Where to Get Hot Under the Collar

Posted December 12, 2011 by - Mary Kong-DeVito in Dating

When the weather outside is frightful, the fire can indeed be so delightful. Seek refuge during blustery winters with toasty snacks and hot drinks by the fire at these great date spots. If you’re anything like me, cold weather is a signal to grab someone and start huddling for warmth.

I once got pelted with pepper spray at Union Station during Snowpocalypse which I thought that was pretty rude. All the mailman had to do was say “no.”

When there’s no greater feeling of new love blossoming, seek the warmth and romance of these great winter date spots:

Plant yourself and your new honey by Art and Soul’s Olympic-sized fire pit on the patio this winter (weather permitting) where they’ll be handing out s’mores kits and blankets. Just watch those hands. 415 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC. 202.393.7777.

Bourbon Steak also has fire pits, smaller but more of them. Order strong, warming cocktails like the Lion’s Tail, with Bulleit bourbon, allspice dram, lime juice and Angostura bitters; or the smooth, rich Liberty Flip with cognac, Madeira, whiskey barrel bitters and an egg. Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. 202.944.2026.

Be warned, the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown is conducive for spontaneous snuggling, with a wood-burning fireplace and holiday decorations. Stay for the complimentary s’mores with melted Valrhona chocolate and homemade marshmallows on toasted French baguettes made every evening. 3100 South Street NW, Washington, DC. 202.912.4100

Ideal for the third or fourth date, Sax is a sensual place that ignite sparks. It doesn’t have a fireplace, but stay for dinner and Eyes Wide Shut-style shows and feel the temperature rise. 734 11th St NW, Washington DC. 202.737.0101.

Poste’s winter courtyard bar offers blankets, heaters and fire pits along with hot cocktails, fortified wines, soup and fondue! The s’mores fondue is made with melted milk chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. Classic cheese fondue is served with bread, apples and sausage. Open Thursday-Saturday, except during inclement weather! Call to confirm. 555 8th Street NW, Washington, DC. 202.783.6060.

About the Author

- Mary Kong-DeVito

Founder/Editor-in-Chief. Mary grew up in New York where the food-centric city and her family's restaurants were literally her playground. Instead of eating dirt, she ate duck blood and rotten eggs. You never know what you'll find on the sidewalks. Mary is a veteran of the spa industry who's worked on celebrities such as Barbra Streisand, Vanessa Williams and Jane Krakowski. Her writing has appeared in DC Magazine, Washington Post Express, Scoutmob and Washington City Paper. She eats "normal" stuff too, like cheeseburgers. Kangaroo cheeseburgers.