Distinguished celebrity chef Art Smith, chef/owner of Washington, DC’s Art and Soul restaurant in The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel and former personal chef to Ms. Winfrey, will appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show this Thursday, February 4^th. He appears with super-star docs, Dr. Oz and Dr. Ian Smith, to discuss living with diabetes and diabetes prevention. The Oprah Winfrey Show airs at 4 p.m. weekdays on ABC.

On the show he talks about his first-hand experience battling the disease and gives tips on how every American can help prevent it from happening to them, no matter their age. On the verge of his 50^th birthday, Chef Art decided to radically change his lifestyle after being diagnosed with early Type 2 diabetes and did it the old fashion way – by eating right and exercising. He has loss over 85 lbs, is down to 240 lbs and is no longer taking medication for his diabetes.  

He talks with Ms. Winfrey about his new exercise regime and his healthy diet as a celebrity chef who is known for fried chicken, a favorite of Lady Gaga’s. He gives personal examples of how important it is to learn to listen to your body and not deprive it of the foods it craves (Chef Art’s favorites – fried chicken and wood-fired pizza) but eat them in moderation. For instance, he indulges in his old favorites once a week with a “party” day.  

Chef Art is spreading his new found love of health all around and is starting at Art and Soul by adding his two new favorite breakfast items – Egg White Frittata with spinach, tomatoes and caramelized onions and Steel Cut Oatmeal with fresh fruit – to the breakfast menu to help guests get an “Art Start” to their day. For reservations at Art and Soul at The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel in Washington, DC, please call: 202-393-7777 or go to artandsouldc.com.

Located in the heart of Georgetown, Morso restaurant offers contemporary Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean influenced cuisine in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.   The innovative menu places an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.  A variety of hot and cold Mezze (small plates), along with soups and salads will be featured.  In addition, the restaurant will offer an international wine list and artisan cocktails. 

Morso’s modern design mimics the warmth of the Mediterranean sun highlighting shades of orange, warm browns, rich woods and earth-tone tiles.   Modernistic geometric shapes are displayed in the lighting fixtures, columns and banquettes.  The angled bar allows for a full view of the dining area and maximized seating area.

Chef Ed Witt’s frequently changing seasonal menu is a nod toward the traditional along with updated ingredients, presentations and  taste profiles. 

Morso Express

Located adjacent to Morso restaurant, Morso Express offers upscale tastes for a fast paced world.  This intimate space enables guests to grab a quick bite of Morso’s Turkish/Eastern Mediterranean cuisine in a casual atmosphere, or take-out for home, office, dorm room, park bench… or wherever the dining spirit may lead. 

The menu offers a variety of salads, Mezze (small plates), pide (Turkish flatbread prepared with various toppings) and the customized Morso Kebab.  Diners can choose from steak, chicken, shrimp, roast leg of lamb or red lentil kofte and select toppings such as grilled onions, chilis or tomatoes.   Guests can also create their own masterpieces- suited to their mood and flavor preferences- by adding romaine lettuce, charred eggplant, fava hummus and more, or sauces like spicy tomato, tahini or lemon garlic mayonnaise.

Art and Soul

Executive Chef Travis Timberlake will prepare a special three-course Valentine’s Day menu for two – designed for couples to share – and accompanied by a complimentary champagne cocktail with strawberry-basil foam and sliced strawberries. A vegetarian option is available upon request and the regular menu is also being served. Art and Soul’s Valentine’s Day menu is available for dinner February 14th, 2010.  Prices range from $90 – $120 per couple depending on entrée choice.  415 New Jersey Avenue NW at The Liaison Capitol Hill; ph: 202-393-7777; www.artandsouldc.com

Asia Nine Bar & Lounge

Whether coupled or solo, diners will fall in love with Asia Nine Bar & Lounge’s special Valentine’s Day offerings.  The a la carte menu is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a girl’s night out.  The Penn Quarter restaurant’s jewel toned interior and rich wood accents are a fitting backdrop for a memorable Pan-Asian feast.  The special menu is available at dinner, Friday February 12 – Sunday, February 14, 2010. Prices range from $24 to $28 for entrees, $8 to $10 for appetizers, $10 for cocktails, and $9 for desserts. 915 E Street, NW, Washington, DC; ph: 202-629-4348; www.asianine.com

Bangkok Joe’s

Chef and owner Aulie presents three multi-course Valentine’s Day Menu, each designed around a shareable entrée sized for two. Diners may select the $22 per/person option: Vegetable Spring Roll, Pad Thai-for-Two or a Small Crispy Flounder, and a Strawberry Cream Profiterole as well as two glasses of house wine. Bangkok Joe’s Valentine’s Day menu will be offered for dinner Friday, Feb. 12th- Sunday, Feb. 14th, 2010.  The menus will be priced: $22, $32, $42, depending on entrée choice.  300 K Street NW at the Georgetown Waterfront; ph: 202-333-4422; Bangkokjoes.com

