Celebrating Valentine’s at home this year? Here are some enticing takeaways—from cookie decorating kits and Negroni Jello shots to romantic repasts for two or heart-studded pepperoni pizza.
Cheesetique
The Virginia cheese emporium is offering a four-course menu for two ($70) from its Shirlington and Del Ray locations, starting with a spread of cheese (of course) and charcuterie. Next up are two entrée choices—coq au vin or creamy farro and ricotta gnocchi. The last course includes two heart-shaped flourless chocolate cakes with passionfruit curd, so no one has to fight over dessert. Round out your repast with a box of Virginia truffles from Kingsbury Chocolates and a package of three half bottles of wine ($49.99), including Virginia-made Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay NV Sparkling. Order deadline is Feb. 10 and the menu is available all Valentine’s weekend. Another option? Order a make-at-home fondue kit ($34.99 – $52.98) and dunk to your heart’s content. // 4024 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington); 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray)
Thompson Italian
Bring home a taste of la dolce vita. Gabe and Katherine Thompson’s Valentine’s Day meal box for two ($180) features beet salad with arugula; tagliatelle with truffle mushroom cream; osso bucco with potato purée and root veggies; and a chocolate-raspberry meringue torta for dessert. Other a la carte specials include smoked salmon rillette, beet ravioli, and whole branzino with olives, lemon and crispy potatoes. Delight the kiddos with a cookie decorating box ($25) that includes 10 sugar cookies, two colors of frosting, sprinkles and chocolate chips. Pastry chef Katherine Thompson is also offering a sweet treats box ($25) with salted caramels, chocolate chip cookies, heart-shaped sugar cookies, hazelnut-raspberry Linzer cookies, pomegranate-Lambrusco gummies and chocolate-coconut macaroons. Valentine’s orders will be available for pick-up between noon and 3 p.m. on Feb. 14. Dishes are provided cold and come with heating instructions. Order before February 12 or until sold out. // 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church City
Village Sweet
Dawn Hart’s Westover bakery is offering several Valentine-themed cupcakes and cakes—including the option of single-size portions—from heart-shaped sugar cookies and strawberry-brown-butter Rice Krispies treats to an elaborate 6-inch, double-layer Royal Wedding Cake with raspberry jam and vanilla buttercream. Orders must be in by Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. for holiday weekend pick-up. // 5872 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)
Colony Grill
Everyone in the family can feel the love with the Valentine’s Day special from this Clarendon newcomer. All pepperoni pie orders during the holiday weekend will come with heart-shaped pepperoni slices, in addition to the restaurant’s signature “hot oil” treatment—a spicy, pepper-infused drizzle. // 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Neighborhood Provisions
Neighborhood Restaurant Group is offering an array of lovely packages for all kinds of celebrations, from a “Galentine’s Goodie Box” ($30) stocked with chocolate pudding, cookie dough and Champagne, to a home “Caviar Service” ($90) complete with sturgeon caviar, housemade potato chips, red onion, whipped scallion creme fraiche, chopped eggs and capers. The options also include custom cocktails by spirits director Nick Farrell ($45) with add-ons like Negroni Jello shots ($3 each or 5 for $12); chocolate fondue kits ($30); cookie decorating kits ($25); boxed chocolate bonbons ($30); and a Valentine’s dinner ($65 per person) with courses like lobster bisque, lump crab cakes, roasted sirloin with truffle mashed potatoes and chocolate mousse. Orders must be placed at least two days in advance. //Deliveries available in Arlington and Alexandria. Pick-up locations include Rustico Ballston, 4075 Wilson Blvd.; Rustico Alexandria, 827 Slaters Lane; and Red Apron Butcher in the Mosaic District, 8298 Glass Alley.
Green Pig Bistro
Chef Tracy O’Grady’s Valentine’s Day Catering menu includes a tantalizing mix-and-match array of dinners for two, each including a choice of soup, a main course, up to three sides and dessert. Contemplate feasting on Colorado rack of lamb, seafood risotto or smoked duck breast with crispy duck confit and duck sausage. Sides include options like crab bisque, Brussels sprouts with bacon, heirloom carrots and five-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese. For dessert? “Pots of love” (chocolate pots de creme or salted-caramel-banana cheesecake) with assorted cookies. Order online before Feb. 10 for pickup between 3-6 p.m. on Feb. 14. Prices vary, depending on the dish. // 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Ice Cream Jubilee
Make your own Valentine’s Day ice cream sandwiches with a kit ($16) that includes a pint of ice cream, bake-at-home sugar cookies, sprinkles, melting chocolate and a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Pre-order for pickup or delivery Feb. 11 to 14. //4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Jaleo
The Crystal City outpost of Chef José Andrés’ flagship restaurant is offering a sumptuous paella feast for two, with traditional meat-and-seafood and vegetarian options. All menus come with a variety of Spanish tapas (with options like octopus salad and tortilla de patatas with Iberico ham) and end with a choice of molten chocolate cake or tarta de queso vasca—a Basque-style cheesecake. Order in advance on Tock ($260 for 2) and pick-up from Feb. 12 to 14. // 2250 Crystal Drive, Arlington (Crystal City)
District Doughnut
Order by Feb. 11 for a box of chocolate…doughnuts! The Valentine’s collection includes milk-chocolate glazed, Nutella ganache, hot cocoa and chocolate-covered strawberry doughnuts, and is also available gluten-free. If you don’t want to go all in, try a sampler of mini doughnuts, topped with conversation hearts. The holiday packages come wrapped in a special box with ribbon, a personal note and a rose, and you can add flowers for an extra charge. Pre-made boxes will be available at the Ballston Quarter location, and delivery is available across Northern Virginia. Pre-orders can also be picked up in District Doughnut’s Georgetown and Barracks Row stores. //4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston Quarter)
Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque
Joe and Mandy Neuman’s Arlington BBQ joint has put together a meaty feast for two, including an appetizer of smoked sausage, pimento cheese and pickles, a heart-shaped box of ribs, brisket and pulled pork and finished with two mud pies featuring homemade chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos and topped with whipped cream ($68 for 2). Orders will be available starting Feb. 8 via the restaurant’s ordering website. Pre-orders are recommended. //5731 Lee Highway, Arlington (Yorktown)