Make Reservations for This Valentine’s Day

Story by Broadside By Staff Writer Gabriella Leone

Valentine’s Day is usually a day full of romance, indulgence and relaxation. The easiest way to enjoy this day is by going out to eat. Because of George Mason University’s great location, students can find amazing restaurants both here in Fairfax and in Washington, D.C. Some restaurants may be a little pricey, some may be cheap, others require reservations, but at the end of the night when your stomach is full and your significant other is thanking you for a great evening, you’ll be happy with your decision.

A typical Valentine’s Day dinner is either a picnic in the park or a romantic, candlelit dinner with delicious food, slow music and decadent chocolates. It is way too cold for a picnic and candlelit dinners can be expensive. Going out to eat is trouble-free and you don’t have to clean up. If you haven’t made plans for Valentine’s Day yet, here are some suggestions for restaurants you should consider going to.

Oyamel Restaurant, located at 401 7th St. NW Washington, DC 20004, offers Mexican cuisine. The restaurant poses a romantic setting with the tables set so that patrons can be close to each other and there are couches. The colors are festive and the prices are cheap. The cost of meals range from $4 to $12. Their dishes are artfully crafted and pleasing to the eye. One of their more popular dishes is the avocado creamy soup, seared scallops, and braised ribs with mole verde. For dessert, try a warm chocolate cake topped with Mexican spices and a scoop of homemade ice cream.

Dolce Vita, which means ‘sweet life’ in Italian, is located at 10824 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030. This is another affordable restaurant to consider. Not only can you get delicious, authentic Italian food, but also listen to live music from a pianist and guitarist until 9 p.m. on Feb. 14. Dolce Vita’s prices range from $4.95 to $25. Their popular dishes include seafood ravioli and Pollo Peperoncino, a chicken and spaghetti dish with sun dried tomatoes. The live music, dim lights and the patio at this restaurant epitomize romance.

If you have a little more money to spend and you want to impress your date, then head into D.C. for five star, quality meals. Due to their popularity, reservations for most restaurants are required. If you’re thinking about dining at one of the following, it would be best to make your reservations in advance.

Morrison-Clark Historic Hotel and Restaurant is the definition of elegance with low, white chandeliers hanging over every table, roaring Italian marble fireplaces, red lace fabric draping the windows and walls, and crisp Victorian-looking white chairs and tables for dining. It is located at 1015 L Street, NW (between 11th St. & Massachusetts Ave) in Washington, D.C. On Valentine’s Day you can get a five-course dinner featuring southern comfort dishes for $85 each. Call (202) 898-1200 for reservations and more information about the $85 meal, this restaurants only seats 75 people.

Dupont Grill Resturant, featuring contemporary American cuisine, is located on 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, in Washington, D.C. 20036. It is $120 per couple and you will receive a 12-course Lover’s Tasting Menu. Call (202) 483-6000 for more information and reservations. If you enjoy Dupont Grill’s food but not the restaurant’s casual atmosphere, try the Odyssey Cruise. It may be something that you and your significant other will enjoy. Enjoy a four-course meal with champagne for those 21 and older, including a three hour tour of the city with dancing and live music. This is $131.90 per person. Men must wear suits and women have to wear cocktail dresses for this elegant affair. The Captain himself greets and seats you before you are able to walk the swanky boat as you please. Call (888)741-0281 for reservations or visit www.odysseycruises.com.

If going out to eat doesn’t seem like enough for Valentine’s Day or it just isn’t your thing, here are some alternative options. Bowling is always a blast, but while Bowl America is far from romantic (unless you enjoy bowling there); Lucky Strike is your best bet if you’re looking to set the mood.
You can find this classy, chic bowling alley near Chinatown in D.C, in the same building as the Regal Theater. They offer food, drinks, music, and their twist on ultimate bowling-all the time. If you’re not 21, you will have to go before 9 p.m. There is a dress code, so check out
http://www.bowlluckystrike.com before you go.

Another expensive, but amazing date is a trip to a day spa. There are a lot of spas in Fairfax and Washington D.C. If spending the day at the spa is too much, you can usually obtain a couples’ massage for $100 or less.

You know what your significant other likes the most, so if none of these places sound right, do your own thing. Valentine’s Day is about making each other feel special and showing each other love and care, so spend time together the best way you can.