Valentine's Day flavors at Dolcezza at Bethesda Row

Dolcezza at 7111 Bethesda Lane has two romantic flavors for Valentine's Day at Bethesda Row. Red Velvet Cake features red velvet cake batter gelato with slices of red velvet cake, and swirls of cream cheese frosting. Passion Fruit Mousse is a fluffy passion fruit gelato made from whole fresh passion fruit, with drizzles of passionfruit coulis. Both flavors will be available for the rest of February.

Photo courtesy Dolcezza

Valentine's Day specials at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda is offering several special offers for Valentine's Day 2025.  The mall's AMC Theatres Montgomery 16 cineplex is giving you $2-off tickets for screenings after 4:00 PM today through Sunday, February 16. Use the promo code MONTGOMERY2OFF to redeem the offer. California Pizza Kitchen on Level 2 has a specially-priced 4-course meal for two for Valentine's Day, starting at $55. Love is in the air aboard the Dream Aero Flight Simulator, with 14%-off flights today through Sunday. And today only, Purple is taking an extra 10%-off on any mattress purchase.

Valentine's Day/Week special at Del Frisco's Grille at Pike & Rose

Starting tonight at Del Frisco's Grille at Pike & Rose, and running through next Sunday, February 18, 2018, you and your valentine can celebrate the romantic holiday with a special 12 oz. Wagyu bone-in steak, topped with rich truffle butter.

This item is not on the regular menu. To reserve your booth, call (301) 881-0308. Del Frisco's Grille is located at 11800 Grand Park Avenue in North Bethesda.

BETHESDA VALENTINE'S DAY 2015 - DINNERS, SPECIALS, EVENTS

The big day is here, and you haven't made plans? Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row to the rescue. Here are some of the specials around town for Valentine's Day. Make sure to call ahead, as seating will be limited at most restaurants, and likely to sell out as the day goes on.

ArcLight Cinemas

As I reported on Thursday, ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall is offering cocktails, Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, centered around the theme of this weekend's hot movie ticket - Fifty Shades of Grey.

7101 Democracy Boulevard

Westfield Montgomery Mall

American Tap Room

7278 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 656-1366

Mussel Bar

7262 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 215-7817

Praline Bakery & Bistro

Praline is a hidden gem located in the Shops at Sumner Place shopping center on Sangamore Road, accessible from Massachusetts Avenue or MacArthur Boulevard.

Here is their Valentine's Day menu:

VALENTINE'S DAY 2015 DINNER MENU

$60.00 per person

(excluding beverages, tax or gratuity)

Amuse Bouche

Appetizers

Salmon Gravlox

Frisée Salad, Capers, Tartar Sauce & Brioche

or

Lobster Salad

Arugula & Shallot Vinaigrette

or

Foie Gras Terrine

Mâche, Brioche & Fig Chutney

Entrées

Filet Mignon au Poivre

Gratin Dauphinois & Peppercorn Sauce

or

Venison Medaillon

Sweet Potato Gnocchi & Cranberry Sauce

or

Atlantic Cod

Mixed Vegetables & Sun-Dried Tomato

or

Pan Seared Sea Scallops

Green Pea Purée & Saffron Sauce

or

Winter Vegetable Risotto

Special Valentine's Day Dessert!

4611 Sangamore Road

Shops at Sumner Place

(301) 229-8180

Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar

7904 Woodmont Avenue

(301) 312-6488

Positano Ristorante Italiano

Positano will be open from noon to 11:00 PM today, with regular menu prices, as well as some specials. All guests 21+ will enjoy complimentary prosecco today.

4948 Fairmont Avenue

(301) 654-1717

Uncle Julio's

4870 Bethesda Avenue

(301) 656-2981

Tía Queta

As authentic as Mexican restaurants can get - the owners are from Mexico. Enjoy free Champagne with your Valentine's Day meal.

4839 Del Ray Avenue

(301) 654-4443

SEE IT FIRST: FIFTY SHADES OF GREY AT ARCLIGHT CINEMAS TONIGHT iN BETHESDA - SHOWTIMES AND SPECIALS

A great many girls-night-out and Valentine's Day dates this weekend will involve the movie Fifty Shades of Grey. Those who can't wait that long will want to head to the 8:00 PM showing tonight at ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall. There will be several other screening of the film there tonight, as well. You can see all showtimes and ticket availability for tonight here.

