Filed under: food, Restaurants, romantic, top-feature, valentine's day, wine
Romantic Nooks in NYC
Right in the middle of the coldest month of the year – is one of the steamiest holidays. Whatever you think about the commercial nature of Valentine’s Day, who could be against planning a night on the town, eating chocolate, and finding an excuse to indulge after all those strict New Years resolutions? New York City is full of opportunities to send sparks flying – if you know where to look. From a decadent brunch with cocktails before noon to finding some of the best chocolate cake in town, this article will provide some ideas on how to make your Valentine’s Day one to remember.
River Cafe underneath the Brooklyn Bridge
The River Cafe – Start to Indulge Early
The River Cafe is one of those rare restaurants that has it all. With a location right under the Brooklyn Bridge, it has fabulous views of Manhattan, an impressive menu, and classic service. It should come as no surprise that this restaurant is rumored to be one of the most popular places in the city for marriage proposals. With a background like this, who could say no?
The views at night – across the river to glowing Manhattan are beautiful – but I actually prefer the River Cafe for brunch. This meal is less formal but just as indulgent as dinner, and any excuse to have a cocktail before noon will be a good start to Valentine’s Day. Brunch is served for a fixed price of $55 per person and includes an appetizer and entree. Some appealing choices include house-smoked salmon or foie gras served two ways as a starter, followed by a Belgian style six grain waffle or a Maine lobster omelette.
The Metropolitan Opera – Get Dressed up for the Occasion
Some readers might remember my full coverage of La Boheme at the Metropolitan Opera House. While I think there is always an excuse to go to the Opera, Valentine’s Day is a perfect reason to break out your best dress and ignore the exorbitant price of a glass of champagne.
Few places do elegance as successfully as the Metropolitan Opera House – whether your seats are in the Orchestra or in the Family Circle up top. I personally adore the Family Circle, it allows you to see right into the Orchestra pit and watch the musicians at work.
Sweet Revenge – Valentine’s Day Needs Chocolate
Sweet Revenge calls itself ”New York City’s only cupcake, wine, and beer bar”. Grabbing a stool at the counter is ideal at any time of day, and the signature cupcakes will undoubtedly tempt you to try more than one. The ‘Sweet Revenge’ cupcake is peanut butter cake with ganache filling and peanut butter fudge frosting, while the ‘Dirty’ cupcake is Valrhona chocolate cake with dark chocolate truffle ($3.50 each).
As if the sweet treats aren’t enough, Sweet Revenge also offers wine and beer pairings to go along with those cupcakes. In some couples, one partner has more of a sweet tooth than the other. If this is the case for you, Sweet Revenge won’t leave you in the cold. Savory brunch items include lox and cream cheese on a toasted bagel or a hot-pressed sandwich with bacon, avocado, and granny smith apples ($12.95). The West Village location is also ideal for a romantic stroll afterwards.
Casa Mono – Eat With Your Hands
Want to infuse the steamy atmosphere of Spain into your Valentine’s Day? Book a table at Casa Mono, a tapas restaurant on picturesque Irving Place just east of Union Square. There’s something especially romantic about eating with your hands, sharing plates, and sampling a variety of bold flavors over a leisurely meal. Dishes are known for their robust flavors, and you can eat as much or little as you please.
Couples who enjoyed an indulgent brunch might want to stick to a few small plates of nibbles, including pumpkin and goat cheese croquetas ($9) or Ensalada Mono with Manchego Cheese ($10). If you brought your appetite, go for larger dishes such as Mussels with Cava and Chorizo ($15) or maple glazed duck breast ($19). I love the variety of Spanish wines on offer here; they really complete the atmosphere. This is another charming area of the city to go for a stroll afterward as well.
The Room – Go Somewhere Dark
What is it about a dark bar, flickering candles, and low ceilings that is undeniably romantic? This is the case with The Room, just half a black south of Houston, in SoHo. You might walk down this quiet block without even noticing The Room, until you’re just outside and gazing inside the windows at the couples and small groups glowing in soft candle-light. From the outside, this bar has incredible appeal, and inside it doesn’t disappoint either.
Grab a stool at the bar to chat with the bartender about their incredible range of beers on tap and wine, or sample something new and find a cozy seat on one of the couches or lounge benches. This bar is the living room you’ve never had – sort of homey, definitely sexy, and there’s no need to clean up afterward.
This Valentine’s Day, skip the corny cards and expensive bouquets of flowers in favor of spending some quality time together. From a night at the opera to debating about your favorite cupcake flavor, these options might just change your mind about Valentine’s Day.
Details:
- River Cafe, One Water Street, Brooklyn, NY. (map)
- The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, NY. (map)
- Sweet Revenge, 62 Carmine Street, NY. (map)
- Casa Mono, 52 Irving Place, NY. (map)
- The Room, 144 Sullivan Street, NY. (map)
Photo Credit: River Cafe from highlimitzz on Flickr, Sweet Revenge by Rachel on Flickr, Tapas by WordRidden on Flickr
