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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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