The theater is going all-out with Fifty Shades-themed cocktails available at the bar in the lobby (you can also bring them into the movie):

·        Mr. Grey, earl-grey infused Hendricks gin, lemon, ginger syrup and bitters

·        Red Room, white rum, triple sec, Chambord, pinapple and cranberry

·        Lip Bitter, vodka, sparking wine, peach schnapps

·        Curious, Woodford reserve, apple spice, bitters

They will also offer chocolate-covered strawberries and Champagne. One other bonus for those on dates: no ads blasting prior to the movie at this theater.

BETHESDA VALENTINE'S DAY 2014 DINNER SPECIALS

You have lots of Valentine's Day dinner options in Bethesda this year. It's never to late to plan that romantic evening, and here is guide to some of the many Valentine's packages around town. But don't wait too long - Valentine's Day is next Friday!

Redwood

Redwood is offering a Love at First Bite 3-course, prix-fixe dinner for $68. Entreé options range from traditional (filet mignon) to exotic (Stuffed Quail Purse, Scallop and Pork Belly Surf n Turf). Here's a preview of the entire menu.

7121 Bethesda Lane, 301.656.5515.

Mussel Bar

Lovebirds dining at Mussel Bar can choose from the regular menu, or the special Aphrodisiac Menu ($60, or $80 with wine pairings). Don't have a valentine this year? Mussel Bar invites you dine anyway, and stick around for their Anti-Valentine's Afterparty at 10:00 PM until close. The party will feature Happy Hour specials, and music by Kara and Matt from The Fuzz.

Here is the Aphrodisiac Menu for the night:

Starting Cocktail:

Cavas Mestres Brut Rose with Champagne Grapes and Baby Strawberry

Course 1

Pan Seared Sea Scallop, Asparagus Tips, Basil Lavender Essence

Pairing: Le Jade Viognier

Course 2

Grilled Oysters, Panko Blue Cheese Crust with Honey Chardonnaya

Pairing: Vincent Dampt Petit Chablis

Course 3

Veal medallion, Heart(shaped) Ravioli, Rosemary Fig Cream

Pairing : Pas d'Escalette petit Pas Rouge (grenache blend) or La Cabotte "Colline" Cotes-du Rhone

Dessert

White Chocolate Mousse, Crystalized Orchid

Pairing: Saarstein Riesling

7262 Woodmont Avenue, 301.215.7817.

Positano Ristorante

Want to avoid overspending but still have a romantic setting? Positanto Ristorante will allow you to order anything you like from their regular menu, and will be serving complimentary Prosecco to all Valentine's Day guests.

4948-4940 Fairmont Avenue, 301.654.1717 or 301.986.0042.

Chef Tony's

Chef Tony's urges you to make your reservation early, as they have been booked solid every Valentine's Day in the past. Here's a preview of the menu (you can also make a reservation right from that page). However, because the menu is often driven by what is available fresh at the market, it is subject to change. A more firm menu will be posted online on February 13.

4926 St. Elmo Avenue, 301.654.3737.

Assaggi

Assaggi will offer specials like Maine Lobster Risotto, beef tenderloin and a chocolate tasting plate, in addition to their regular Italian menu. 

4838 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.1988.

Jaleo

Jaleo will have its regular Spanish tapas menu, plus specials like Oysters with Cava, Pork Carpaccio, Wild Red Berry Soup, and more.

7271 Woodmont Avenue, 301.913.0003.

Lebanese Taverna

Lebanese Taverna at Bethesda Row is offering a $35 three-course dinner, with a wine pairing for an additional $15).

7141 Arlington Road, 301.951.8681.

VALENTINE'S DAY DECORATIONS AT THE PAPER SOURCE (PHOTOS)

Watch out for hedgeHUGS running wild on Bethesda Avenue, at Paper Source!

As usual, the store has decorated for the holiday at hand, but they're also ready to help you with last-minute Valentine's Day decorations, supplies, and other things you never knew existed.

Like hedgeHUGS.

BETHESDA ROW VALENTINE'S DAY 2013 SPECIALS

The faux-European ambiance of Bethesda Row can be a romantic setting any evening of the year. But for Valentine's Day, things really get serious around here.

