And So It Continues : Punch Picks for Your Valentine’s Day Pleasure

Wow. Can we just say WOW?  No beating heart has been left behind with this year’s Valentine’s Day specials.  I mean, even AT&T has gotten in on the action.  We have food, drinks, lingerie, chocolate, jewelry, parties …  And believe me, there are just as many offers for singles are there are for doubles.  So, here we go…

**AT&T | ALL THE SINGLE LADIES:

If you are feeling blue this Valentine’s Day, AT&T wants you to put down the cookie dough and pick up your phone. Join AT&T and discover new ways to enjoy being unattached this February 14th.

Take AT&T quick quiz to find out the best way to tackle February 14th through technology.

Question: How do you approach Valentine’s Day?

a)     By watching a romcom with my best friend in our pajamas or going to a karaoke bar and belting Celine Dion songs

b)     It’s a made up holiday designed to sell chocolate, stuffed animals and flowers. No thanks!

c)      Ugh! Worst day of the year, I want to hide under the covers.

If you answered a, this year why not organize an impromptu photo shoot of you and your girlfriends using Instagram, Hipstamatic or Camera+ on your AT&T mobile device.

If you answered b, use your AT&T phone to book a reservation at the least romantic restaurant using the Opentable, UrbanSpoon or CityEats apps.

If you answered c, get out of the house and enjoy fewer crowds by using the new Smithsonian, Going Out Guide or Got Eventz app

**”Happy I’m Single” Hour (J&G Steakhouse):

Monday, Feb. 13 & Tuesday, Feb. 14, 5:00 – 7:30pm

Not looking for love, just for a drink? Head to J&G Steakhouse’s Wine Bar for “Happy I’m Single” Hour from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Enjoy Happy on the Hour drink specials, with featured beverages $5 at 5:00pm, $6 at 6:00pm, and $7 from 7:00 – 7:30pm. (Anti-) Valentine’s Day cocktails includes a Lychee Raspberry Bellini (pureed lychee and raspberry with sparkling wine) and a Fraise Sauvage (gin with strawberry vanilla puree, simple syrup, lemon juice and sparking wine).

**XOX Box (Feb. 3 – 14) – Say “I love you” with the Sprinkles XOX Box: 

Sweeter than a box of chocolates, our XOX box arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day! Topped with XOX and heart sugar decorations, each box contains the perfect mix of flavors for your special someone: Valentine’s Day favorites Red Velvet and Chocolate Marshmallow as well as classics Dark Chocolate and Vanilla. Sealed with an XOX Kisses and Cupcakes sticker.

http://sprinkles.com/gourmet-cupcake-flavors/calendar-february/valentines-day-xox-gift-box/

**The Dunes presents “Sweet Talk with The Sweater Set”, a Valentine’s Day sideshow:
Folk duo The Sweater Set will sing tales of love and love lost at their annual Valentine’s Day show. This event also features award winning mime Emma Jaster, who brings to the stage her physical comedy, and the contemporary artwork of Virginia painter Rodger Schultz.

Tuesday, February 14th, 2011. 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. at The Dunes Gallery, 1402 Meridian Place, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20010.

Woo your sweetheart this Valentines day with an intimate dinner and tender performance by captivating vocalist Julia Nixon at new Arlington Jazz & Blues resto-lounge Melody Tavern. Most memorable for her lead role in Broadway’s “Dream Girls”, Nixon has been dazzling audiences with her soulful and seductive vocals for years. Melody Tavern is offering Arlington couples a set four course meal for $60 a person while Nixon performs. Guests can choose from a seafood bisque soup or a mixed green salad and an appetizer item such as lamb tacos, veggie quesadilla or asian chicken skewers. The choices for the entree include jerk chicken, grilled salmon, grilled skirt steak or chipotle pasta. Each guest will enjoy a complimentary piece of Red Velvet cake to top off the delicious Valentine’s day special. Visit melodytavern.com or call 703.413.4141 for reservations or additional information. Melody Tavern is located at 3650 South Glebe Road #170 Arlington, VA.

