Yes, friends, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend. Many of you over on Instagram stories and Twitter are divided on liking a day that celebrates Valentine of Rome, who was definitely martyred but whose origin story is a little confusing. It’s peculiar to celebrate someone’s gruesome deathday, but hey! It marks the days that go by. Enough of Valentine: Let me wish you a very happy Lunar New Year of the Ox, full of prosperity, health and wealth.
By now you probably have made some sort of Valentine’s or Lunar New Year plan, but if you haven’t, I have you covered. Over on Instagram stories, a reader was wondering where to get sesame balls for today and many of you chimed in with answers. Panda Gourmet, Da Hong Pao and Maketto were all close-in places suggested (Maketto— can you confirm? At least I know you can get your Lunar New Year feast from them here). If you know of a place that sells them, give us a holler at info@thehillishome.com
The Smithsonian is doing a Lunar New Year Celebration online tomorrow and you’re invited! There will be a dragon dance, art, and more. Click here to register for the different programs.
Back to Valentine’s, a few specials from restaurants who’ve been tagging us on social media or sharing:
The Duck and the Peach is offering an amazing Valentine’s package you can order right here. OR! You can get a preview of The Wells’ cocktails!
Shilling Canning has mimosa kits, an amazing-sounding duck breast, champagne and all manner of other Valentine’s goodies. Order here.
You still have time to order Cafe Berlin‘s Valentine’s menu– cutoff is at 4 p.m. today. Click here to browse and order.
Wundergarten has cozy firepits for getting together with your sweetie or with your bestie or with a dear friend who’s been there for you (AND IN YOUR BUBBLE). Normalize platonic Valentines! Make your reservations here.
I love that Boxcar Tavern gave Blue Iris Flowers a shoutout on their Instagram. They write, “You can reach Blue Iris Flowers by calling (202) 547-3588 or emailing blueirisflowersem@gmail.com. Stop by afterwards, we’re right across the street. We’re open from 11am to 9pm.” No special menu, but hey– sometimes the most special plans are the spontaneous ones.
If you’ve never experienced the utter delight of receiving a smorgasbord of food delivered to your house by The Roost, let this be the Valentine you didn’t know you needed. They are running a special that starts today at 4 p.m. and comes in different sizes for different appetites. You can order here.
The Pretzel Bakery is doing special love knots that you can get in three flavors. Order here.
Don’t forget small local places like the Fine Sweet Shoppe inside Eastern Market. It’s a woman-run business that’s been operating since 1960. Their products are consistently delicious and beautifully turned out. From lovely iced cookies to toll chip cookies that still make me think of former THIHer Sharee to the prettiest cakes, support our local bakery. Check their menu here.
Hill Restaurant Group is doing specials across all their places. Check out all the menus for Ophelia’s, Hawk ‘n’ Dove, Tortuga and more by clicking here.
Finally, you can celebrate “not being sick of each other” with the help of Paraiso Taqueria. For $75/person, you can gaze into each other’s eyes and whisper, “Te tolero.” Order here.
Want more suggestions? Capitol Hill BID has a guide and The Wharf has offers from their restaurants (Kevin Tien’s Moon Rabbit, Hank’s homemade ravioli kits, and pastelitos from Colada Shop) as well as retail, such as Diament Jewelry!
Want to buy local, support Black makers AND do Valentine’s shopping? Check out our friends at Districtly Local.
Okay! How about some Galentine’s fun! East City Books has you covered: They are having a free event this Saturday at 4 p.m. with four woman authors. You can RSVP here.
How about showing your love for the neighborhood? In addition to tagging us on Instagram and Twitter with your favorite #CapitolMemories, contribute your own short story about the Capitol to a local podcas. Here are the instructionst:” Record a 2–5-minute audio clip story about an experience you have had on the Capitol grounds and how you feel about proposed changes. Submit your recording to https://www.mylifesworkpodcast.org/unfencedc by February 22, 2021 or send us an email with your story (mylifesworkpodcast@gmail.com).”
Give yourself or someone you love the gift of learning. The DC History Center has an upcoming workshop on street photography. Sign up here.
However you choose to spend your weekend, make it a good one! And a special shoutout to the lovely people who signed up for our inaugural Neighborhood Valentines! Can’t wait to see what you all send one another!
P.S.: If you want win a cute self-care prize, head over to THIH stories on Instagram! We’re giving away one Yotel water bottle every afternoon through Valentine’s day!