Bastille

Spend this Valentine’s Day at a charming restaurant, located in Alexandria, VA.  Bastille is a perfect spot for French cuisine, and an intimate evening for two. Executive Chef Christophe Poteaux and Pastry Chef Michelle Garbee Poteaux have crafted a delicious three course prix fixe dinner for $45, with wine pairings for an additional $25.  The special dinner menu is available on Friday and Saturday night as a prix-fixe menu with a la carte option.  On Sunday, February 14th only the prix-fixe menu is available. Reservations are required.  1201 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA; ph: 703-519-3776; www.bastillerestaurant.com

Café Promenade

Located in the legendary Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Café Promenade is featuring a special Valentine’s Day menu, available Friday, February 12th through Sunday, February 14th.   Executive Chef Abdellah Aguenaou has created an $85 four-course prix-fixe sure to make a heart melt with delight.  Each couple will receive a long stem rose from the hotel’s flower shop.  Reservations are required.  1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; ph: 202-347-3000

Café Dupont

Café Dupont, a restaurant in Washington, DC located in the heart of Dupont Circle at The Dupont Hotel, is setting the mood for couples on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th. Executive Chef Silvan Kramer has created a delectable three-course prix-fixe menu with a sensual dessert for two and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.  The restaurant will have a caricaturist available for couples who would like to capture the evening in a cartoon portrait together and each couple will be presented with a rose and chocolates at the end of the evening to take home and enjoy. The cost for the evening is $90 per couple. Seating times will begin at 6 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 202.797.0169 or visit www.opentable.com. 1500 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

Roof Terrace Restaurant

The Roof Terrace Restaurant set atop the Kennedy Center offers couples everything they need to bring the romance alive on the most passionate night of the year – soft lighting, exquisite cuisine and the most memorable view of the Washington, DC skyline. In conjunction with the Kennedy Center’s focus on Russia throughout February and March, the Roof Terrace Restaurant will offer a “From Russia with Love” menu on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14th.  Executive Chef Joe Gurner has created a four-course Russian inspired prix-fixe menu, which includes a complimentary cocktail. The menu will be the only menu available on Valentine’s Day and is priced at $49.95 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Seating times will begin at 5:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 202-416-8555 or online at www.roofterracerestaurant.com. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC

Virginia Wine Bar & Bistro is showing their support of Virginia’s slogan “Virginia is for lovers” by providing guests with a romantic place to relax with a dinner full of aphrodisiacs.  On Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, Executive Chef Bo Palker will be offering a decadent three-course menu starting at $59 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Each couple will receive a fresh cut, long stem red rose upon arrival and an amuse-bouche from the chef. General Manager/Sommelier Jason Meringolo will hand-pick the perfect wine to pair with the meal from Vinifera’s selection of 300 wines.  Wine flights will also be available. Reservations are available from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and are strongly recommended. To make a reservation call 703-234-3550, or visit www.viniferabistro.com. 
 
 
The Westin Reston Heights is also offering a Valentine’s Day package available from Friday, February 12th – Sunday, February 14th starting at $199 per couple.  The package includes an overnight stay in one of the Westin’s most spacious suites, a complimentary bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and an Elizabeth Arden Wellness Bag upon arrival.  Guests can enjoy a relaxing spa service of their choice with a complimentary $50 gift card to Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa and transportation to and from the spa.  To end the romantic experience, guests will be served breakfast in bed for two and will be guaranteed a late check-out to ensure a stress-free morning. To make a reservation call 888-627-8344 or visit www.westin.com/restonheights and use the booking code VDAYPKG.

As founding editor in chief of Capitol File Magazine, Kate created an enduring editorial program of local luxury and bold-face named experts. She has written for The Washington Post and Express, Time Out, Forbes Traveler and has made frequent appearances on WTOP as a local expert. Kate is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Canada with a double major in English and Art History.

Favorite Dishes:

The warm, contemporary redesign has transformed every corner of this Washington hotel, from the 327 bedrooms and suites to the meeting rooms, catering facilities and conference suites. Guests feel elegantly indulged everywhere they go, from their table in the hotel’s Café Dupont restaurant to the stunning new Bar Dupont, to their bedroom.

Wilson wandered past Tackle Box in Georgetown on Wednesday night, where friends were feting columnist-turned-radio-host John McCaslin for his new book on a legendary dope dealer. Wilson noticed the books displayed in the window (the dust covers of which just happen to be made from rolling paper) and strolled right in, clearly intrigued. Inside, he walked over to the table where books were being sold and started leafing through the pages.

Wonder if the party favors caught his eye? In neat little rows next to the books were zippered sandwich baggies full of oregano and other spices, cleverly packaged to look like marijuana.
He didn’t last long, however. It only took a few minutes before every woman in the crowd was staring, taking pictures and giggling in delight, driving him back out onto M Street. This comes only days after Wilson had to have his seat moved at Bourbon Steak because of annoying fans.

You’d think that with all the celebrities in town, Washingtonians wouldn’t get so starstruck, but apparently we have a ways to go before we get a bit more “Hollywood” and leave the actors be.