Be Mine, Valentine

Originally uploaded to flickr by purpleapple428

Love it, hate it, one thing’s for sure: you can’t escape it. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you’re counting down the days until Cupid’s arrival, hopefully you’re planning to celebrate Hill style.

You know the drill with restaurant reservations on Valentine’s Day. If you haven’t made one already, you might be out of luck, but its worth calling your favorite place to check – aka beg – for a reservation that isn’t at 5pm. Hank’s Oyster Bar (insert your own joke about aphrodisiacs here) is offering a variety of Valentine’s Day specials in addition to their regular menu. Featured items will include oysters Rockefeller and a steamed lobster for two. Hank’s has added some specialty cocktails to their already stellar drink menu, named after “famous couples who fight”, including Peg & Al Bundy and Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor. Drinks are $11 or you can “make it a couple” for $20. Reservations accepted.

The Atlas Room will be serving their full menu. The dining room is full and the bar area will be walks ins only. Pound will have a six course tasting menu dinner for $55 per person and wine pairings will be available for $25 per person.

It may seem unoriginal, but you generally can’t go wrong if you show up with flowers. Stop by Surroundings or Ginkgo Gardens to pick up an arrangement, or consider a potted plant of Orchid or Jasmine that will bloom long past the 14^th.

If you’re in the market for an edible bouquet, Edible Arrangements on Pennsylvania Ave SE is your place (just make sure you get one of the chocolate dipped varieties!) Speaking of, chocolate is another fail safe option (unless your sweetie is one of those rare people who doesn’t like chocolate, in which case buy some for yourself) Godiva or Neuhas Chocolatier at Union Station have some delicious options.

The Sweet Lobby and Hello Cupcake will have no shortage of business this week, so arrive early to make sure your favorite cupcake and macaroon flavors are available.

For something less traditional, how about a gift card to Release the Blowdry Bar on H St? The lady in your life is sure to love an afternoon spent getting her hair blown out while enjoying a cup of tea or a glass of champagne. And maybe throw in a massage? There are several options on the Hill, including at Results, which is advertising for Valentine’s day.

Don’t forget your four legged friends. Something from Metro Mutts & Howl to the Chief will make the day extra sweet for your pet.

Happy Valentine’s Day however you decide to celebrate!