Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/105435
A la Carte john Granen By Robert Bonina, Vice President Food & Beverage Love at first bite Be our Valentine with a romantic dinner at Torchy's F ebruary 14. It's a day dedicated to love, roses and, of course, chocolate. There are many explanations of how we came to celebrate Valentine's Day. One of the most noted involves the legendary St. Valentine, a third century Roman priest for the Catholic Church. During this time, Emperor Claudius II obliged young men to serve in the military, prohibiting them from marrying. As legend has it, St. Valentine, a hopeless romantic, became a secret officiant and united many soldiers with their true loves. Speaking of love, this Valentine's Day at the WAC, Executive Chef Eric Floyd will serve a delicious prix fixe menu you're sure to love. More on that after we finish the legend. Eventually, St. Valentine was arrested for his actions and killed for his faith in love. Rumor has it that during his time in prison, St. Valentine himself fell in love with his jailer's daughter. As the story goes, he signed his last letter to her "from your Valentine." By the Middle Ages, Valentine became one of the most renowned saints throughout France and England. During this time, February 14 was also believed to mark the beginning of a bird's mating season, furthering the date's 12 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | FEBRUARY 2013 association with love. By the 17th century, people around the world began acknowledging it as a day of romance and expression. So, what exactly does Valentine's Day represent today? We all know about those heart-shaped candies etched with sugar-coated words given to express signs of affection. But why should we celebrate what many see as a Hallmark holiday? For starters, allow me to point out that Valentine's Day gives us an excuse to spread love to those who might need it. If that's not reason enough then how about this: It's a great chance to eat and drink delicious food and wine, which brings us back to the prix fixe dinner at Torchy's. When you join us with your special someone—or anyone, really—from February 14 to 26, you can choose between lamb chops or lobster tail, each paired with a glass of sparkling wine and a rose. We'll also include an array of desserts, like chocolate-dipped ganache hearts filled with Bing cherry mousse. That's something we can all celebrate. Robert Bonina is Vice President Food & Beverage. To make your Valentine's reservations at Torchy's, contact restspvsr@wac.net or call 206.464.4626.