Offbeat New York -- Valentine's Day

Hearts, Flowers, Romance: New York City for Valentine's Day - 2010

Share Your Romantic Story

Central Park Conservancy Launches Online Survey to Find the Most Romantic Spot in Central Park From special moments on the Mall to a kiss at the Castle, Central Park is the landscape of love in New York. Just in time for Valentine's Day, Central Park Conservancy is launching its Central to Your Heart poll on its website to collect park users' opinions on the most romantic spots in Central Park. Visit CentralParkNYC.org/Love to vote for your favorite spot and to share the story that explains why it's close to your heart. Voting ends Wednesday, February 3. The winning spot and the best stories will be posted on www.centralparknyc.org the week of February 8.

Do Something Totally Different

Instead of that expensive romance, consider this activity from the Staten Island Museum: Weekend Ecology Walk: Seal Walk on Sunday, February 14th from 9:00am - 11:00am. It takes place at Mt. Loretto Unique Area, Hylan Blvd. Meet in the DEC parking lot across from the CYO Center on Hyland Blvd. It's part of their FREE monthly walk offered by the Nature Section. But the timing is right to enjoy the beauty & ecology of Staten Island. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring binoculars if possible. For more information call Seth Wollney at (718) 483-7105.

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.

The Rock also offers special programs. Their Starlight Music Series will take place on Wednesday evenings, February 10th – February 24th, from 6-8 PM at Top of the Rock. Access to the musical event is included with the purchase of a Top of the Rock ticket. Visitors can enjoy live music and a glass of wine or refreshing beverage available for purchase by Rock Center Café as they take in the stunning, 360-degree panorama of New York City. For Valentine's Day, they are offering a special performance. The Joan Capra String Ensemble - February 14 Special Valentine’s Day Extended Performance 6PM-9:30PM.

Flying in with no time to shop?

The Food & Shops at LaGuardia Airport's Central Terminal will celebrate Valentine's Day by treating passengers to free chocolate Hershey's ® kisses on February 12th, from 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Passengers traveling through the Central Terminal Building from February 10th to February 15th can also take advantage of the Valentine's Day 'Gifts for Your Sweetie' shopping program, designed to help busy travelers shop for their special someone. Retailers such as The Body Shop, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store and Borders, among others, will offer special 'Gifts for Your Sweetie' tables in front of their stores that will showcase a variety of Valentine's Day gifts.

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.

Valentine's Day in the City Parks and Historic Settings

Central Park is the place for poetry with To the Bard! at 2:00 p.m. For a day of romance, experience the most romantic, dramatic garden around. Bring your scripts and park staff will recite favorite poems and passages in Shakespeare Garden. It's at Belvedere Castle, Central Park (79th Street mid-park). For more information call (212) 628-2345.

Guyon Tavern at Historic Richmond Town (Staten Island) presents their Tavern Concert Series -- The Homegrown String Band at 9:00 p.m. Thee candle-lit setting is perfect for romance while listening to the unique instrumentation including banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo-ukelele, harmonica, jawharp, doumbek. Percussive flatfoot dancing helps take the audience on a rollicking ride through the sounds of American music. $15 per person, $12 for SIHS Members Reservations required. Beer, wine, and hot mulled cider will be on sale. Make a reservation by calling (718) 351-1611 x 281.

Hotel Package for Singles on Valentine's Day

Each year, hotels throughout the world disseminate packages geared towards couples - enticing them to experience a romantic weekend with a view, rose-hued champagne and artisan chocolates.

This year, the musically historic Buckingham is inviting not the duets - but soloists - to enjoy an Un-Valentine's Day special. Starting at $205 per night, singles who book a room around Valentine's Day Weekend will receive admission to the 1st Annual Valentine's Day Ball (the date for the ball is the 13th) at the Hudson Terrace where, yes, chocolate-covered strawberries, a champagne reception, and new love await.

Hotel Packages for Couples on Valentine's Day

Two Hearts at the Park Package at Jumeirah Essex House From February 1st through February 28th, 2010 Package includes accommodations at the iconic Jumeirah Essex House with welcome bottle of champagne upon arrival. Enjoy a three-course candlelit dinner for two at South Gate, the award-winning on-site restaurant, featuring live piano music and Central Park views (special Valentine's Day features available Feb 13 - 14 only - other nights, enjoy a complimentary three-course meal for two). There's also two GREY GOOSE "Lovesicle" cocktails at South Gate and finally, complimentary late checkout.

The Two Hearts at the Park Package at the Jumeirah Essex House, which starts at $522 per night, is subject to availability and black-out dates apply. For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-645-5697 or visit Jumeirah Essex House

The Strand, Manhattan’s newest midtown hotel, is offering all lovers a Valentine each weekend during the month of February. A package called Lover’s Lane at the Strand is being offered starting from $498 for two nights in a deluxe room overlooking the Empire State Building, daily European continental breakfast, a candlelight dinner at the Black Duck Bistro, including round-trip limo transfers and - to top it off - champagne and truffles at Top of the Strand, a stunning, full-season rooftop lounge with unparalleled views of the Empire State Building. Additionally, guests can snuggle in bed and enjoy a special 3 p.m. late checkout.

The package is based upon availability and tax is not included. For more information or to book please call 212-448-1024 ask for Lover’s Lane at the Strand.

Get Married (almost) on the Spot

The City’s new 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.

