This Sunday is Valentine’s Day, and some things ring true. A fancy meal with that special someone — either out at a restaurant or prepared at home — is a must. And a good film at the theater or snuggled up on the couch is always nice. And chocolate and flowers are essential — don’t forget the chocolate and flowers (this goes both ways, ladies).
If you go:
» Crimes of Passion Experience at the Crime and Punishment Museum: Friday through Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. $30 per couple. Ages 18 and above. For more information, call 202-621-5550 or visit crimemuseum.org.
» Whoopie pie-making class at M Bar: Saturday at 5 p.m. $15. Call 202-775-0800 to reserve spot.
» All You Need is Love Tribute to the Beatles at Jammin’ Java: Sunday at 7 p.m., featuring Luke Brindley, Anthony Fiacco, Shane Hines and Todd Wright. $10 in advance, $13 at the door. For more info, call 703-255-1566 or visit jamminjava.com.
For those looking for something a little different, the D.C. area has offerings that include the music of the Beatles, wearing handcuffs in a museum and making whoopie pies. The Museum of Crime and Punishment in D.C. has a little darker take on Valentine’s Day than most. From Friday through Sunday, the museum is presenting its second annual “Crimes of Passion” exhibit. Couples will be handcuffed together as they check out the museum’s more than 600 exhibits, including special exhibit boards highlighting crimes of passion — think O.J. And the attendees get to keep a pair of handcuffs.
“Last year, so many people lined up for it, it’s back by popular demand,” Crime and Punishment Museum Chief Operating Officer Janine Vaccarello said. “The holiday is conducive to our museum.”
M Bar, located in the Renaissance near Dupont Circle, is offering a whoopie pie-making class Saturday. Attendees will be taught to make heart-shaped whoopie pies by Executive Chef John Therres, as well as dip strawberries.
“They are a best-seller, and of course there’s the double entendre,” said Therres. “It’s something that’s really very easy to make. People don’t realize how easy it is.”
On Sunday, Jammin’ Java in Vienna is hosting “All You Need is Love,” a tribute to the Beatles and love songs. The show will be in a songwriters format, and features musicians Luke Brindley, Anthony Fiacco, Shane Hines and Todd Wright.
“It’s my favorite band of all time,” Hines said of the Fab Four. “I thought it was a cool idea. Beatles songs cross every generation and genre.”
Each musician will play two Beatles love songs, as well as some originals.
Hines has his own thoughts on the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
“I’m going to widen the net,” he said. “It can be [about] your kids and significant others. Hopefully you don’t need Valentine’s Day to [express] that.”
