Sandra Lee and her beau Ben Youcef had a glam night out in Washington, D.C. On Saturday, the pair walked honorary pathway at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery for the Portrait of a Nation gala. This is their most memorable outing since Youcef finalized his separation, a source tells Individuals.

“Ben’s separation agreement is finally finished and he and Sandra are looking forward to the upcoming holidays and hoping to marry planning,” says the source.

Youcef, 43, separated from his better half in 2019 before they later sought legal separation in January 2020.

Individuals previously confirmed that Lee, 56, and the father of two, were dating in August of 2021. They initially met as companions at a Santa Monica restaurant months earlier.

The way of life icon shared a sweet Instagram post with Youcef at the gala on Saturday, including pictures of other attendees like Alicia Keys and Ava DuVernay.

“Ben and I encountered a Smithsonian Spectacular on a Fast outing to Washington DC for the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery Induction. What an evening,” she captioned the post.

Lee said she was “excited” to see her own portrait close to other famous culinary specialists in the Julia Youngster Show.

“Thank you God for such an exquisite encounter and for my health to get to appreciate it,” added the breast cancer survivor.

In March, Lee and Youcef made their most memorable public appearance at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party.

“We haven’t got our kissing down yet,” Lee told Individuals at the time. “We’re normally great at it.”

However practicing their kissing has turned into the couple’s new mission, Lee communicated how smooth the remainder of the relationship has been.

“Everything’s benefit. We’re happy,” she said. Lee made her relationship with Youcef Instagram official on Valentine’s Day with a gallery of romantic and intimate pictures.

In the emotional caption, Lee admitted she at absolutely no point ever anticipated finding love in the future after the conclusion of her 14-year friendship with former New York Lead representative Andrew Cuomo. “So this happened! Ben happened! Love happened! Happiness happened!” Lee composed.

“I was certain it at no point ever would in the future. I was stunned when it did. I swore I could at absolutely no point ever fall in the future, trust again, love again or open myself up again.”