Valentine's Day -

by bakersroyale

Chocolate and Beer Filled Donuts

What could be more loving than breakfast in bed with a serving of chocolate and beer deep fried to donut perfection? Yep, it’s time to bring your romanticism (and gluttony) to the forefront this Valentine’s Day with these Chocolate and Beer Filled Donuts.

I know one dessert does not fit all, so of course you can couple your chocolate with just about anything — Scotch, Cognac, or even no alcohol at all. This recipe is highly adaptable, so throw in what you like. Shoot, throw in a mini Snickers Bars if that’s your mix for a bit of joie de vivre on your love day celebration.

Chocolate and Beer Filled Donuts

ES Local: The DC Gay Valentine’s Day Guide

Valentine’s Day is the time of the year when personal displays of affection are obligatory — a day to celebrate without any inhibitions. For the gay community this can sometimes be a challenge as restaurants are not as universally tolerant of gay couples’ PDAs. We’ve all heard the horror stories where a gay couple has been asked to leave a restaurant when either the owner isn’t happy or other customers feel uncomfortable. Yes, the gay community has its own restaurants, but there are not enough seats to fill every gay person in the city, especially this city.

Here is my guide to some great restaurants in DC where I would be happy to go on V-Day, to recommend to my friends, or to you, the readers of ES.

The First Date: 1789

As deceptive as it is great. Daniel Giusti is one of the youngest Executive Chefs in one of the oldest and grandest of dining rooms in the District, but you’d never guess by his youthful menu — my personal favourite dish is the Oyster Gratin. Actually, my experience at 1789 was somewhat overwhelming. The food really was exceptional but the surroundings and other clientele were not my usual setting. I think of 1789 as an older, more conservative restaurant, so I’m not sure that a gay couple would be comfortable showing some love. But I would recommend 1789 for a first date — first dates are not for touchy-feely situations but more for getting to know your newfound love, and 1789 can provide that conversational atmosphere. 1789 is offering a five-course tasting in addition to its a la carte menu. 1226 36th Street NW, (202) 965-1789

Impressing a Second Date: Tabard Inn

This classic standby is no stranger to gay clientele. Bordering Dupont and 17th Street, it’s a popular choice amongst my friends for weekend brunch and I suspect it will be no different come Valentine’s Day. The hotel is offering a 3-course prix fixe menu which includes Oysters, Seared Guinea Hen and a selection of desserts to choose, albeit on the pricier side at $65 per person. 1739 N Street NW, (202) 331-8528

Sex on a Plate: The Event

*start shameless self promotion*

For the past few months, I’ve been working with the sexy lady pictured above (Jennifer Iannolo) on what will be a fabulous Valentine’s extravaganza. We want you all there. You by yourself. You with your boyfriend/girlfriend. You with your friends. You with your love triangle. Just come.

And if that picture isn’t enough to convince you…I will be there too!

DETAILS: Step inside the head of food & sensuality maven Jennifer Iannolo, host of Food Philosophy and co-creator of the Culinary Media Network, as she presents a selection of flavors, tastes and textures designed to evoke your senses. Instead of the rote table-for-two scenario, her Valentine’s Day cocktail party in the Penthouse Solarium of the Roger Smith Hotel will be a sultry evening of tastes with the kinds of aromas, textures and flavors that will make your mouth water — and prime you for what she hopes is a most sensual evening.

This event is for singles, doubles, threesomes, or whatever tickles your fancy.

DATE: February 14, 2010

TIME: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

VENUE: Roger Smith Hotel, Penthouse: Solarium

EVENT TYPE: Cocktail & Tasting Party

MENU: A series of delectable small plates and adult beverages

EARLY-BIRD TICKET PRICES THROUGH 1/31/10 (friends *or* lovers, darlings):

$100 pp
$95 pp for “doubles”
$92 pp for “threesomes”
$90 pp for groups of 4 or more

Purchase here.

HOTEL SPECIAL

The Roger Smith Hotel is offering a special “Take Monday Off” rate on Valentine’s Day for this event. Please contact Brian Simpson for details on Twitter or via e-mail.

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