Offbeat New York -- Valentine's Day

Hearts, Flowers, Romance: New York City for Valentine's Day - 2012

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.
Just north of the Empire State Building the Top of the Rock located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (212-698-2000) has pleasures as well. This observation deck atop the 70-story Rockefeller Center building offers breathtaking 360-degree views, including a stunning view of the Empire State Building.
Top of the Rock® Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center will host live music throughout the month of February as part of the 2012 Winter Starlight Music Series. The Music Series will take place on Wednesday evenings, February 1st – February 15th, from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza between 5th and 6th Avenues on the 67th floor observation deck. Visitors can enjoy live music while taking in the breathtaking, 360-degree panorama of New York City. Wine, champagne and other refreshments will be available for purchase from AJ Maxwell’s Steakhouse during all performances.
The Winter Music Series will also include a performance on Valentine’s Day Tuesday, February 14th from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Top of the Rock invites you and your loved one to spend the evening overlooking New York’s most romantic views while listening to the smooth sounds of the Hans Holzen Trio.

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 near 59th Street year round.

And Now For Something Completely Different? ...

Explore aphrodisiacs from over 3,000 years of human history at the cafe of the Museum of Sex. The enhancement of sexual vitality with food is a human tradition that spans cultures worldwide. Aphrodisiacs from oysters to ashwagandha have been used to affect sexual libido, fertility, potency, and attraction for centuries. OralFix at the Museum of Sex shares these traditions with artisanal elixirs and foods specially prepared for your experimentation and pleasure. Of course, while you're there, explore the Museum of Sex - The Mission of the Museum of Sex is to preserve and present the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality. In its exhibitions, programs and publications, the Museum of Sex is committed to opening discourse and exchange and to bringing to the public the best in current scholarship.

Take in the Opening of an Exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design - MAD

Glasstress, the exhibition project organized by glass impresario Adriano Berengo for the past two Venice Biennales—each time making waves in the lagoon city—is to have its American debut at the Museum of Arts and Design on February 14th. Running through June 10, 2012, Glasstress New York: New Art from the Venice Biennale will present nearly two dozen works culled from the Venetian editions, along with work never before exhibited. Read more about Glasstress at MAD

Hotel Packages for Couples on Valentine's Day

The Kimberly Hotel offers their Romantic Getaway package, providing guests with an overnight accommodations in the newly reconstructed luxury one-bedroom suites, Veuve Clicquot champagne and hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries upon guests arrival and two plush Kimberly Hotel robes to take home. In the evening, guests can enjoy a delicious three-course dinner above the city lights with a private personal server at the rooftop lounge, Upstairs. Contact the hotel's reservation department for additional details and availability. Available throughout the month of February 2012, the package price is $715.00, inclusive of all tax and gratuities, and provides guests with a 30-percent total cost savings. The "Romantic Getaway" package can be booked by contacting reservations@thekimberlyhotel.com or by calling (212) 702-1643.
The London NYC offers two Romance packages. Modern Romance Package includes: Couples massage in the intimacy of your own suite once during your stay, Signature Gordon Ramsay Martini delivered to your suite, assorted canapés prepared by the culinary team of Gordon Ramsay delivered to your suite, and an assortment of aromatherapy bath salts.
The Classic Romance includes: English Garden Bouquet, Half Bottle of champagne, An assortment of exotic fruits and chocolate truffles, An assortment of aromatherapy bath salts in London Suite Accommodations.

