Hearts, Flowers, Romance: New York City for Valentine's Day - 2008

Start Early

On February 13th celebrate Valentine's Day early at Thalia's 30th Anniversary Gala and Tango Lovers' Night, at the famous Tavern on the Green in Central Park! Enjoy cocktails, dinner, live entertainment and dancing, including a free tango dance lesson. For more information call: 718-729-3880

Also on February 13th learn about the Science of Chocolate from New York Academy of Sciences at 7 World Trade Center with Expert Perspectives on the Rich History and Science behind the World’s Favorite Dessert. Three different experts will provide insight on how the love of chocolate goes beyond the call of sweetness. The way chocolate can induce craving in a way that other sugary products don't. Chocolate tasting will follow (of course!). For more information call: 212-298-8615

Take in the View

Since the opening of Rockefeller Center Observation Deck seekers of romance can face a dilemma. The traditional top of the Empire State Building located at 350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street (212-736-3100) is perhaps New York’s City’s most famous romantic spot. With its stunning views and storied history, it’s easy to see why the legendary skyscraper has been a favorite. But, just north of the Empire State Building is the recently opened Top of the Rock located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (212-698-2000). This observation deck atop the 70-story Rockefeller Center building offers breathtaking 360-degree views, including a stunning view of the Empire State Building.

For Valentine's Day the Top of the Rock has created a fashion event. It may be a bit unusual, but their 2008 Red Dress Collection begins February 2nd and offers a fashion show designed to warn women of their #1 health threat, heart disease. The Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness and Red Dress Collection 2008 Fashion Show reinforces that awareness. The show features dresses by Donna Karan, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Baby Phat. On February 14th there will be complimentary Starbucks coffee and chocolate from 6-10 PM

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

If grass and trees is more your idea of appropriate Valentine's Day locale, New York City offers a handsome cab ride through Central Park. Who could resist snuggling up in the back of a plush horse-drawn carriage while you enjoy the magic of Central Park? Handsome cabs can be picked up along Central Park South year round.

Have a Nosh and More

February 14th join the Enthusiastic Gourmet for a food tour of Lower East Side/Chinatown/Little Italy, sampling foods as you go. Tours last about 3 hours. Advance reservations are required. For more information call 646-209-4724.

Also on Valentine's Day, join the folks at the JCC (Jewish Community Center). Come by yourself or bring a friend or sweetheart to enjoy a luscious dinner at La Creperie. Special guest will be Warren Adler, author of 28 critically acclaimed novels and story collections, including the major motion picture THE WAR OF THE ROSES. Adler will read a selection from his new book of stories, New York Echoes. Using insight, humor and irony, Adler tells stories that reflect the drama in the lives of New Yorkers seeking fulfillment in the bustling bigness of our city. Limited seating, register early. Price includes a sampling of main course crepes, coffee and desserts. Meet at 7:00 PM at La Creperie, Broadway between 98th and 99th. La Creperie is a kosher restaurant. For more information, or to register, please call 646-505-5708.

For a special dinner, the Water Street Restaurant, located in the historic D.U.M.B.O. neighborhood under the Brooklyn Bridge, is offering a $100 fixed price dinner per couple for Valentines Day. The four course dinner offers choices in every course and includes a bottle of red wine. A gift of a Rose and a chocolate sampler from the famous Jacque Torres (also a neighbor of Water Street Restaurant) is included to help heighten the experience help Cupid's arrow pierce your heart. Three seating's are available so please call early to reserve a time. Water Street Restaurant is located at 66 Water St. Dumbo, Brooklyn between Dock St. and Main St. Please visit www.waterstreetrestaurant.com or call 718.625.9352 for more info.

