V-Day A La Carte

Lock down a Valentine's Day res at one of these spots now, and secure your relationship's future without splurging on a prix fixe so expensive you'll have to liquidate all of your own

Blue Duck Tavern (1201 24th Street Northwest; Foggy Bottom; 202.419.6755) Good enough for the First Couple's 17th anniversary date, the upscale, dark oak-accented den's plating all its standard delicious dishes with "classic American touches", also what was happening underneath the table on said anniversary!Go ahead and find your favorite slow roasted dish in their menu here

Hudson (2030 M St Northwest # 1; Dupont; 202.872.8700) Impress her with the popular Dupont dining room's "retro-chic atmosphere", or snatch a semi private nook in the lounge, and cop 20% off bottles of Champagne, or (in addition to their a la carters) a special four-course "aphrodisiac menu" with entrees like a basil caviar cous cous/ pear & vodka foam "Strawberry Kissed Salmon", though considering the dude's got three World Series rings, he can kiss whatever fish he likes.Peep the full lovers' menu here

La Chaumiere (2813 M Street Northwest; Georgetown; 202.338.1784) The rustic, always-romantic Franco farmhouse is serving their also always-romantic Franco fare for a date which'll be as "close as it gets to dining in a French country inn", without dining in a French country.Get the whole list of farmhouse fare here

Sea Catch (1054 31st Street Northwest; Georgetown; 202.337.8855) Seduce her marine-style at Georgetown's seafood standout by snatching a window table overlooking the romantic-yet-dangerous C & O canal, ensuring that even if you don't end up getting crazy bum, you'll at least see one!If your girl is down for something a bit more raw-nchy, check here to see what's offered at the raw bar

Taberna del Alabardero (1776 I St Northwest; K Street; 202.429.2200) Impress with your masterful accent when reading the menu at the charmingly authentic Spanish restaurante that regularly "plays host to diplomats", making this your only chance at scoring diplomatic plates.Legally score a spot in a diplomat zone

Poste (555 8th Street Northeast; Chinatown; 202.783.6060) The Hotel Monaco's chic, high-ceiling'd resto is offering all its normal deliciousness, plus discounted Champagne and a specially prepped "Rose Veal" from rancher Randall Linebacks, who probably tackles all the cattle himself.Click through and Post(e) your res now

Tosca (1776 I St Northwest; K Street; 202.429.2200) Class her old-school, and watch her delight as the Penn Quarter's normal, upscale Italian grub's brought out by their ever white-jacketed/bow-tied waiters -- between their finery and your paying for their refinery, tonight everyone tux.Grab a seat and keep it classy