**Lost Society: Lost in Valentines Day: Show your adoration for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day by enjoying a romantic cocktail and affordable eight-course meal at new boutique steak-house Lost Society. The U-street hotspot is offering a prix-fixe menu and their signature “Valentine’s in Oaxaca” cocktail to DC-lovers for the most romantic night of the year. The Oaxaca cocktail ($10) is a blend of Belvedere vodka, strawberries, ginger and cilantro. Sure to transport diners to the dreamy beaches of Mexico, the cocktail will be offered on Valentine’s day only. The romance-centric 8 course prix-fixe menu features a complimentary secret first course, an oyster escabeche, wild mushroom soup with truffle puree, duck breast prosciutto with tangerine and pistachio, braised oxtails with pan roasted asparagus, lobster fried “not rice” quinoa, roasted bistro filet with fries and a delectable dessert of chocolate cake with black pepper icing. All this topped with a glass of complimentary champagne. Lost Society’s special is $65 a person. Visit lostsociety-dc.com or call 202.618.8868 for reservations and additional information. Lost Society is located at 2001 14th St NW, D.C.

**Lunaventi Valentine Lingerie Party | L2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH:

Still hunting for Valentine’s Day lingerie?  Take a sneak peek at exclusive pieces hand crafted by Argentine designers Alicia Fuhr and Jane Pain.  Having successfully launched in Europe and Australia in addition to their native South America, these labels emphasize lingerie as works of art using high quality materials such as Italian satin and Columbian Lace.  Their designs have been featured in international fashion magazines such as Elle (UK), Cosmopolitan (Italy), Marie Claire and Glamour.  3315 Cady’s Alley NW, Washington DC, 20007 (T) 202 965 2001

** The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®:

Move over candy hearts and chocolate kisses,is giving a very special Valentine’s Day gift to DC residents this year. The area’s first location, nestled in the Dupont Circle neighborhood just steps inside Washington Hilton’s lobby off of Connecticut Avenue, will host a three-hour grand opening event on Tuesday, February 14. Providing guests with a caffeinated jump start to the romantic holiday, all guests will be among the first in the city to try the new products, plus enjoy special Valentine’s Day surprises.

Beginning at 7:00 a.m., the public grand opening event will kick off with a ribbon cutting hosted by executives from Hilton Hotels & Resorts and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® as well as dignitaries from both DC and California, where the coffee retailer is based.  Throughout the morning, guests are invited to mix and mingle with neighbors while sampling a variety of signature coffee blends, whole leaf teas and breakfast treats.

**Capitol City Brewing Company:

Attention all beer lovers! Express your love of beer and celebrate to your hearts desire this Valentine’s night at Capitol City Brewing Company. The local brew pub is hosting a special Valentine’s Tapping Party unveiling two new seasonal brews: Saison, a draft Belgian-style farmhouse ale, and the Vanilla Porter (cask), Capitol City’s signature Prohibition Porter blended with vanilla beans.
On Tuesday, February 14, join either Capitol City location (conveniently located Downtown DC or at Shirlington Village in Arlington) as they tap two new beers starting at 6:00 p.m. until close. Capitol City’s talented Brewmaster team will be on hand to answer questions about the steeping and fermenting process for these newly introduced brews.
Food and drink specials, which will run all night, include $4 pints of beer and $2 sliders in Downtown DC and $4 pints and complimentary Cap City Wings and homemade Brownies at the Shirlington Village location.

**With Love From Fiola | Culinary Sensuality | “Sette Sensi”:

Seven Course Tasting Menu for the Senses $125 per person (not including tax + tip) Available February 10th, 11th, 13th, & 14th

**Martin’s Tavern: Serving up one of the most famous aphrodisiacs, Martin’s Tavern’s Oyster Shooters are sure to set the mood for the evening,with two shucked oysters, chilled Absolut Peppar and other fixings.Dates can score bonus points by requesting the Proposal Booth where JFK proposed to Jackie. Martin’s Tavern is located at 1264 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

**Maté: To really heat things up with that special someone,Maté’s Heat of the Moment Martini will have guests falling in love in no time. This spicy “Love Potion” features a mix of Skyy Passion Fruit Vodka, OR-G Vodka, limes, jalapeno, simple syrup and sour mix. Maté is located at 3101 K St., NW.

**Degrees: While enjoying the classic lounge setting or cozying up in front of the roaring fireplace, guests can sip Degrees’ GINger Obsession, a mix of Domaine Canton Ginger Liqueur muddled with fresh cucumbers and Hendricks Gin, served on the rocks and topped with sparkling water.. Degrees is located at 3100 South St., NW inside the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown.

**Bangkok Joe’s: is spicing things up with Hot Lips, a sizzling love potion of Skyy Raspberry vodka, Triple Sec, sour mix and strawberry purée, rimmed with salt & Thai chili powder. Bangkok Joe’s is located at 3000 K St., NW.