Get Married (almost) on the Spot

The City's Marriage Bureau, located at 141 Worth Street in Lower Manhattan, is a perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day wedding. The new 24,000- square-foot facility offers a stylish new design and enhanced customer service. A new line-management system tells customers their wait time; they can process their applications online at 14 computer kiosks; and with one-stop service windows and credit card processing, customers no longer have to visit multiple windows or bring a money order with them. Other improvements include large restrooms with vanities and full-length mirrors, refinished and decorated chapel space, an area to take photos in front of a backdrop of City Hall and a branch of the City Store, where fresh flowers can be purchased, as well as other sundries, such as disposable cameras, film, costume rings and NYC merchandise. The wedding chapels feature artwork on loan from the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the City Hall backdrop was supplied by Duggal Visual Solutions. Literature in the new Marriage Bureau is available in English and Spanish. Customers can also speak to clerks in their preferred language using a telephone interpretation system available in 170 languages. The design and construction of the project cost $12.3 million. By New York State law, after obtaining their marriage license, brides and grooms are required to wait 24 hours before the ceremony can be performed.

Valentine's Celebration With an Edge

How about a Steamy Valentine's Night at the Russian Baths? Valentine's Day, Tuesday Feb 14 break out your bikini or swim trunks, and join artsy, funky (and nearly naked) New Yorkers for the glorious return of Gemini & Scorpio's legendary Russian Baths party. Enjoy: Russian, Turkish and Swedish steam rooms, jacuzzi and cold plunge pool; poolside dance floor; rooftop smoking deck; hookah lounge and chillout rooms; authentic and delicious Russian food in a private restaurant room with a view of the dance floor. Music by The Hungry March Band, Brooklyn's own legendary street brass marching band. The dance floor will sizzle with ethno-mesh DJ sets till 2am with pierogies for everyone. There will be an open vodka bar 9-10pm.
For something a bit more romantic, Meet me in Paris on Saturday, Feb 11th A clandestine French cabaret, with live music, burlesque and variety acts, followed by late-night dancing and lounging in the softly-lit loft, absinthe and other special libations at the bar, and kissing on the sprawling roof. A soft opening of our new yet-to-be-named arts space, and a celebration of Gemini & Scorpio's 9th Birthday.
More information at: http://www.geminiandscorpio.com/events.html

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.

For Romance Valentine's Day and Everyday

Read more about 12-month a year romance at New York City Romantic Spots and read our New York City restaurant reviews for many other great places to dine.

We have verified the information wherever possible, but last-minute changes are possible. Always contact the venue in advance for further information


