Chef Jacques Haeringer leads one of his annual romantic cooking demonstration and luncheons last Valentine’s Day at L’Auberge Chez François. Photo courtesy of Carol Heubner
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and Great Falls vendors are prepared to celebrate your loved ones.
The family-owned L’Auberge Chez François and Jacques’ Brasserie, nestled deep on six acres of Great Falls, is a local favorite for celebrating Valentine’s Day, and romance in general. Open Table Diners and USA Today recognize L’Auberge Chez François as the number one romantic restaurant in the D.C. Metro area and one of the Top 100 Restaurants in America for Romance.
The owner and head chef Jacques Haeringer is well versed in cooking for romance. He is the host of a thirteen series show titled Two for Tonight that aired on PBS and author of the companion cookbook featuring recipes that inspire romance through food and togetherness.
As Chef Jacques writes in the introduction to Two for Tonight, “Romantic celebrations are a tradition at L’Auberge Chez François, you might even say that they are our raison d’etre… Many couples return to L’Auberge Chez François and Jacques’ Brasserie year after year to renew and reaffirm the romance in their lives. We supply the cuisine, ambience, service, and wine: you bring your own romantic magic.”
This Valentine’s event includes an intimate dinner featuring co-host Clovis Tattinger, General Director Damien Le Sueurf of Tattinger House. Clovis will present the history of his iconic brand and discuss each of the five champagnes. All champagnes served will be on sale for a special price with Tattinger on hand to sign guest’s bottles to take home and recreate the magical evening.
Reservations are hard to come by – demand far exceeds supply each year and the 2019 date is already sold out. Chef Jacques jokes the men’s voices get higher and higher on the phone as Valentine’s Day approaches and they call to make a reservation only to find out the tables are booked.
The restaurant is celebrating romance the entire month of February with special events including romantic wine dinners, cooking demonstrations, musicals, brunch and more. The restaurant’s website www.laubergechezfrancois.com has more information and registration links.
CLASSIC WINES of Great Falls is a fine wine, beer, gourmet and cigar shop, which has been serving Northern Virginia since 1992. Manager Richard “Rich” Ashton has years of wine and food experience, and prides himself on being able to recommend just the right wine for that special meal, or just for everyday drinking enjoyment.
He noted customers often come to his store in early February in anticipation for the special day to purchase their significant other’s favorite bottle of wine. Other holiday favorites are pairing wines for a special meal or champagne.
One of Ashton’s most recent additions and featured this Valentine’s Day is the Amami Rosso Veneto ’16, imported from Italy (pictured). The wine is a blend of Merlot and Corvina grape, with an “intense purple color, tending towards garnet with ageing… The taste is juicy, spicy red with a riding creamy palate and a long, refined finish.” according to Classic Wines January newsletter.
Download the Classic Wines app for 20 percent off your first purchase and access to VIP discounts, loyalty programs, products, services, event information and specials. Join the Wine Club for even more benefits and first consideration of limited releases.
REJUVENATE the mind, body and spirit with a tranquil and relaxing massage for you and your loved one at Pure Spa, located off Walker Road. The cozy and serene spa offers beauty treatments and signature massages such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone and Aromatherapy, as well as the romance holiday favorite Couples Massage. Pure Spa is offering 20 percent off any massage or facial service on Feb. 14, and 3 days before and after. The spa is quickly becoming a local favorite relaxation spot and boasts a five star rating on Yelp.
Sugar Up, Sugar! is a small local pastry business in Great Falls. Leslie Hollander, the owner and pastry specialist, began her culinary career as a student of the cooking school L'Academie de Cuisine where she graduated first in her class.
As a 21-year resident of Great Falls, Hollander says she loves her community and “her dream is to become the Great Falls Baker.” Known for her creative flavor combinations and quality ingredients, Hollander takes pride in her customer experience and works with clients to deliver their fantasy pastry from scratch. She is recognized for her handmade chocolate truffles and iterations of chocolates and caramels.
This Valentine’s Day, Sugar Up, Sugar! is featuring special flavors of truffles: orange cardamom, Mayan, lavender and bourbon. Custom orders and flavors are also available to special order. Hollander also is selling salted caramels, custom heart shaped cakes by order and heart-shaped sugar cookies designed to resemble the candy Sweethearts. Customers purchase her pastries for loved ones and as teacher gifts on Valentine’s Day, and businesses work with her to create special gifts for their customers on the special day. Hollander provides free delivery for her Great Falls customers.
ADELER JEWELERS houses a two story design showroom featuring hundreds of custom jewelry prices designed by owner Jorge Adeler. This Valentine’s Day Adeler Jewelers will be offering 15 percent off any purchase for your special someone for the first two weeks of February (Feb. 1-14). This applies to any in stock pieces. Loose diamonds are not included. Wendy Adeler notes, “the jewelry is one-of-a-kind, just like your sweetheart. From authentic ancient coin cuff links to ruby and diamond earrings…and everything in between. Browse at your leisure while enjoying refreshments and free and convenient parking.”