Cook Up Something Special

Perhaps instead of going out, you'd like to have a romantic dinner in? Perhaps a special dessert that you could make? If so, here's

Morton¹s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake (Serves 6)
1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, at room temperature, plus more for the soufflé cups
Granulated Sugar for sprinkling
12oz. Bittersweet or Semisweet Chocolate, coarsely chopped
8 Large Egg Yolks, plus 7 Large Eggs
1 1/2 cups Confectioners Sugar
3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
18 Fresh Raspberries
6 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Generously butter six 6-ounce soufflé cups and sprinkle each with granulated sugar. Tap out the excess sugar.

In the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together. Remove the top of the double boiler pan from the heat.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and set on low speed, beat the egg yolks and eggs for about 2 minutes, or until light and smooth. With the mixer running, pour the melted chocolate into the bowl and mix for about 2 minutes longer.

Put the confectioners¹ sugar and flour in a fine-mesh sieve and sprinkle into the chocolate mixture. With the mixer on medium speed, beat for 30 seconds, or until well mixed.

Pour the batter into the prepared soufflé cups, leaving about 1Ž4 inch of space below the rim. Set the soufflé cups on a baking sheet and bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and about 1 inch higher than the rim. The center will be soft but not sticky.

Remove the cakes from the oven and immediately invert each onto a serving plate. Remove the cup and garnish each plate with three raspberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

And Now, For Something(s) Completely Different

Valentine Night Popcorn and a Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days at the Salt Marsh Nature Center. Yes, at 7 PM on Valentine's Day in Brooklyn, join in on popcorn and a movie, whether you have a sweetheart or not. For more information call (718) 421-2021.

In monthly Thursday evening performances, PLG Arts’ Jazz at the Ink Well presents emerging Brooklyn jazz artists. With roots in Brooklyn, Japan, and France and equally widespread musical inspiration drawn from Afro-Cuban, acid, and traditional jazz, hip hop, the blues, and Brazilian music; the artists featured in the Jazz at the Inkwell spring season remind us that jazz is not easily defined or limited – and the same can be said for the vibrant, gritty, pulsing, ecstatically diverse borough of Brooklyn. All performances take place at The Ink Well, located at 408 Rogers in Brooklyn, NY. $5 general admission. And since Valentine's Day is on a Thursday, come and enjoy Akie Bermiss Trio - Akie Bermiss, piano and vocals; Elijah Tucker, drums; Mark Wixom, bass from 8 -10:30pm. For more information visit www.plgarts.org or call 718.675.6145

Maybe instead you'd like to attend a special Valentine's Day performance of the Blue Man Group. They're offering shows at 6 and 9 PM on Thursday. Combine with with a walk through lower Manhattan or the Village, dining where your interests take you, and you've got a fine and funky Valentine's Day celebration.

Or, you can enjoy a lunchtime concert at Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street) at 1 PM. The church is offering A Valentine's Day Concert with Lee Musiker, a Steinway Artist who has performed with the New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, New York Pops, Boston Pops, Hollywood Bowl and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Support an Organization (and have a good time, too)

The Songbook Theater Presents: Rendezvous an Evening with Piaf, Brel, Aznavour and Friends Dinner, Show, Prizes. Located at 318 West 53rd Street, between 8th and 9th avenue. For more information call 917-974-2327. The show is direct from Feinstein's at the Loew's Regency and is a benefit performance with tickets at $125pp, $205 party of 2.

And More

Special Valentine’s Day show for My First Time (www.MyFirstTimeThePlay.com), the new play in the style of The Vagina Monologues featuring four actors in their first sexual experiences. The performance will take place Thursday, February 14th at 7 PM. Everyone that comes to the show that evening will receive a Valentine’s Gift bag filled with My First Time and Valentine’s Day goodies including candy, condoms, toys, and pens.

For Romance Valentine's Day and Everyday

Two romantic hotels and restaurants -- Mark's Restaurant at The Mark Hotel, and Abboccato Ristorante at The Blakely New York. Read more about these 12-month a year favorites at New York City Romantic Spots and read our New York City restaurant reviews for many other great places to dine.

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