	Hearts, Flowers, Romance: New York City for Valentine's Day - 2012 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. Just north of the Empire State Building the Top of the Rock located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (212-698-2000) has pleasures as well. This observation deck atop the 70-story Rockefeller Center building offers breathtaking 360-degree views, including a stunning view of the Empire State Building. Top of the Rock® Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center will host live music throughout the month of February as part of the 2012 Winter Starlight Music Series. The Music Series will take place on Wednesday evenings, February 1st – February 15th, from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza between 5th and 6th Avenues on the 67th floor observation deck. Visitors can enjoy live music while taking in the breathtaking, 360-degree panorama of New York City. Wine, champagne and other refreshments will be available for purchase from AJ Maxwell’s Steakhouse during all performances. The Winter Music Series will also include a performance on Valentine’s Day Tuesday, February 14th from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Top of the Rock invites you and your loved one to spend the evening overlooking New York’s most romantic views while listening to the smooth sounds of the Hans Holzen Trio. 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 near 59th Street year round. And Now For Something Completely Different? ... Explore aphrodisiacs from over 3,000 years of human history at the cafe of the Museum of Sex. The enhancement of sexual vitality with food is a human tradition that spans cultures worldwide. Aphrodisiacs from oysters to ashwagandha have been used to affect sexual libido, fertility, potency, and attraction for centuries. OralFix at the Museum of Sex shares these traditions with artisanal elixirs and foods specially prepared for your experimentation and pleasure. Of course, while you're there, explore the Museum of Sex - The Mission of the Museum of Sex is to preserve and present the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality. In its exhibitions, programs and publications, the Museum of Sex is committed to opening discourse and exchange and to bringing to the public the best in current scholarship. Take in the Opening of an Exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design - MAD Glasstress, the exhibition project organized by glass impresario Adriano Berengo for the past two Venice Biennales—each time making waves in the lagoon city—is to have its American debut at the Museum of Arts and Design on February 14th. Running through June 10, 2012, Glasstress New York: New Art from the Venice Biennale will present nearly two dozen works culled from the Venetian editions, along with work never before exhibited. Read more about Glasstress at MAD Hotel Packages for Couples on Valentine's Day The Kimberly Hotel offers their Romantic Getaway package, providing guests with an overnight accommodations in the newly reconstructed luxury one-bedroom suites, Veuve Clicquot champagne and hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries upon guests arrival and two plush Kimberly Hotel robes to take home. In the evening, guests can enjoy a delicious three-course dinner above the city lights with a private personal server at the rooftop lounge, Upstairs. Contact the hotel's reservation department for additional details and availability. Available throughout the month of February 2012, the package price is $715.00, inclusive of all tax and gratuities, and provides guests with a 30-percent total cost savings. The "Romantic Getaway" package can be booked by contacting reservations@thekimberlyhotel.com or by calling (212) 702-1643. The London NYC offers two Romance packages. Modern Romance Package includes: Couples massage in the intimacy of your own suite once during your stay, Signature Gordon Ramsay Martini delivered to your suite, assorted canapés prepared by the culinary team of Gordon Ramsay delivered to your suite, and an assortment of aromatherapy bath salts. The Classic Romance includes: English Garden Bouquet, Half Bottle of champagne, An assortment of exotic fruits and chocolate truffles, An assortment of aromatherapy bath salts in London Suite Accommodations. Get Married (almost) on the Spot The City's Marriage Bureau, located at 141 Worth Street in Lower Manhattan, is a perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s Day wedding. The new 24,000- square-foot facility offers a stylish new design and enhanced customer service. A new line-management system tells customers their wait time; they can process their applications online at 14 computer kiosks; and with one-stop service windows and credit card processing, customers no longer have to visit multiple windows or bring a money order with them. Other improvements include large restrooms with vanities and full-length mirrors, refinished and decorated chapel space, an area to take photos in front of a backdrop of City Hall and a branch of the City Store, where fresh flowers can be purchased, as well as other sundries, such as disposable cameras, film, costume rings and NYC merchandise. The wedding chapels feature artwork on loan from the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the City Hall backdrop was supplied by Duggal Visual Solutions. Literature in the new Marriage Bureau is available in English and Spanish. Customers can also speak to clerks in their preferred language using a telephone interpretation system available in 170 languages. The design and construction of the project cost $12.3 million. By New York State law, after obtaining their marriage license, brides and grooms are required to wait 24 hours before the ceremony can be performed. Valentine's Celebration With an Edge How about a Steamy Valentine's Night at the Russian Baths? Valentine's Day, Tuesday Feb 14 break out your bikini or swim trunks, and join artsy, funky (and nearly naked) New Yorkers for the glorious return of Gemini & Scorpio's legendary Russian Baths party. Enjoy: Russian, Turkish and Swedish steam rooms, jacuzzi and cold plunge pool; poolside dance floor; rooftop smoking deck; hookah lounge and chillout rooms; authentic and delicious Russian food in a private restaurant room with a view of the dance floor. Music by The Hungry March Band, Brooklyn's own legendary street brass marching band. The dance floor will sizzle with ethno-mesh DJ sets till 2am with pierogies for everyone. There will be an open vodka bar 9-10pm. For something a bit more romantic, Meet me in Paris on Saturday, Feb 11th A clandestine French cabaret, with live music, burlesque and variety acts, followed by late-night dancing and lounging in the softly-lit loft, absinthe and other special libations at the bar, and kissing on the sprawling roof. A soft opening of our new yet-to-be-named arts space, and a celebration of Gemini & Scorpio's 9th Birthday. More information at: http://www.geminiandscorpio.com/events.html 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. For Romance Valentine's Day and Everyday Read more about 12-month a year romance at New York City Romantic Spots and read our New York City restaurant reviews for many other great places to dine. We have verified the information wherever possible, but last-minute changes are possible. Always contact the venue in advance for further information
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