Here's Where To Make Your Last Minute Valentine's Day 2015 Plans In Washington, DC
Just when we thought we'd finished out list for Valentine's Day, we came across a few other ideas we just had to share. Yes, there is still time to make plans, which is why we've put together this short supplement to our other two Valentine's Day roundups. Be sure to make a reservation, remember that prices don't include tax or gratuity, and we recommend you check the menu offerings when you make your reservation because menus are subject to change.
Bourbon Steak at Four Seasons Hotel
If in past years, you tried wooing your favorite guy or gal with expensive gifts, spa treatments, dinner out, or hotel stays and nothing worked, maybe you should try a love potion (or two). This Saturday, February 14, Bourbon Steak's lead bartender, Duane Sylvestre, and Buttercream Bakeshop executive chef and owner, Tiffany MacIsaac, have planned a sweets and spirits class called "Love Potions" and it may help you win the heart of someone special. The event is $60 per person, not including tax and gratuity, and is held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. so the potions has just enough time to work its magic for the romance to come later that evening. As a welcome, guests will be treated to MacIsaac's freshly baked scones and biscuits followed by demonstrations on baking macarons and marshmallows as well as lessons how to prepare complementary cocktails. Sylvestre will teach guests the art of pairing cocktails and food, and everyone will be sent home with sweet treats and recipes for fun desserts and cocktails. Make reservations by calling (202) 944-2026.
Ripple
Since it opened, Ripple has been a darling of food-lovers and cocktail mavens since it opened and for Valentine's Day executive chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley has created a four-course prix fixe menu for $85 per person. Her menu is a refreshing blend of handmade goodies that highlight what's locally produced and in season, with interjections of classic French and Italian culinary influences. The dishes are tempting like the house made ricotta with smoked fingerling and sweet potato puree; black winter truffle risotto with Parmesan-Reggiano, truffle butter, and shaved black truffles ($20 supplement); crispy skin branzino with panisse, blood orange, and fennel; and Greek yogurt panna cotta with rose water and pistachios.
Roofers Union
If you just can't resist the urge to dress up in costume before Mardi Gras why not go to a costume party for Valentine's Day? Roofers Union is hosting a masquerade party with an open bar featuring free flowing cocktails, craft brews, and wine from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. For entertainment, other than your costume of course, Jonny Grave and the Tombstones will perform live. Partygoers are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, so grab your disguise, your lover, and party all night. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased online.
Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro
Treat someone special this Valentine's Day: book a stay for February 13 or 14 at The Westin Reston Heights and make a reservation at Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro. Chef John Michael Hamlet has a way with meat and seafood, so your meal is sure to be inspiring. He is serving an excellent five-course prix fixe dinner for $90 per person, or $135 with wine pairings (which we highly recommend). The wines are perfectly suited to tasty morsels like parsnip soup with crabmeat and pomegranate; seared foie gras with bacon jam; seared halibut with mini cornbread and shrimp pot pie; and veal Châteaubriand with butternut squash, basil gnocchi, and grilled figs. Decadent desserts include a variation on raspberries three ways: semifreddo, sorbet, and soup; and a dark chocolate and grapefruit torte. Vegetarian courses are available upon request.
Summer Whitford is the D.C. City Guide Editor at The Daily Meal and the DC Wine Examiner. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva.