Blue Ribbon Izakaya – The Sexy Date
Tucked inside the Thompson Hotel on the Lower East Side, Blue Ribbon Izakaya is the newest addition to the Blue Ribbon empire. If you’ve never had the pleasure of dining in an izakaya — that’s Japanese for a pub — this is the perfect place to start. The room itself is sexy and sleek with a mix of communal tables, private tables and a long sushi bar at the center of it all. The menu is humongous, so there’s something for everyone to discover, and in true izakaya fashion, most dishes are small plates, best for sharing with your date. We strongly recommend you venture out of your comfort zone and try delectable nibbles, like Yellowtail Tartare, capped off with a quail egg, and a seasonal Crab Dish with Ponzu Butter. If your date is a fried rice fanatic,...
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Pylos – The Destination Date
Dating can be a bit monotonous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Add some spontaneity and fun to the mix with a destination date. No, we’re not suggesting you scour the internet for cheap flights and hotels with an ocean view room (although that’s not a bad idea). Instead, travel to Greece for the night with a meal at Pylos in the East Village. We love the romantic setting, a white-washed dining room with cozy throw pillows and over 1,000 clay pots dangling from the ceiling above. Pylos serves classic Greek food with a modern edge, like a vegetarian moussaka made with artichoke hearts or grilled haloumi with grappa and grapes. Consulting chef Diane Kochilas is the leading expert on Greek cuisine in America and the menu she’s collaborated on here reflects her love of the flavors and...
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Gramercy Tavern – The Classic Date
When in doubt, stick to the classics. They’re reliable and comfortable, which will help keep calm your pre-date nerves. One of our favorite go-to’s year after year is Gramercy Tavern. No one knows how to charm their guests more than restaurateur Danny Meyer. The impeccable service and cozy dining room never fail to set the mood for a special evening. Tell your date that chef Michael Anthony just won the James Beard Award for “Best Chef in New York City” and they’ll immediately be impressed. Then let his food speak for itself. Start out with the beef carpaccio with anchovy aioli. Or, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, order the Summer Vegetable Soup with Fennel Pesto and Mussels (they’re natural aphrodisiacs…). Then, settle into the Flounder with Sugar Snap Peas and Cucumber Gazpacho, or the Duck Breast...
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Battery Gardens – The Date with a View
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about dating in the city, it’s that you can’t go wrong with a beautiful view. Battery Gardens boasts some of the best vistas in the city with waterfront seating and a clear view of the Statue of Liberty. Start the night in the Beer Garden, reveling in a few, sunset-fueled cocktails. After the sun goes down, grab a table out on the patio under the stars (if the weather permits) or right by the window and order some of their seasonally minded dishes. We suggest splitting the Summer Squash and Herb Pizza or a bowl of the Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels. There’s lots of great summer dishes, including a Tomato And Cucumber Gazpacho, Baby Calamari and Octopus Ceviche or a simple, but delicious, bowl of Capellini Pasta with san Marzano tomatoes, basil...
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The Darby – The Fun Date
When all else fails, keep things lighthearted and simple. A good time doesn’t have to mean fussy tasting menus and knockout views. Sometimes, the best dates are just straight up fun… with great food, of course. What’s more fun than a live musical performance with music you can sing along to every night of the week? The Darby’s got their own, house band and most evenings end up on the dance floor, singing along with the band. That’s just the beginning. Then, there’s the raw bar, studded with oysters, and the menu, created by the talented Alex Guarnaschelli. If oysters aren’t your (or her) thing, share the Crispy Zucchini Blossoms with Heirloom Tomato Vinaigrette, or the Grilled Octopus with bacon and pickled jalapeños. But the real pièce de résistance is the 2.5 pound Maine Lobster cooked with dry vermouth,...
Read MoreThe Roof at NoMad – The Trendy Date
We know how much people love trying new restaurants, so we think it’s smart to kill two birds with one stone: Take a date to a hip, new spot. (Even if you don’t like your date, you still tried a new spot.) The newly opened Rooftop at the NoMad Hotel is one of the hottest new openings and perfect for the occasion on many counts. Head up to the roof and you’ll find phenomenal, panoramic views of the city and a terrific ultra-seasonal cocktail menu. With the Eleven Madison Park team behind the hotels many menus, you know the food is going to be exceptional. Nibble on Radishes with Butter-Dipped Fleur De Sel or Salmon Rillettes and see how the night unfolds. If it’s looking good, stay for dinner and try the Strawberry Gazpacho, the Black Bass with Summer...
Read MoreCheck out My Book – Try This