A massive list of special offers and FREE stuff ranges from a "Kiss the Cook" (your date, not the restaurant's cook!) cooking class and dinner at Lebanese Taverna, to a FREE pair of diamond studs at Lou Lou, and Rappahanock oysters at Jaleo.

Check out the list to plan your Valentine's Day date and shopping at Bethesda Row.

FREE ARGENTINE WINE AND MARYLAND CHOCOLATE TASTING FRIDAY IN BETHESDA

If you want to personally verify the quality of the wine and chocolates you're giving to that special someone for Valentine's Day - it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it - do I have the event for you.

Tomorrow (Friday), February 8, Bradley Food and Beverage in Bethesda will host a free wine and chocolate tasting from 4-7 PM.

The wines will be from Argentina, and the chocolates will be handmade in Maryland, from chocolate/caramel specialist Chouquette.

The store is located in the Bradley Shopping Center, at the corner of Bradley Boulevard and Arlington Road.

FREE CHAMPAGNE AND GODIVA CHOCOLATES AT TAKE 5 BOUTIQUE THIS SATURDAY IN BETHESDA

Bethesda's newest fashion house, Take 5 Boutique, is holding a Valentine's Day-themed open house this Saturday, February 9, from 2:00-7:00 PM.

Attendees will enjoy Champagne, Godiva chocolates, and light fare from Levante's.  There will be music, style tips, a chance to browse exclusive, international fashions only available at Take 5, and a special Valentine's gift with a purchase of $250 or more.  No purchase is necessary to attend, however.

If you would like to attend, RSVP to lovefashion@take5boutique.com or call 301-500-0132 with any questions.

Take 5 Boutique, 4920 Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda.

VALENTINE'S DAY BETHESDA 2013 RESTAURANT DINNER SPECIALS - VALENTINE'S DAY BETHESDA GUIDE

Valentine's Day is nearly here, and the time to start planning that special dinner is right now!

Bethesda is a great - though expensive - place to celebrate the most romantic holiday of 2013, and this guide is here to help you along the way.

As always, I've tried to bring you the best, rather than a laundry list.

RESTAURANT SPECIALS

VINO VOLO

What is more romantic than a wine bar - especially one as upscale as Vino Volo at Bethesda Row. Their Valentine's Day Wine Tasting Dinner offers 4 courses, and 6 wines. The price is expensive, but the vino and food pairings are decidedly upscale.

Course 1 features a sample of Le Grande Cortâge Cremant, paired with a cheese and charcuterie board.

For your storybook romance, the second course will pour a Storybook Viognier, paired with your choice of mixed greens and citrus or butter lettuce with chicken and avocado (I'll choose the latter).

Course 3 calls for... more choices! Now you get to pick from 3 choices of 3 3-wine flights (they're serious about that "3" theme).  Speaking of serious, Serious Syrahs will pair off with NY Strip Steak and garlic roast potatoes.  Tour of Burgundy pairs with grilled monkfish, sherry-lemon salsa and tarragon vinaigrette asparagus.  Or, go with option 3, baked penne pasta with fontina and Parmesan cheeses, drizzled with truffle oil (I've had this, and this is what to order if you are seeking a decadent Valentine's Day).

For the sweet finish, try the Piper Heidsieck Demi-Sec Champagne paired with Cocoa Truffles.

All of this will run you $75 per person. Call 301-656-0916 for reservations.

<3

REDWOOD

Want to spend slightly less, but have more selection of entrees and desserts? Try Redwood's $68 Valentine's menu, with dishes like shortribs and lobster, and even an amuse bouche.

Call 301.656.5515 for reservations, and download a complete menu at RedwoodBethesda.com.

<3

CHEF TONY'S

Chef Tony's menu will begin as always with fresh fish and other ingredients straight from local markets. For $59, choose from options like "Bethesda's Best Calamari," rockfish, and crab and brie-stuffed salmon. A bottle of house wine is included.  ChefTonysBethesda.com has the full menu.  Call (301) 654-3737.

<3

BLACK'S BAR AND KITCHEN

Black's promises their Valentine's menu will "dazzle that special someone."  Having dined there several times myself, I can say that's likely to happen.  Enjoy selections like fresh Arctic Char, Duck Confit Salad and Pavlova. $85 with wine pairings. $65 without.  Great raw bar and cocktails, as well.  BlacksBarAndKitchen.com.  Call  301.652.5525 for reservations.