**Mie N Yu: A surefire way to impress a date, Mie N Yu’s First Kiss is a color-changing champagne cocktail which mysteriously turns from dark purple to bright pink in the blink of an eye. Mie N Yu is located at 3125 M St., NW.

**Café Milano: There’s nothing more romantic than a trip to Italy, and dinner at Café Milano will give diners a chance to make that getaway a reality.From February 10th through the 14th, anyone who orders their special prix fixe menu can enter to win round trip airfare for two to Italy. Diners can also enjoy familiar favorites from their regular a la carte menu. Café Milano is located at 3251 Prospect St., NW.

**Pizzeria Paradiso: Known for their extensive beer selection, Pizzeria Paradiso is celebrating the holiday of love with a”We Love Beer” Valentine’s Day Celebration. All beers on draft have been brewed with flowers or chocolate, offered at half-price from 5-7pm. The popular pizza spot will also offer special Valentine’s Day pizza pies. Pizzeria Paradiso is located at3282 M St., NW.

**Bistro Français: This award-winning, family-owned French restaurant will offer a special, romantic three-course menu from expert French Chef Gerard Cabrol for $45 per person throughout Valentine’s Weekend from February 10th through the 14th. Their popular a la carte menu will also be available. Bistro Français is located at3124 M St., NW.

Citronelle: Consistently named one of the best restaurants in Washington and helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michel Richard, Citronelle will offer their special frozen “Sweetheart” cocktail – a sweet mix of strawberry or vanilla vodka, white crème de cacao, strawberries, vanilla ice cream and ice. Citronelle is located at 3000 M St., NW.

**Bookhill Bistro: For a romantic meal in a charming bistro ambiance, Bookhill Bistro has a special Valentine’s Week menu for couples from February 9-11 and 14-19. Perfect for two at $80 per couple, the meal includes two glasses of wine, a starter, salad or soup, and two main courses with dishes like Baked Angel Hair Pasta with Prosciutto, New York Steak or Saffron Risotto with Shrimp. Bookhill Bistro is located at 1639 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

**PAUL Bakery: French sweets are the way to anyone’s heart, and in honor of Valentine’s Day, PAUL Bakery has made their Fraisier (Strawberry Cake) and Framboisier (Raspberry Cake) even sweeter by adding a touch of chocolate. These delectable cakes are available in two sizes: Moi (one heart) for $5.49 or Toi & Moi (two hearts) which are perfect to share at $9.99. PAUL Bakery is located at 1078 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

Co Co Sala Lip Chocolates

**Co Co Sala:

SWEET LIPS BOX  $45 | Sweet, Tart, & Nutty…whatever your Valentine may be…this fun assortment features pomegranate chocolate lips, rose white chocolate lips, & hazelnut hearts as a special edition box for Valentine’s Day!
HIS & HERS HEART BOXES  $60 per box | Most popular Valentine’s gift….artisanal chocolates with unique flavors such as mango lassi, cocojito, and pb & j beautifully presented in limited edition boxes. Each box holds a mixed assortment of 29 pieces.  Select Brown or Red.
APHRODISI-BARK  $7 | Not only are goji berries high in antioxidants, but they are also known as the ‘Happy Berry’ for their aphrodisiac properties. Put that together with fellow aphrodisiac Dark Chocolate, sprinkle with some sparkling pearls & ‘Tantric’ Himalayan Sea Salt and you have Co Co. Sala’s recipe for romance!
CHOCOLATE MOOD TUBE SET  $35 |Five different Valrhona %cacao chocolates for five different “chocolate moods”! Do you want your Valentine to feel pure & simple (white chocolate), sweet & sassy (33%), smooth & luscious (40%), fruity yet deep (64%), or dark & mysterious (72%)? This set has it all to set the mood!
CHOCOLATE HEARTS $8 each |Whether it’s their cute Valrhona milk chocolate heart smiley or elegant white chocolate heart dressed in red & gold, these make great favors or chocolate tags for your Valentine’s gift! Select Milk Chocolate Smiley or White Chocolate in Red.
HOT CO CO. POP – AZTEC $4 | The most popular boutique item…the hot co co. pop just got even hotter!   Now you can experience our lounge’s addictive spicy hot chocolate at home.
Co Co. Sala | 929 F Street NW | 202.347.4265 www.cocosala.com

••Nando’s Peri Peri, the legendary Afro-Portuguese, flame-grilled Chicken restaurant, wants to help customers spice up their love lives this February. Nando’s Peri Peri challenges its customers to turn up the heat and take advantage of Peri Peri Is For Lovers.  Whether there is a special someone you want to wine and dine – or Nando’s is your special someone – stop into any Nando’s Peri Peri location for this delicious meal for two: one whole Nando’s chicken, marinated to perfection in fiery Peri Peri sauce; two delicious, large sides; a bottle of Cara Viva Wine; and a mouthwatering chocolate spoon cake; all for $39.99.

