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courtesy of kimberlyfaye

I am not the biggest fan of those forced celebrations that are genius ploys by Hallmark to make bank on pre-written love notes. Anytime the local grocery store and CVS look like cupid just vomited everywhere with so much red and heart shaped sugar it makes my eyes hurt. I promise there’s a romantic in me somewhere. But, whether we love or hate it, people get very into this Hallmark Holiday, so here are a few spots for making or breaking that big date, celebrating the single life, and just general breaking the routine.


love me courtesy of ekelly80

For the H st lover– Smith Commons will offer a complimentary glass of bubbly when you indulge in the prix-fixe 3 course Valentine’s meal, which includes smoked lobster ravioli, foie gras and banana panna cotta with coconut air. $60 per person.

Boundary Road will also officially open its doors on Monday, February 13th. So for all the foodie couples who have tried everything under the DC sun, this is a great chance to get the first bites at H street’s newest additions. Got to keep it exciting, gents.

For the happy to be single (and ready to mingle)– L’Enfant Cafe is having an anything but ordinary Valentine’s Day celebration. For starters, it is on Sunday, it’s a cabaret, with lots of drag and many laughs. Read more about it here and make your reservation online.

Bar Pilar (OH YES, it’s back) is hosting their annual “Anti-Valentine’s Day” Party, filled with bitter drinks with namesakes like The Bitter End and The Hater (I’ll take two of those for this upbeat post, thank you) and a solid roster of break-up songs to rock out to, celebrate being single, and who knows, maybe even find your future love.

For the history buffs– American Eats Tavern will be crafting a special 7- course menu, honoring Esther Howland, the founder of The New England Valentine Company, who is credited for creating the first Valentine’s Day greeting card.  Priced at $95 per person, and $150 with wine pairings, standout dishes include Hush Puppies with Homemade Sorghum Butter; Waldorf Salad “You’re the Top”; Vermicelli Prepared Like Pudding; Lobster Newberg as well as an assortment of seasonal desserts. For the complete Valentine’s Day menu click here.

Natalia Moreno

While it was Georgetown that brought me here, it was the city that kept me here. I was born in Colombia but spent my teenage years in London, yet have never felt more at home than in the District. I believe the best way to get to know a place is through its cuisine, and plan my life around sharing good food with good people. Lover of lattes, bacon and bourbon. This is Why I Love DC .Follow me on Twitter or Email natalia(at)welovedc.com