This Weekend Under $60: Firefly

So you've been dating this girl (or guy) for awhile. You certainly want to make sure he/she has a fantastic valentine's day, but you are also fairly certain he/she won't dump you if you spend under $60 dollars on the evening. For this Valentine's Day Weekend Under $60, Eat the District brings you to Firefly. This small Kimpton restaurant connected to the Hotel Madera offers an "urban picnic". The idea is American comfort food, of the type you might normally eat on a red-checkered table cloth at an outdoor concert or other venue. Walking in you will see a huge tree growing literally through the restaurant. The rest of the decor reflects this outdoor picnic theme with earthy wood tones and candles throughout. The restaurant, as I mentioned early, is a bit small with limited seating, so reservations are a must. However, the small space creates a cozy atmosphere, perfectly suitable for this "urban picnic."


The food is excellent. They offer an array of small plate appetizers along with picnic dishes to share as a starter. I would recommend the little bacon meatballs from the small plate menu or the cheddar and beer fondue with half-smokes from the picnic menu. It was the main course that truly made the evening for me however. The mini-pot roast is absurdly delicious. Served with roasted shallots and on a bed of creamy golden Yukon mashed potatoes the dish is tender, juicy, and delectable. I would say it's just like Mom made it, but if my mother cooked this well I most certainly would never have left home.

Having sufficiently tickled your Valentine's palette, and having sufficiently exercised your wallets capacity take a stroll down to the Kennedy Center. Take the elevator to the viewing gallery and spend some time there. Like the smooth pro that you are, have a box of chocolates on hand to offer your date. Look at the stars, compliment him/her, do whatever it is you do. Escape the gaudy Valentine's Day spending and simply enjoy some time in each others' company. If the weather is anything like it has been, it should be a fantastic evening.



Directions: Orange/Blue Line to Foggy Bottom. Cross Washington Circle and walk up New Hampshire Ave, on your left.

Appetizer: $5-14
Main course: $17-28
Chocolates: $8
Young Love: Priceless

Total: $56 plus tax and tip (Yes, I know it's close but for the love of God it's Valentine's day, splurge a bit man)