When You Don't Want to Take it Too Seriously

Spend Valentine's Day with Judah Friedlander from NBC's "30 Rock," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the film "American Splendor" - Saturday, Feb. 13th @ 8:00 and 10:30 PM, Sunday, Feb. 14th @ 7:00 and 9:30 PM. at ComixNY. More information at Events

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 - 2010 Share Your Romantic Story Central Park Conservancy Launches Online Survey to Find the Most Romantic Spot in Central Park From special moments on the Mall to a kiss at the Castle, Central Park is the landscape of love in New York. Just in time for Valentine's Day, Central Park Conservancy is launching its Central to Your Heart poll on its website to collect park users' opinions on the most romantic spots in Central Park. Visit CentralParkNYC.org/Love to vote for your favorite spot and to share the story that explains why it's close to your heart. Voting ends Wednesday, February 3. The winning spot and the best stories will be posted on www.centralparknyc.org the week of February 8. Do Something Totally Different Instead of that expensive romance, consider this activity from the Staten Island Museum: Weekend Ecology Walk: Seal Walk on Sunday, February 14th from 9:00am - 11:00am. It takes place at Mt. Loretto Unique Area, Hylan Blvd. Meet in the DEC parking lot across from the CYO Center on Hyland Blvd. It's part of their FREE monthly walk offered by the Nature Section. But the timing is right to enjoy the beauty & ecology of Staten Island. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring binoculars if possible. For more information call Seth Wollney at (718) 483-7105. 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. The Rock also offers special programs. Their Starlight Music Series will take place on Wednesday evenings, February 10th – February 24th, from 6-8 PM at Top of the Rock. Access to the musical event is included with the purchase of a Top of the Rock ticket. Visitors can enjoy live music and a glass of wine or refreshing beverage available for purchase by Rock Center Café as they take in the stunning, 360-degree panorama of New York City. For Valentine's Day, they are offering a special performance. The Joan Capra String Ensemble - February 14 Special Valentine’s Day Extended Performance 6PM-9:30PM. Flying in with no time to shop? The Food & Shops at LaGuardia Airport's Central Terminal will celebrate Valentine's Day by treating passengers to free chocolate Hershey's ® kisses on February 12th, from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Passengers traveling through the Central Terminal Building from February 10th to February 15th can also take advantage of the Valentine's Day 'Gifts for Your Sweetie' shopping program, designed to help busy travelers shop for their special someone. Retailers such as The Body Shop, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store and Borders, among others, will offer special 'Gifts for Your Sweetie' tables in front of their stores that will showcase a variety of Valentine's Day gifts. 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. Valentine's Day in the City Parks and Historic Settings Central Park is the place for poetry with To the Bard! at 2:00 p.m. For a day of romance, experience the most romantic, dramatic garden around. Bring your scripts and park staff will recite favorite poems and passages in Shakespeare Garden. It's at Belvedere Castle, Central Park (79th Street mid-park). For more information call (212) 628-2345. Guyon Tavern at Historic Richmond Town (Staten Island) presents their Tavern Concert Series -- The Homegrown String Band at 9:00 p.m. Thee candle-lit setting is perfect for romance while listening to the unique instrumentation including banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo-ukelele, harmonica, jawharp, doumbek. Percussive flatfoot dancing helps take the audience on a rollicking ride through the sounds of American music. $15 per person, $12 for SIHS Members Reservations required. Beer, wine, and hot mulled cider will be on sale. Make a reservation by calling (718) 351-1611 x 281. Hotel Package for Singles on Valentine's Day Each year, hotels throughout the world disseminate packages geared towards couples - enticing them to experience a romantic weekend with a view, rose-hued champagne and artisan chocolates. This year, the musically historic Buckingham is inviting not the duets - but soloists - to enjoy an Un-Valentine's Day special. Starting at $205 per night, singles who book a room around Valentine's Day Weekend will receive admission to the 1st Annual Valentine's Day Ball (the date for the ball is the 13th) at the Hudson Terrace where, yes, chocolate-covered strawberries, a champagne reception, and new love await. Hotel Packages for Couples on Valentine's Day Two Hearts at the Park Package at Jumeirah Essex House From February 1st through February 28th, 2010 Package includes accommodations at the iconic Jumeirah Essex House with welcome bottle of champagne upon arrival. Enjoy a three-course candlelit dinner for two at South Gate, the award-winning on-site restaurant, featuring live piano music and Central Park views (special Valentine's Day features available Feb 13 - 14 only - other nights, enjoy a complimentary three-course meal for two). There's also two GREY GOOSE "Lovesicle" cocktails at South Gate and finally, complimentary late checkout. The Two Hearts at the Park Package at the Jumeirah Essex House, which starts at $522 per night, is subject to availability and black-out dates apply. For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-645-5697 or visit Jumeirah Essex House The Strand, Manhattan’s newest midtown hotel, is offering all lovers a Valentine each weekend during the month of February. A package called Lover’s Lane at the Strand is being offered starting from $498 for two nights in a deluxe room overlooking the Empire State Building, daily European continental breakfast, a candlelight dinner at the Black Duck Bistro, including round-trip limo transfers and - to top it off - champagne and truffles at Top of the Strand, a stunning, full-season rooftop lounge with unparalleled views of the Empire State Building. Additionally, guests can snuggle in bed and enjoy a special 3 p.m. late checkout. The package is based upon availability and tax is not included. For more information or to book please call 212-448-1024 ask for Lover’s Lane at the Strand. Get Married (almost) on the Spot The City’s new 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. When You Don't Want to Take it Too Seriously Spend Valentine's Day with Judah Friedlander from NBC's "30 Rock," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and the film "American Splendor" - Saturday, Feb. 13th @ 8:00 and 10:30 PM, Sunday, Feb. 14th @ 7:00 and 9:30 PM. at ComixNY. More information at Events 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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