Melt the Ice of Hearts
Another Feb. 14, another snowstorm in Washington. If you’d prefer to stay in for Valentine’s Day, you are not alone, especially in this weather.
For those hardy souls willing to don snowboots but who did not have the wherewithal to make dinner reservations in December, the upside may be that there are a few great tables going empty tonight in your favorite restaurants.
Washingtonian’s Best Bites Blog tips us that OpenTable.com had some good tables left as of this morning at Charlie Palmer Steak, Ceiba, Café 15, Equinox, Kinkead’s and Sushi-Ko. So call now.
But if the thought of braving the elements leaves you cold, there are in-home options.
FTD will deliver a red-themed bouquet the same day, but check the drug stores if you’re not allowed to come home without one.
You could relive your junior high days and spend the evening letting your lover win at Mario Brothers for free and right on your computer.
Or, make some quick and easy homemade tomato sauce and surprise your sweetie with a nice red spaghetti dinner:
2 T. olive oil
½ cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 28 oz. can of tomatoes
1 15 oz. can of sauce
2 T. or more tomato paste
1 T. dried oregano
1 T. dried basil
your favorite box of pasta
your favorite bottle of red wine
Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat until a piece of onion dropped into it sizzles. Put in the onions, turn down to low, cook until translucent – about 10-15 minutes.
Drop in the garlic, cook for just 2 minutes until it smells good but not burnt, then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer 30 minutes. Stir periodicly, breaking up the tomatoes with your spoon.
Cook the pasta, open the wine, voila!
If you don’t have a Valentine this year, grab a group of your friends and hit your favorite neighborhood bar. Our friends at The List: Are You On It? note that Chi Cha Lounge is hosting a singles night. The party starts at 8:00 p.m. and features $6 martinis, $5 sangria and $4 beers.
And as the weather people call for more frigid temperatures, we think you can figure out how to stay warm all by yourselves.
Photo by Flickr user zophos.