Valentine’s Day Dining
The holiday many love to hate is fast approaching. If you’re single, Valentine’s Day can be depressing. If you’re coupled, it can be a lot of pressure to buy roses at inflated prices or fancy chocolates. And, of course, you have to pick the perfect restaurant with a pricey prix fixe menu, a romantic setting, and aphrodisiacs of the oyster and fig sorts. Instead of giving into a “sucker’s night out” meal, we found a few great options we could actually get excited about. Valentine’s Day could be an excuse to sample sexy Austrian food at Edi & The Wolf or take a couple’s cooking class at DeGustibus. Here’s a few of our favorite options… Millesime 92 Madison Ave btwn 28th & 29th St 212.889.7100 www.millesimerestaurant.com Millesime has a reputation for being one of the most romantic date spots in...
Read MoreYour Guide To Valentine's Day
If you haven’t done so already, you might want to nail down your Valentine’s Day plans. ( Ladies, don’t depend on your significant other to plan ahead.) Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out, a low key evening, or a cocktail and dessert, there are lots of creative options that won’t make either of you cringe. Since Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday this year, you can celebrate your love over brunch. Prune (DIY Valentine’s Day) Address: 54 East 1st Street, nr. First Ave. Phone: (212) 677-6221 This East Village gem is known for its eclectic brunch menu, but Gabrielle Hamilton has outdone herself this year with a do-it-yourself themed meal. Take your pick, guests can be transported to Istanbul with nibbles like fried whitebait, or you can head to CapeCod with grilled hard-shell lobster and anchovy butter. Want...
Read MoreSweetest Gifts for Valentine's Day
As has become tradition, we’ve sorted through the tsunami of Valentine’s Day gifts and found a sweets for anyone and everyone. If you’re bored of sending a box of chocolates, you might consider sending a box of burgers or cookies instead. From body frosting for the bedroom to exotic truffles to classic chocolates… Roni-Sue’s ChocolatesEssex Street Market120 Essex St., at Delancey St.Stall #11/12212) 260-0421 www.roni-sue.comIf you thought you couldn’t stomach one more rose, you’ll happily submit to just one more. Tucked into Essex Street Market is a gem of a shop that sells one white and one “red” rose chocolate truffle just for Valentine’s Day for $3 a piece. Both fragrant chocolates are filled with ganache, rose petal jam, rose liqueur and powdered rose petals. More importantly, you’re doing something good. For every dozen rose truffles purchased, Roni-Sue’s...
Read MoreValentine's Day on a Budget
Just when the dust was starting to settle from New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day suddenly creeps in, in the not-so-distant future. February 14th is less than a month away. That means many prime tables and time slots have already been snatched up. Not to fret. New York’s got an endless selection of romantic and affordable restaurants with tables for two. Whether you’re looking to seal the deal, hopelessly romantic or something casual, there’s a restaurant that fits the part…“We just started dating”August359 Bleecker St. (btwn. 10th St. & Charles St.)(212) 929-8727www.augustny.comDinner at August is romantic any night of the week, never mind on Valentine’s Day. It’s also a great spot for “new relationships” or the Valentine-phobic because it’s the kind of place that doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard. Ooh, then there’s the wood oven factor in...
Read MoreValentine’s Day – Dining Out
It’s getting down to the wire for Valentine’s Day and you can probably write off all the usual dining suspects. Yes, they’re completely booked. But there are still plenty of restaurants and some off-the-beaten path spots to celebrate the romantic occasion. Without further ado… Meskerem 124 MacDougal Street New York, NY 10012 (212) 777-8111 There’s nothing more sensual than eating with your hands. This dimly lit Ethiopian spot affords an exotic and lowbrow evening, where couples can dine on wonderfully tangy flatbread as well as fiery stews spiced with berbere pepper. Round out the meal with the spongy rum cake. Saul 140 Smith Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 935-9844 This intimate spot on Smith Street always manages to dazzle without a hint of pretension. Chef Saul Bolton issues a refined, five-course meal ($100) for lovers as well as their...
Read MoreBest Valentine’s Day Chocolates
If your special someone is the type who gets teary-eyed over those Jared jewelry commercials, she/he will be probably expect a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Of course, you could take the easy way out and grab a Whitman’s Sampler or even Russel Stover’s “Private Reserve” from Duane Reade. Instead, we suggest you seize the opportunity to indulge in the city’s finest chocolates. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite chocolatiers and their truffles: Jacques Torres Chocolate (pictured right) 350 Hudson Street at King Street New York, NY 10014 (212) 414-2462 One of the world’s premier chocolatiers, Torres celebrates Valentine’s Day with his “Champagne Kiss,” a box of champagne-laced chocolates for $15. Torres takes a more daring turn with its dark chocolate sauce labeled “Love Tonic” and raspberry “Body Paint,” both for $9. Roni Sue’s Chocolates...
Read MoreBest Valentine's Day Restaurants 2008
Where Valentine’s Day is concerned, there’s nothing more romantic than dining out in New York City. While veterans at the reservation game may have already secured some of the most coveted tables, there’s still a handsome selection of enchanting venues. Here are 10 of the city’s most romantic spots. RAOUL’S 180 Prince St., between Sullivan & Thompson Sts., (212) 966-3518. This quintessential SoHo bistro and its classic French fare make for an effortlessly romantic evening. The three-course meal ($75) features chestnut and foie gras ravioli as well as sea bass with Maine mussel fondue. Request the cozy enclosed garden, then retreat to the upstairs loft for an after-dinner reading from the resident fortune teller. ELEVEN MADISON PARK 11 Madison Ave., at 24th St., (212) 889-0905. Serious food lovers can feast on acclaimed chef Daniel Humm’s outstanding French fare and...
Read MoreBest Valentine’s Day Restaurants 2007
Valentine’s Day maybe Hallmark’s favorite holiday, but it may not be yours. If you’re lucky enough to score a date, you might want to start contemplating your restaurant options now. Veterans at the Valentine’s reservation game have probably already secured their reservations (or enlisted their assistants), so I thought I’d offer a few Restaurant Girl Suggestions of my own: Splurge Spots Le Bernadin – If you want the best, this is pretty much as good as it gets. 155 W. 51 St., btwn. 6th & 7th Aves., (212)554-1515 Cafe Gray – Go for the magnificient park view, stay for the sumptuous short ribs. 10 Columbus Circle, 3rd floor, (212)823-6388. Gramercy Tavern – They don’t call Danny Meyer the king of hospitality for nothing. 42 E. 20th St., btwn. Broadway & Park Aves., (212) 477-0777. Veritas – Even the snobbiest...
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