Where to Dine on Valentine’s Day 2016
While it’s easy enough to pick up a dozen roses and a heart-shaped box of chocolates at the very last minute, you’d be well advised not to neglect dinner reservations until the morning of the 14th. So get a head start on Valentine’s Day by locking down a table at one of New York’s most notable restaurants — from Atrium DUMBO in Brooklyn, boasting one of the world’s only Master Sommeliers, to the Michelin-starred The Modern, Michael White’s new and already in high demand French spot, Vaucluse, and even Dirty Candy’s Solo Dining special.
Vaucluse
Michael White’s newest, classically French Upper East Side boite is offering a four-course menu for $150 on Valentine’s Day, with multiple, exceedingly high-end options. Start with hors d’oeuvres like Poached Blue Prawns with fennel mousseline, followed by housemade artisan pastas such as Rabbit and Black Truffle Ravioli, proceeding to entrees including traditional Trout Meuniere and Boeuf Tournedos, concluding with Profiteroles or silky Chocolate Gateaux. Not luxe enough? Go ahead and splurge on a Fruits de Mer course as well, such as freshly shucked Oysters or Black Pearl American Osetra Caviar, for $115 per ounce.
Read MoreAquavit
Want to really score brownie points with your sweetheart? How about making a reservation at one of the only two-Michelin starred restaurants in the U.S to be run by a female chef? The trailblazing Emma Bengtsson is serving a five-course Valentine’s prix fixe for $155 per person on February 13th (since Aquavit is closed on Sundays), so kick off your romantic weekend with Nordic delicacies like Gravlax on rye bread, Celeriac Soup with truffle and oxtail, Sea Bass with nettles and clams, and Pistachio Cake with lingonberry ice cream.
Read MoreBetony
A collaboration between the award-winning EMP alums, chef Bryce Shuman, and star mixologist, Eamon Rockey, the Valentine’s Day prix fixe at Betony is devoted to especially celebratory ingredients, including sea urchin, caviar, lobster, black truffles and bergamot. The cost $175 for four-courses or $295 for six (with optional wine and cocktail pairings) and there’s even more opportunity for upgrading, including snowdrifts of white truffles at $17 per gram.
Read MoreThe Modern
If your loved one is an art enthusiast, why not treat them to an exclusive experience at MoMa on February 14th, such as a private group tour (preceded by a candlelit wine reception) after the museum has closed to the public? And be sure to make a reservation at the in-house, two-Michelin starred The Modern as well, offering a four-course prix fixe for $125 during lunch, or a seven-course prix fixe for $295 at dinner. And remember, that since it’s a Danny Meyer joint, you won’t have to worry about leaving a tip!
Read MoreJewel Bako
As snug and plush as a jewel box, with velvety, high-backed banquettes and curved, bamboo-lined ceilings, this Michelin-starred sushi spot makes a suitably dreamy choice for Valentine’s Day. For $125 per person, you can let chef Shimao Ishikawa take charge with his multi-course Omakase, including a trio of Tartares with sweet potato chips, Fresh Water Eel Rolls with Golden Tobiko, and pristine, seasonal Sashimi such blue fin tuna, yellowtail and fluke, supplemented by a special of (market priced) Live Spiny Lobster served in two courses; sliced raw and slicked with ponzu sauce, and prepared as a soup.
Read MoreAtrium DUMBO
At $75 for four-courses, such as Cauliflower Mousseline with black truffle, Long Island Fluke Crudo, Meyer Lemon Tart and Cote de Boeuf for Two, the Valentine’s Day dinner at Atrium is practically a steal — which means you should totally spring for the $40 wine pairing, devised by Master Sommelier, Alexander LaPratt. And no trip to DUMBO is complete without an amorous, after-dinner stroll along the waterfront; unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and skyline are absolutely free!
Read MoreDirt Candy
There’s no shame in not having a date for Valentine’s Day — especially since you can celebrate the single life in high style with Amanda Cohen and co., during their Solo Diner’s Week at Dirt Candy. From February 9th through the 13th, all Chef Counter seats will be reserved for hungry singletons, who’ll enjoy a special, $65 six-course tasting menu of miniature versions of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including Korean Fried Broccoli, Portobello Mushroom Mousse, Radish Spaghetti and more, as well as a glass of prosecco or virgin vegetable cocktail.
Read MoreManhattan Cricket Club
Inspired by the refined gentleman’s clubs that were prominent throughout the British Empire at the turn of the 20th century, this sultry, exclusive Upper West Side lounge (located behind an unmarked green leather door) is offering a Caviar and Sparkling Wine prix fixe throughout Valentine’s Week. Expect generous servings of sustainable, premium osetra from the 40-year-old Italian company, Calvisius, paired with glasses of Gruet Brut and Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve champagnes from France.
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