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| Gag! That's cheesy... but I kind of love it |
For those of you who share my sentiments (or have partners/friends that do), a great way to pull off an extra special night out without breaking the bank is by taking advantage of one of the many price-fix menus offered just for the big day. While there is a near complete list of what the DC area has to offer over at OpenTable, here are a few of my favorites from the list that have more ethnic/exotic offerings than the standard steak dinner.
Acadiana - 901 New York Ave, NW. Louisiana seafood and Cajun goodness in a modern and romantic setting. Not so much a "price-fix" as a "fixed price-range" menu with the price based on the entree ($56 - $64). I recommend the charbroiled oyster app that would impress anyone - buttery and fantastic. MENU
Belga Cafe - 514 8th Street, SE. Sophisticated Belgian cuisine in four romantic courses (one is even called the inter-course!), with decadent ingredients like foie gras and black truffles. $79.69 per person - add $39.69 for wine pairings. MENU
Bombay Club - 815 Connecticut Ave, NW. Located only a few blocks from the White House, Bombay Club attracts some high end Washington clientele but it's not so stuffy that it becomes unwelcoming (My first visit was as a lowly college student). The offer is five courses of refined Indian with a champagne toast and (questionably corny) piano music for $75.
Ceiba - 701 14th Street, NW. South and Central American cuisine in four courses with a range of prices similar to Acadiana (same owners, duh!). One word: CHURROS! $51-59. MENU and DESSERT
Cuba Libre - 801 9th Street, NW. This year's three course menu titled "The Golden Age of Romance" promises a taste of 1940s sultry Havana. Caliente and well priced at $78 per couple (not including drinks). MENU
Masa 14 - 1825 14th Street, NW. Multicultural love abounds at Masa 14 with a Latin-Asian fusion menu that includes edamame, a choice of three small plates and a dessert for $70 per person. The flatbreads are delicious but just the idea of the 72-hour brisket has my mouth watering. MENU
Meze - 2437 18th Street, NW. A very well priced option is the four course "Love Menu" at this sleek Turkish spot in Adams Morgan. The menu is simple but every item looks tempting. $39 per person. MENU
Oya - 777 9th Street, NW. This hip eatery's five course Valentine's Day price fix is sure to offer an interesting mix of offerings that would be at home in a sushi house or a modern American restaurant. If the $85 per person price is too steep, maybe go for the $35 three course menu that is a nightly offering. The luxurious decor and romantic lighting will surely make up for it.
Tabaq Bistro - 1336 U Street, NW. This U Street favorite is offering a five course menu that includes a palate-cleansing third course sorbet and a glass of champagne with dessert all on the enclosed rooftop with a beautiful view of the city. (After many drunken brunches it's hard to think of the brunch as romantic, but I digress...) $75 per person and 50% off bottles of champagne.
Now go out and make those reservations PRONTO! And don't forget to tell your date GBH sent you!