<3

TASTY IMAGE OPENS IN BETHESDA

Tasty Image, the store that can put your face on a piece of candy, is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda.

Talk about perfect timing - Valentine's Day is only 10 days away, and Tasty Image can create candies with custom images just for you or your chocoholic Valentine.

LITTLE DEBBIE BE MY VALENTINE CAKES EXCLUSIVE VIDEO REVIEW

Little Debbie Be My Valentine cakes have hit the shelves at Giant in Bethesda early for Valentine's Day.

Watch my exclusive video review to find out how they rate.

CUPCAKE BLVD.

TRUCK

SCHEDULED TO

DEBUT IN

BETHESDA TODAY

Today, new cupcake truck Cupcake Blvd. will make its very first stops in Montgomery County. The tentative place and time are at Bethesda Row, near Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues, around 1 PM.

But this being the first day, there could be changes. So stay tuned to @BethesdaRow and @CupcakeBlvd on Twitter. Cupcake Blvd. may stop in Silver Spring first.

Here are the flavors scheduled to be on board today:

LAVA FUDGE

OREO

KEY LIME

VA-VANILLA

NUTELLA

STRAWBERRY

If you try one, share your thoughts about it in the comments below.

Cupcake Blvd.'s debut is perfect timing for last-minute Valentine's Day cupcake gifts!

YOU'RE GUARANTEED

TO GET A

VALENTINE AT

BETHESDA ROW

TODAY

Romantic prospects bleak today? Come to Urban Chic today, and save 20% off on pink and red items.

Then head to the checkout. Take a Valentine that isn't half-hearted sentiments, but has a random discount inside, on items that aren't pink and red.

It turns out a Valentine for you is in the cards at Bethesda Row today!

VALENTINE'S DAY

IN

BETHESDA

The most romantic restaurants!

The best gifts!

Save money! Save relationships!

Trying to make last minute plans for Valentine's Day? You've come to the right place!

This list is for use by men and women, but ladies, here is some free advice: if you are having to make the Valentine's Day plans, you are definitely dating the wrong guy.

RESTAURANTS

While spontaneous and impulsive work sometimes, it would be pretty odd to not start Valentine's Day evening without dinner.

Nando's Peri-Peri_____

You already read about this on my blog two weeks ago, but it bears repeating: $39 gets you a full dinner for two, and a bottle of wine.

The Parva_____

Is Latin America the most romantic part of the world? I'm going to go ahead and say, "Yes!"

For a Valentine's trip to Latin America, The Parva offers Latin fusion cuisine in a Miami-inspired setting. Chef Andy traveled all over South America before creating these recipes, and sources his ingredients fresh daily from that continent.

His special Valentine's Menu will transport you and your date to Argentina, Peru, Colombia, to name a few. Just pick one item from each category:

APPETIZERS/SALADS

Arepa de queso (a Venezuelan classic!)

Patacon Wafers

Beef Empanadas (beef empanadas are a personal favorite of mine)

Caprese Salad

Dulce Sandia

Tropical Salad

ENTREES

Lomo Saltado (the only Lomo Saltado en Bethesda!)

Risotto de Quinoa (healthy choice; quinoa is a natural super food)

Pollo con Champinones

Passion Fruit Rose (I believe this is a salmon dish, if I recall correctly)

DESSERT

Tres Leches

Mousse de Mango

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Total: $35 each w/Moet & Chandon Imperial bottle, $30 without

To top it off, Trio Caliente will perform gypsy rumba, Latin jazz, Flamenco pop, bossa nova and salsa throughout the evening.

PLAZA DEL SOL_____

This unassuming new Mexican restaurant on St. Elmo Ave. is combining cuisine Mexicana con la musica romantica de Espana: Flamenco!

Guitarist Miguelito will be joined by dancers Sarah Louisa and Ginette for three performances: 7, 8 and 9 PM on Valentine's night.

The chef at Plaza del Sol is the former executive chef from Lauriol Plaza downtown.

