Liz Davis, a.k.a. The Dairy Godmother of Del Ray, has accepted a mission this Valentine's Day — to offer a treat as sweet (and more palatable) as any bouquet of roses.
Davis, whose shop is located at 2310 Mount Vernon Ave. (703-683-7767, www.thedairygodmother.com), is offering a box of six chocolate-dipped gelato and sorbetto truffles for Feb. 14 and the rest of the month. The flavors, two of each, are rose petal, champagne sorbet with a dusting of gold and raspberry sorbet. Each box retails for just over $10. There will also be pints of rose petal gelato ($4.12) available throughout the month.
Plenty of local eateries are providing special menu options — and a few more surprises — on Valentine's Day:
Bistro Europa (715 King St., 703-549-0533, www.bistro-europa.com) is offering a 5-course prix-fixe meal with surf and turf, rack of lamb and crab stuffed flounder, including a complimentary glass of champagne. Cost is $65 per person.
Vermilion (1120 King St., 703-684-9669, www.vermilionrestaurant.com) is offering its regular menu and a 4-course prix-fixe menu for $55 per person. It will be available through the weekend. Entrees include Pan-Roasted Striped Bass and Grilled Prime Bivette Steak.
Bastille (1201 N. Royal St., 703-519-3776, www.bastillerestaurant.com) is offering a chef's tasting menu for $54 with optional wine pairings ($35). Entrees include pan-roasted New Zealand John Dory filet, free-range grass fed beef filet, spices and cocoa sauce, and rose wine risotto and braised greens topped with Manchego cheese shavings. Inquire for early reservations with Michelle Garbee at 703-519-3776.
La Bergerie (218 N. Lee St., 703-683-1007, www.labergerie.com) is offering a 4-course menu for $69 per person that includes at least five options for every course.
Tempo Restaurant (4231 Duke St., 703-370-7900, www.temporestaurant.com) is offering a fixed price menu of $55 per person, which includes a 4-course dinner with coffee or tea included. There's also an early-bird special from 5-6 p.m., with choice of either an a la carte or fixed price menu. Call for reservations.
Bistro Laffyette (1118 King St., 703-548-2525) also has a special menu of 4-6 courses for $65 per person.
La Tasca (607 King St., 703-299-9810, www.latascausa.com) features a special 3-course sharing menu that offers dessert and romantic music for $49 per person. Like some other eateries offering Valentine's specials not only on Wednesday but the following weekend, the tasting menu will be available for the rest of the week for a reduced price of $39.
The Grille at the Morrison House (116 S. Alfred Street, 703-838-8000, www.morrisonhouse.com) offers a 7-course tasting menu with a glass of champagne. For 5 p.m. reservations, it's $95 per person; after 5 p.m. it's $125/person.
100 King (100 King Street, 703-299-0076, www.100king.com) offers a multi-course tasting menu for $85 per couple.
Bilbo Baggins Global Wine Cafe and Restaurant (208 Queen Street, 703-683-0300, www.bilbobaggins.net) offers a specially designed Valentine's Day menu that includes eight different entree options.
Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt St., 703-706-0450, www.restauranteve.com) has a 3-course tasting menu for $85 per person in its bistro and a 7-course Chef's tasting menu in the tasting room for $150 per person.
Southside 815 (815 S. Washington St., 703-836-6222, www.southside815.com) offers a special Valentine's Day menu along with its usual specials — and expects a few couples to end their romantic evening watching their favorite teams on its 12 TVs.
Chez Andrée (10 East Glebe Road, Alexandria, 703-836-1404) is known for its country French Cuisine and charming decor. The restaurant is offering a Valentine's Day 3-course special for $45.95 per person.
The Boulevard Woodgrill (2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 703-875-9663) is offering is full daily menu along with an array of specials geared for Valentine's Day.
Finally, Caribbean Breeze (4100 Fairfax Drive, 703-812-7997, www.caribbeanbreezeva.com) is offering some food and fun for Valentine's Day — and gearing it for couples and singles. At 8 p.m., there is a 3-course dinner for $99 per couple and $59 per single; at 10 p.m., there is a Latin salsa party for all in attendance. Owner Michael Cordero said the event is being promoted as a way to make some matches on Feb. 14 — perhaps some will come as singles, "and leave as couples," he said.
As with any holiday, check with your favorite local eatery to find out if there are any specials and if reservations are required.