose one cold appetizer, one hot appetizer and one hot entrée for $125 or $150 depending on the caviar choice. Cold appetizer options include Olivier, Vinegret or herring. Hot appetizers include red caviar bilinis ($125) or black caviar bilinis ($150). Entrees include chicken tabaka, chicken kiev, sea bass, salmon, beef kebob or beef stroganoff. Diners will receive a free bottle of Champagne and dessert.
Masa 14, 1825 14th St. NW, will offer three dinner plates and dessert for $65 per person from 5 p.m.-midnight. Featured dishes include ahi tuna tartar with chile pasilla, red onion, egg, caper Chinese mustard and won ton crisps; truffled scallop roll with seared scallop, spicy crab, asparagus and white truffle; seared lamb porterhouse with harissa demi, fingerling potato, kale and golden raisin chutney; or roasted lobster tail with chimichurri, preserved lemon beurre blanc, jasmine rice and shaved vegetables. Dessert choices include chocolate terrine Masa 14 with triple-layered deep chocolate brownie cake with dark, milk and white chocolate and black plum sauce, or carrot cake with chile de árbol frosting and spiced pear butter.
Mio Restaurant, 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, will offer a 14-course tasting menu at the two-seat chef’s counter showcasing the best of Puerto Rican inspired cuisine. Executive chef Roberto Hernandez will cook for the couple, who can watch the preparations and activities in the bustling kitchen. Seating are available at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday The prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu at the chef’s counter menu is $150 per couple and includes a bottle of sparkling rose. The restaurant will also have a special three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s menu available throughout the dining room. Guests will have the choice of cebada y longaniza with spicy Puerto Rican pork sausage, barley and escarole stew; gnocchi jíbaro, broiled malanga gnocchi with cured ham, goat cheese and creamy “criolla” sauce; maricos con coco y limón, a local seafood mélange with green plantain dumplings, baby fenne, and a lemongrass coconut broth, or ratatoullie de berenjena with seasonal squash, tomato and eggplant ratatouille, and shaved reggiano. Desserts include dulce de lechoza y queso crema with preserved papaya, cream cheese mousse and soda crackers, or chocolate y maní, chocolate and peanut butter mousse. The prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu in the dining room is priced at $65 per person.
Nage Bistro, I600 Rhode Island Ave. NW, will offer a three-course menu showcasing Southern favorites. Priced at $55, the meal offers oyster Rockefeller, Charleston she crab soup, hamachi crudo, 45-day dry aged loin of beef, lobster crab cakes and pappardelle al pesto di noci, hand-cut pappardelle served with walnut pesto, basil and tomato confit. To complete the meal, dessert options include coffee and cigarettes, Stumptown Coffee infused crème brûlée; ménage a trois, white chocolate cheesecake served with chocolate dipped strawberries and hot chocolate; banana split, ember roasted banana, peanut butter, salted caramel and smoked vanilla ice creams served with hot fudge sauce; and strawberries & champagne with étoile gelée, strawberries and Champagne cream.
Nopa Kitchen + Bar, 800 F St. NW, will offer a three-course prix fixe menu including an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a complimentary glass of sparkling rose wine for $75 per person from 5:30-11 p.m. The menu offers a selection of starters such as Chioggia beet and blood orange salad with mache, citrus yogurt, pistachios and saba; stuffed beef tongue roulade, quail, pork cheek, foie gras, watercress and minus 8 red wine jus; slow roasted porchetta with Carolina gold rice grits, chichcarrones, pickled kale and hedgehog mushrooms, and butter poached Maine lobster stew with red prawns, mussels, clams, leeks, Skuna caviar and fennel. For dessert, guests will receive a Valentine’s Day dessert sampler prepared with chocolate pave with crème parisienne; blood orange sherbert with cocoa nib meringue and a raspberry ganache with amaretto mousse.
The Oval Room, 800 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20006, is offering a three-course prix fixe menu with optional wine parings from 5:30-10 p.m. Priced at $85 per person or $125 with wine pairings, couples can enjoy a romantic dinner with appetizer, entrée and dessert. The menu features dishes such as pheasant ravioli with consommé, black truffle, and gold leaf; burrata with globe artichokes, cucumber and a Meyer lemon vinaigrette; crispy lobster with celery root, compressed apple, and spiced orange caramel; or braised pork cheeks with crispy pig ears, creamed cabbage and whiskey jus. For dessert, options include dark chocolate cake with strawberry crémeux and bubbles of champagne, or rose red velvet cake with winter citrus cream cheese.
Rasika West End, 1190 New Hampshire Ave. NW, and Rasika Penn Quarter are featuring a four-course menu priced at $85 per person or $125 with wine pairings from 5-11 p.m. Dinner begins with an amuse bouche of sweet potato samosa with cranberry chutney followed by a choice of first course, second course, entrée and dessert.