AMERICAN TAP ROOM_____

Dancing torches and gas lamps out front lead you past the tinkling ivories of a live piano player, and into a warm dining room complete with crackling fireplace. Welcome to Bethesda Row's American Tap Room, and here is your Valentine's Day menu:

First off - if you are absolutely sure you are with the right person, order two Love Potion #9 cocktails, made with Ciroc vodka, Cruzan mango-flavored rum, Cointreau, Wild Cherry Juice, Lemon, White Cranberry Juice, and ginseng ($15).

Course 1: Lavender citrus tea Smoked Shrimp & Blue Corn Cake

Course 2: Grilled Snake River Kobe Beef

Course 3: Frozen Stout Souffle and Porter Gingerbread

Total: $100/couple with beer or cocktail pairing with each course, $75 w/o

$55/$41 for singles

MON AMI GABI_____

If Latin America is the most romantic region, is there any city more romantic than Paris? Save on airfare and dinner with their special Valentine's Day menu:

APPETIZER

Lobster Bisque avec Lobster Pomme Puree

or

Wild & Tamed Mushroom Tartine w/poached egg and chive aioli

ENTREE

Sauteed Sea Bass avec Crab Mashed Potatoes, Champagne butter sauce

DESSERT

Blood Orange and Coconut Sorbet

or

Red Velvet Cake

Other restaurants to try: Redwood, Jaleo, Black's Bar & Kitchen, Woodmont Grill, Grapeseed, Tragara

=================== GIFTS=====================

I won't insult your intelligence by gender-labeling gifts...

"THE BUM'S RUSH"

Okay guys, you blew it. You waited til the last minute for whatever reason, and time is running out. Let me save you from disaster with a one-stop solution: The special kiosks near Nordstrom on the Lower Level at Westfield Montgomery Mall!

The Dessert Affairs kiosk has special Valentine's cupcakes packaged for you. Then move over to a handy kiosk that sells both flowers and teddy bears.

As the mall spokesperson puts it so succinctly: "Sweets + Flowers + Cuddly Teddy Bear = Happy Lady!"

And, Happy Guy, because you stay out of the doghouse - for now.

"THE ROMANCE OF CLASSIC CINEMA"

By all means, take in The Vow if you must on Valentine's Night.

But for gift purposes, buy 2 tickets to the February 24 screening of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" - exactly the way lovers would have seen it in 1927!

At this special AFI Silver Theatre event, this masterpiece will be fully-restored with 25 minutes of new footage, and presented with the accompaniment of a full, live orchestra!!

This will be an unforgettable evening for that movie buff, modernist or futurist special someone in your life. $20.

http://www.AFI.com/Silver

"MY HEART IS AN OPEN BOOK"

At Barnes & Noble Bethesda Row:

"The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie"

Obvious choice.

OR

"The Art of Captain America: First Avenger"

Incredible concept art from an incredible movie. Fantastic for fans of comics, vehicle design, things that go *boom* or the style and fashions of WWII America.

OR

Nook or Nook Color e-readers

Happy Valentine's Day from Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row!

VALENTINE'S DAY BASH

TONIGHT AT

UNION JACK'S BETHESDA

Ladies: Make Sure You Wear the Right Color!

Union Jack's Bethesda is hosting a Valentine's Day party tonight, and you're invited.

Enjoy customized cocktails and shooters, prizes and giveaways.

At 10 PM, the "area's best DJ" will be working the turntables. They don't say who that mystery DJ is, but he or she is going to have to live up to that billing. No pressure!

Finally, an important note for the ladies: If you are *single* -> wear black to the party. If you've already got a Valentine, wear red!

Union Jack's, 4915 St. Elmo Avenue 301-6-JACK-61

PERI PERI

IS FOR

LOVERS

Valentine's Special at Nando's Peri Peri

All Month Long During February

Love is in the air at Bethesda Row: Nando's Peri Peri on Bethesda Avenue is offering special Valentine's Day dinner package they call "Peri Peri is for Lovers." The best part is, it is available every day in February. After all, is it possible to have too many romantic dinners?

Here's what comes with the package: One whole Nando's Chicken in Fiery Peri Peri Sauce, your choice of two large side dishes, a bottle of Cara Viva wine, and a Chocolate Spoon Cake.

Grand total for this date night: $39.99!

Starts Wednesday at Bethesda Row.