Sobel stuffs Yorkshire puddings with scallions and Brie for a rich v-day treat.

On Tuesday, we shared a couple of appetizers—one simple, one slightly more involved—from Cork Wine Bar chef Rob Weland. Today, we’re moving on to the main course with two flavor-packed dishes from Adam Sobel at Bourbon Steak. His simple-to-execute spicy Thai beef salad is an excellent pick for kitchen newbies looking to impress a loved one this February 14. And the prime rib cap, while slightly more involved, is sure to wow your favorite beef aficionado.  Be sure to read through the recipes before you begin, as some advance prep is required. 

There's a lot to love about Cork chef Robert Weland's caviar-topped seared scallops. Photograph by Erik Uecke.

Whether you’re looking for a simple yet delicious appetizer for a get-together or trying to wow your valentine with your culinary skills, Cork chef Rob Weland has you covered. The avocado bruschetta is a favorite on the cozy wine bar’s menu, and is perfect for couples (halve the recipe if you’re serving it with a main course) or a Valentine’s Day party. On the other end of the spectrum, seared scallops with pickled and puréed sunchokes make a delicious centerpiece for an intimate table.

Chicken skewers at Kushi. Photograph by Scott Suchman.

You hear a lot about how Valentine’s Day is rough on singles, but it’s no picnic for new or casual couples, either. Fledgling partners can opt not to acknowledge it, but there’s a certain stage in a relationship—somewhere between “What’s your middle name again?” and “Should we get a dog?”—when ignoring Valentine’s Day is as awkward as recognizing it at some romance-on-steroids place with smooth jazz on the stereo.

It’s with these couples in mind that we created this list of relaxed restaurants where you can celebrate being in love (or being in like, whatever) without all the candlelit, rose-petal-strewn pressure.

1) Graffiato is too noisy for serious romance, and the classic-rock soundtrack makes it impossible to take anything seriously, anyway. Still, there’s Prosecco on tap in case you want to toast, and the food tends toward the swoon-worthy. A $60 special menu will be served on February 14 (the regular menu will be available on the first floor); be sure to reserve right away.

2) Granville Moore’s will turn the lights down a little lower than usual on February 14. Other than that, it’s business at usual at this skinny stretch of restaurant in the center of the H Street action. No special menu, no heart-shaped anything. Just mussels, fries, and lots of beer.

Proof is offering five courses this Valentine's Day. Photograph by Scott Suchman.

Last week, we sent you a list of special Valentine’s Day menus with a promise to deliver more when they came in. So here you go: 16 more restaurants offering one-off fare this February 14.

Bourbon Steak
Seating(s): 6 to 10 PM
Price: $95 for a three-course dinner.
Menu
Reservations: Call 202-944-2026, or reserve online.
Etc.: Diners can choose between four dishes for each course.

Brabo
Seating(s): 5:30 to 10 PM
Price: $85 for a five-course dinner, or $130 with wine pairings.
Menu
Reservations: Call 703-894-3440, or reserve online.

Carmine’s
Seating(s): 11:30 to 10 PM
Price: $15 for a special Valentine’s Day cocktail for two.
Reservations: Call 202-737-7770, or reserve online.
Etc.: Indulge in a heart-shaped chocolate torte with fresh strawberry-Chambord sauce and four chocolate-covered strawberries to end the night. Available from Saturday, February 12, through Tuesday, February 14.

Zentan's Singapore slaw is among the dishes on the restaurant's Chinese New Year menu, available through Saturday. Photograph by Scott Suchman.

Today marks the beginning of the two-week celebration of the Chinese New Year, and you know it’ll be a good Year of the Dragon when Warren Buffett kicks it all off with a televised ukulele serenade. High rollers will want to head to the Source, where chef Scott Drewno concocts a delicious-sounding five-course menu ($125 per person; $175 with wine pairings). The lineup of wok-fired lobster dumplings, smoked Peking duck, house-made fortune cookies, and more is available through Friday, February 3, which will also be the best evening to reserve: megastar chef-owner Wolfgang Puck will be in the house. Call 202-637-6100 if you want to rub elbows with the grandaddy of Cal cuisine (reservations are for tasting menu only on the 3rd; the à-la-carte menu is offered as well on other dates).

Slightly less pricey but also chic is Zentan’s four-course menu ($47.10 per person), which is served in the sleek Donovan House dining room through Saturday. Chefs Susur Lee and Jaime Montes de Oca are presenting a menu that includes a choice of dishes such as Lee’s elaborate 19-ingredient Singapore slaw, crispy red snapper with black bean sauce, and stir-fried “longevity” noodles. More in the mood for a New Year steal? Stop by Ping Pong Dim Sum through February 6, where giveaways and discounts are on offer (see here) including free glasses of Champagne for the ladies on Tuesday; comped cocktails for dragon boomers; and dim sum giveaways during happy hour. There is also an extensive two-course set menu for two ($70, including two cocktails). And you’ll find a similarly priced feast over at Asia Nine, with four courses for $35.

Chef Todd Gray is offering both three- and five-course special menus this February 14 at Equinox. Photograph courtesy of Equinox.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and local restaurants are starting to announce limited-time love day menus. Here are V-day details at 15 local restaurants; check back with us for more as February 14 approaches. Don’t feel like dining out on Tuesday? Many of the menus are available on surrounding dates, as well.

Acqua Al 2
Seating(s): 5:30 to 10:30 PM
Price: $85 for a five-course meal.
Menu
Reservations: Call 202-525-4375, or reserve online.
Etc.: Book table 70 for a secluded seat with a view of the restaurant’s Tuscan mural.

Get romantic at an atmosphere-rich restaurant this Valentine's Day.

Stumped on where to go out on February 14? Here are five restaurants that would work perfectly for the long-term couple looking for a romantic evening on the town. All of them currently have tables open, but reserve now. In this town, booking a table at a decent time on Valentine’s Day is no bouquet of roses.