Redwood, 7121 Bethesda Lane on Bethesda Row in Bethesda, will serve a four-course dinner for $68 with optional wine pairings for an additional $29 from 5:30-11 p.m. on Feb. 13, 5-11 p.m. on Feb. 14 and 5-9 p.m. on Feb 15. Dishes include Malpeque oysters on the half shell with Champagne mignonette and Tabasco gellee; grilled octopus salad with radicchio, cress, chickpeas and white balsamic vinaigrette; T-bone lamb chops with farro salad, dried apricot, toasted almond and pomegranate jus; and seared tuna with baby bok choy, charred pineapple, tamari, glass noodles and sweet chili vinaigrette. Finish with a choice of desserts including red velvet cheesecake and orange-scented white chocolate mousse.
Rosa Mexicano with locations in Penn Quarter, Chevy Chase and National Harbor, will serve a four-course prix fixe menu featuring a selection of Rosa classics complemented by specials including the Rosa Royale with sparkling cava, fresh pomegranate juice, Cointreau and agave nectar. Guests can begin with the restaurant’s signature tableside guacamole en molcajete, followed by the choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Dishes include flautas de langosta, two crispy tortillas filled with lobster and potatoes, served with chile de arbol salsa; ceviche de camarones, wild shrimp marinated in citrus with avocado, jalapeno, cucumber, jicama, mint, chile de arbol and tomatoes; chile poblano relleno, roasted poblano chile filled with goat cheese, grilled chayote, sautéed mushrooms and brown rice served over salsa ranchera, salsa verde, grilled asparagus and queso fresco; beef short rib enchiladas, zarape-style layers of chipotle braised beef short rib, soft corn tortillas and mestizo sauce topped with crema, cilantro, pickled habanero onion and queso fresco; and shrimp and scallop brochette, grilled wild jumbo shrimp and scallops served over cilantro-mint short grain brown rice with roasted tomato-jalapeño caper sauce. Desserts include churros en bolsa, traditional Mexican doughnuts served with chocolate, caramel and raspberry guajillo dipping sauces; or buñuelos rellenos, deep-fried vanilla ice cream coated in cinnamon buñuelo crust and served with whipped cream and raspberry guajillo sauce.
Second State, 1831 M St. NW, will serve couples a complimentary glass of Champagne to sip while ordering from the four-course prix fixe menu served with a paired glass of wine and a choice of sides for $79.99 per person from 5-10 p.m. Dishes include root beer braised short ribs over parsnip and garlic confit puree; puree of sweet butternut squash with a touch of cream and vanilla; roasted chicken breasts basted with brown ale butter; and fried Brussel sprouts with crispy shallots, bacon and maple-mustard vinaigrette. For dessert, there is a choice of pecan pie, stout brownies, shoofly pie and homemade ice cream.
Soi 38, 2101 L St. NW, is serving a Thai chili tasting menu for $45 per person from 3-10:30 p.m. With courses broken down into types of chilis, guests can explore the spicy peppers that give Thai food its intensely spicy kick. Beginning with green chilis, guests can choose from prik tod, a crispy green chili stuffed with chicken and shrimp with a creamy sriracha dipping sauce or kuay tiew lui suan, a rice paper roll filled with minced chicken and shrimp, carrot, cucumber and fresh basil. Red chili dishes are next with a selection of panang goong, grilled shrimp, panang curry and kaffir lime leaves; or pad cha talay with fresh seafood, young peppercorns, rhizome and red chili sauce, followed by dry chilis highlighted in nam prik ong, a Thai spicy pork spread with shrimp paste, crispy pork skin, hard-boiled egg and sticky rice; and gaeng hang lay, slow-roasted pork belly, hang lay curry, fresh ginger and sticky rice. Finish a hand-painted heart-shaped look choup, a classic Thai dessert made of sweetened house-made yellow bean paste.
Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar, 223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will offer a special three-course dinner, complete with a complimentary glass of bubbly, a mid-meal intermezzo palate cleanser and a box of chocolate truffles to take home, plus optional wine pairings from 5-11 p.m. for $55 per person before 6:30 p.m. and $69 after. Wine pairing are available for $34 per person. Begin with his and hers cocktails, A Man’s World and Ain’t Nothing without a Woman. Then choose from dishes including pan-seared day boat scallops with melted leeks, crispy house-made chorizo and chorizo oil or smoked pork hearts with turnip puree, bourbon infused cherries and mustard greens. After a palate cleanser of house lemon sorbet, guests can enjoy entrée selections such as pan-roasted Canadian lobster with sweet potato puree, baby bok choy and coconut-lemongrass espuma or grilled Colorado lamb loin with white been puree and black olive lamb jus, followed by a dessert course of lemon curd tart with raspberry compote or chocolate bomb with passion fruit coulis.
