Go Out This Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is a night where restaurants need to bring out their best in food, service, and the wow factor. When you are planning a special evening, it must be perfect.

My first choice would be Piero’s Corner in Franklin Farms, as they have a “rising star” in Chef Gian Piero Mazzi.

On Valentine’s Day they are serving a great appetizer—Crisp Mozzarella Croccante (think mozzarella-crunchy brittle, like almond brittle) and jumbo Lump Crab Brulee with capers and toasted bread for $12 (split this one, as you need to save room for the rest).Then split a salad (greens, grapes, walnuts and gorgonzola salad with their signature balsamic vinaigrette ($8). Then choose an entrée of the homemade Maine Lobster lasagna with red lipstick peppers (a sweet red pepper) with vodka cream sauce ($19).

Equally delicious is their filet mignon crusted with jumbo lump crab meat served atop mashed potatoes, with a cognac cream sauce ($22). Or, their fresh-roasted Alaskan halibut served with fresh thyme and lemon butter sauce with a tomato risotto is a great choice.

Save room for dessert, which is the best tiramisu I have ever had. With a glass of wine, this is a superb meal! Reservations are highly suggested; call 703-707-6400. Tell the waiter you read about this in Patch and you will get coupons for a return visit.

Next, consider a dinner at Outback Steakhouse in Herndon (150 Elden Street). For two people, $36.99 gets you a signature Bloomin’ Onion for an appetizer, two 9-oz. Outback Special steaks, your choice of soup or salad, plus another side. Dessert is one classic cheesecake to share. For $45.99 you can upgrade to two, 6-oz. filet mignons, and the rest of the special is the same. They also have more “specials” for $12.99 and under. Reservations are suggested. Call 703-318-0999.

Zeffirelli’s in Herndon (725 Pine St.) has an intimate Valentine's Day dinner for $65 per person. This is a very romantic restaurant, with crisp white-tablecloths, excellent service and soft lighting. Their special includes your choice of appetizer (includes salads), entrée and a dessert. What is remarkable is that their signature 16-oz. marinated prime veal chop is included on this Valentine’s Day menu (normally $45 on the regular menu). Reservations are highly suggested. Call 703-318-7000.

Finally, Clyde’s at Reston Town Center (11905 Market St.) has bottles of champagne at half price through Feb. 14. Many of their normal specials will have “heart-shaped” enhancements on Valentine’s Day. The real show stopper is their juicy, grilled 16-oz. prime rib will only be $19.95. Call to confirm availability, as they could sell out, at 703-787-6601. Reservations are highly suggested.

For even more romance, book a “Couples Getaway Spa” package at Washington Dulles Marriott Suites, with a deluxe suite for two for one night, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne upon arrival, plus a complimentary breakfast for two, and a massage for two at the Serenity Day Spa (you need to reserve your massage time at the spa by calling 703-709-6596). Upon checking in, you get a gift certificate for the spa massage for two. Cost is $269 for the package. Call 703-709-0400 to reserve. Available on Friday and Saturday nights only through April 29.