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

WHERE CAN YOU BUY THIS VALENTINE'S LOVE CAKE IN BETHESDA? (PHOTO)

Frantic, last minute Valentine's Day gift search? This 6" Valentine's Love Cake from Tout de Sweet in Bethesda could turn your procrastination into success. Call ahead to make sure there's one left for you, before starting off for the bakery. Of course, they have a lot more than this particular cake to choose from. Tout de Sweet is located in the street level of the Fairmont Plaza condominium building, at the corner of Woodmont and Fairmont Avenues.

7831 Woodmont Ave, (301) 951-0474.

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 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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