Station 4, 1101 4th St. SW, will serve a three-course prix fixe menu paired with a bottle of Champagne for $170 per couple from 5-10:30 p.m. Dishes such as Belgian endives with pickled apples, watercress vinaigrette and mint; sweet Jesus oysters with chipotle-mezcal nage; rabbit bolognese with pappardelle, cardamon, carrot purée and black truffle pecorino cheese; seared tuna with ponzu compressed bok-choy, jasmine rice, Brussels sprout kimchi and coriander infused pineapple. For dessert, couples will have a choice of apple tart tatin with clotted cream and sharp cheddar cheese or chocolate soup with coconut meringue, orange and candied rose petals.
Sushiko, 5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase is a Valentine’s Day Omakase, a seven-course dinner. The menu consists of a Champagne toast, five original small dishes, a sushi course, and dessert. It is $140 per couple and will be served from noon-10:30 p.m.
Toro Toro, 1300 I St. NW, is offering a four-course prix fixe menu for $85 per person. Dishes include black truffle and salsify soup with celery root, black truffle, crispy shallots, piquillo pepper and pico de gallo; umami gnocchi with soy glaze, avocado, pickled red onion and shaved foie gras; aji marisol braised chile relleno with winter vegetables, poblano pepper and Oaxaca cheese; braised kale empanadas with manchego cheese, red pepper, cilantro and spicy tomatillo sauce; petite filet mignon; jumbo garlic shrimp; New Bedford sea scallops; and Cedar Creek prime ribeye. For dessert, couples will enjoy the white chocolate La Bomba with cream cheese mousse, passion fruit sorbet, chocolate, rose petals, cookie crumbs, strawberries and cream and dulce de leche ice cream with mixed berries, caramel and vanilla bean crème anglaise. Couples will receive a complimentary rose.
Ulah Bistro, 1214 U St. NW, will serve a three-course prix fixe menu from 5 p.m.-midnight for $100 per couple. Diners will enjoy lobster bisque soup with blood orange segments and sherry wine; late winter chicory salad with smoked scarmorza, oranges, marcona almonds and vincotto; pork shank for two with compressed apples, golden raisins, agro-dolce and wilted spinach or wild mushroom risotto with pickled cipollini, kale, white truffle oi, and taleggio cheese. For dessert, couples can indulge in desserts such as strawberry cheese cake with toasted almonds, strawberries and chocolate or chocolate and hazelnut mousse with berries and cream.
Vinoteca, 1940 11th St. NW, is serving a prix-fixe dinner with cocktails starting at 5 p.m. Meant to share, the San Valentino for two is made with Leyenda mezcal, Meletti amaro, Fernet, grapefruit juice and red wine ice cubes ($18), the Adam uses Bulleit rye, Cocchi Americano, Braulio amaro and house-made ginger beer ($14) and the Eve combines Paul Louis sparkling wine, Don Ciccio hibiscus liqueur, Montenegro amaro and cherry bark bitters ($13). The five-course dinner is $65 per person with an optional wine pairing for $30. Begin with a selection of snacks from the kitchen such as chocolate covered strawberries and stuffed dates with sweet ricotta and walnuts. The meal will continue with a choice of crudo dishes like beef carpaccio with rutabaga, caper and savory oat; or charred kale with apple, fennel, red onion, feta and pumpkin seed vinaigrette, followed by a secondi course with selections such as arancini with braised bison and mushroom ragout and gnocchi with cheese and pea shoots. Entrées will include savory choices like duck with roasted squash grits, golden raisin, almond, soft-poached egg and hot sauce; and a vegetarian option of roasted cauliflower and mushrooms with saffron risotto and goat cheese. Desserts include beet and strawberries with chocolate ice cream, blueberries and chestnuts; or tres leches cake with banana-chocolate ice cream.
Zengo, 781 7th Str. NW, will serve a prix fixe three-course menu priced at $59 per person from 5 p.m.-midnight. Choices include lobster fritters with roasted corn, rajas and aji Amarillo tartar sauce; tuna titadito with ponzu, avocado, fresno, cilantro and sesame; wok seared scallops with bacon, sushi rice, corn, yuzu Sriracha aioli, kabayaki, scallions and cilantro; or hoisin barbeque Colorado lamb chops served with a Chinese mustard potato puree and sweet tomato chutney. For desserts, guests can choose Asian pear empanada with warm cajeta, dulce de leche ice cream and sesame; Mexican chocolate tart with cocoa nibs, cinnamon whip and chile ancho anglaise; or passion fruit sorbet with Mexican wedding cookies. Couples will receive a complimentary rose.
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.