**Best Seats in the House for Washington, DC | Necking in the Nooks on Valentine’s Day: (I’m going to have to try this out for myself!)

**Table 67 at DC Coast
DC Coast is an anomaly among today’s restaurants, as there is no TV celeb or book author at the helm, so the stories you see about chef Jeff Tunks are guaranteed to be based purely on his attributes as a chef.  Diners come back for more and more of his perfectly executed fish dishes, which have garnered accolades by the boatload. The generous fuss-free informality of the restaurant has great appeal, yet no detail is left unturned, especially when you are seated in the secluded circular booth, number 67.  Of the three booths at DC Coast, this particular one is hugely satisfying. Weekend of February 10-12, a $150 per couple, three-course, prix-fixe menu including two glasses of champagne; Valentine’s Day, starting at $108 per couple for four courses, choosing right from the menu.
DC Coast – 1401 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 – 202.216.5988

**Table 28 at Marcel’s
Despite its old world-charm, Marcel’s embraces the nuances of a contemporary establishment with its forward thinking cuisine, which has earned it the highly coveted status as One of the Top 25 Restaurants in the Country by Zagat. Table 28 is the stand-out seat to grab, dramatically hidden behind velvet curtains that give the impression of having the entire place all to yourself.  Settle in and let the expert staff serve you.  It should not be hard to pick a bottle you’ll adore from a list of over one hundred Champagnes…$135 per person five course prix-fixe menu, arrangements for Table 28 to be made with Maître d’ Adnane Kebaier. Marcel’s – 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 – 202.296.1166

**The Bird’s Nest at Plume
Tucked away in a discreet corner of the Plume Restaurant at The Jefferson, DC, the Bird’s Nest maintains a waitlist as long as the names signed to the Declaration of Independence.  While enjoying the prized seat, surrounded by a back drop of leather bound books and a shimmering glow cast by a 110-year old chandelier, each guest of the Bird’s Nest is served its dedicated finishing touch, available only to that fortunate table: The Nest is an all-edible sugar egg filled with meringue and a dollop of richly colored passion fruit sorbet, resting on a bed of wiry lemon cotton candy.  $550 per couple, a seven-course tasting menu paired with wines. Plume – The Jefferson, DC – 1200 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036 – 202.448.2300

**Bar for Two at PS 7’s
Chef Peter Smith at PS 7’s kicks the bar up a notch, making it one of the hottest places in town to imbibe with your amour.  With only 8 seats at the bar, the cocktail-culinary collaboration is a labor of love for the chef and his spirited bar servers as they present handcrafted masterpieces throughout the night.  From genuine classic cocktails to the adventurous concoctions paired with an ambitious and playful American menu, each of the successive courses elevate the evening’s expectations… with no disappointments — only delights. $107 per person, 7 course prix-fixe menu paired with cocktails. PS 7’s – 777 I [Eye] Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 – 202.742.8550

[All prices listed above for dinners exclude tax and gratuity.]

Art Soiree Love Masquerade

**ART SOIREE LOVE MASQUERADE  | THIRD ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION FOR THOSE IN A RELATIONSHIP, SINGLE & COMPLICATED
Sat, Feb 11th / 9pm / $60 – ALL INCLUSIVE (admission, premium open bar, festive dessert, taxes & tips, mask, door prize entry)
TICKETS

Celebrate Love together, whether you are a couple or single or confused come and be part of this wonderful holiday with Art Soiree:
Exclusive Costume Fashion show by Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar and true sensation on vinyl records DJ John Jazz with live saxophone, live trumpet, live guitar and live drums in concert!  In a classy atmosphere of The Washington Club, a private social venue, the heartbeat rhythm will lure you into a world of fun, love and excitement.  With games and prizes, the night promises to be vibrant and festive, full of surprises. Dress code: Cocktail attire required

**MICHEL:

Valentine’s Day at MICHEL offers a menu for lovers that will romance your partner and your palate.  Our decadent four-course prix-fixe menu will include Yellowtail Carpaccio, Lobster, Filet Mignon, and Michel’s Chocolate Heart for Two, served in addition to Michel’s innovative and elegant a la carte menu.  The restaurant’s soft lighting and rich warm colors afford a glowing ambiance.  Whether dining a deux or in a group at the signature under-lit rose onyx communal table, MICHEL is the perfect place to light that fire or rekindle an old flame.

MICHEL’s special Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu, priced at $95 plus tax and gratuities, will be served  Saturday, February 11, and Tuesday, February 14, 5:30–10:30PM. The prix-fixe menu is a special addition to the MICHEL regular a la carte menu .

For information and reservations call 703 744-3999, or visit www.michelrichardva.com.

**CityEats:
New DC restaurant reservation service, backed by Food Network, CityEats, has some exciting promotions for Valentine’s Day.

**BABYCAKES:

Valentine’s Day Truffles or any other sweets by BABYCAKES delivered to your sweetheart’s home or office in the DC area.

Valentine’s day with a romantic sharing menu made for two.  This menu crafted especially for the intimate occasion allows couples to indulge themselves and their palettes with a romantic dinner.  This four-course prix fixe menu offers the choice of a soup or salad, followed by two sharing plates, two entrees, and the choice of a dessert sampler or the Chef’s special dessert. The dinner will be accompanied by two glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne and the menu will be available from Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14.
At $69 per couple, valentines can enjoy this shared menu in an intimate space filled with modern décor, making 901 Restaurant & Bar the ideal place to celebrate the most romantic night of the year.
Seasons 52, the highly acclaimed fresh grill and wine bar restaurant, is offering a special, limited-time addition to its menu of Mini Indulgence desserts this February. From the 1st to 15th of the month, the seasonally inspired restaurant will offer guests Chocolate Raspberry Valentine, which features a combination of decadent chocolate cake layered between ribbons of chocolate syrup, raspberry puree and raspberry mousse, garnished with whipped cream and a chocolate “kiss.”

Empowerment Mineral Designs

**Empowerment Mineral Designs

To celebrate all those soon-to-be engaged couples on Valentine’s Day, Empowerment Mineral Designs is giving away jewelry! Buy five items of jewelry for any members of the bridal party and receive one exquisite pair of men’s Sterling cufflinks on us.  Our Modern Love bridal jewelry collection offers a range of beautifully-crafted designs for your special day.  Prices range from $50 to $4,500.  www.empowermentmineraldesigns.com

**Aura Spa:

Relax and rejuvenate with spa package deals for all Valentine’s Day lovers that want to be primped and pampered. Available at both Aura Spa locations (Renaissance & Metropole), couples can enjoy a romantic getaway together with a 60 minute Aura Signature Massage with a Champagne toast and a Charming Gift Bag for $240 from Saturday, February 11 – Tuesday, February 14.
Happily single? Aura invites all those going solo this Valentine’s Day to get treated to a VIDA Express Package which includes a 30 minute organic facial, a 30 minute Aura Signature Massage and a 30 minute Marine Pedi Scrub – a special blend of Marine, Dead Sea salts and sea extracts designed specifically to rejuvenate tired feet. This 90 minute package, which samples all the enchanting services Aura Spa provides, is also available from February 11-14 for only $175.
Aura Spa gift cards are also available to purchase for that special someone in any denomination or for any specific services, treatments or products. Gift cards are elegantly presented and can be obtained at all Aura Spa and VIDA Fitness locations or ordered by phone or online.
Couples and singles are recommended to make reservations now as quantities are limited and are booking fast. To book a reservation please call Aura Spa Renaissance: (202)742-1940 or Aura Spa Metropole: (202)588-5557. For more information visit: www.auraspa.net,
We may have a few more for you tomorrow … especially for those last minute V-Day purchases.
About Pamela Sorensen:
Pamela Lynne Sorensen is the founder of Pamela’s Punch, a leading source of information for the “who, what, when, and where” of Washington, DC’s elite social, professional, and philanthropic scene, which she founded in November of 2006. In 2012 she launched Pacific Punch, based in Los Angeles. Pamela comes from an extensive background in sales and business development from a variety of industries, has been involved with charities and fundraising for a number of years and holds several Board and leadership positions. She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia and when she’s not out on the town, she’s reading or writing while sipping fine wine, or traveling the country and the world ISO adventures, beauty, fun, food, style, libations, music, and the good life. Follow her on Twitter at @pamelaspunch.
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