So, Valentine's Day is nigh! Can't say you weren't warned though, what with the regular onslaught of promotions (White Castle!), deals (private couples pool time!) and curiosities (name a hissing cockroach!) offered in the name of commerce love. But just in case you haven't gotten around to figuring out plans, here's some pointers from your friendly Gothamist love gurus:
Keep It Simple, Sherlock
No, really. If you haven't gotten a reservation yet at a restaurant (and we'll get to that in a minute) you really shouldn't worry about it too much. The goal of the night is romance, and that really only requires two to play. So why not set up some candles, buy a few flowers, do a little food shopping and make something at home? If you aren't comfortable in the kitchen, don't make a stab at beef bourguignon. Just do something you know you can cook, and cook it well. Your date will mind a burnt dish more than a basic one.
Fine, Get A Reservation
Never actually used your kitchen? Well, then you probably need a reservation because up there on the list of top un-romantic things a couple can do is wait an hour and a half for a table on one of the busiest restaurant nights of the year. To that end, OpenTable still has many restaurants with twofers still available, including some keepers like ilili, Vai, Il Buco spin-off Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria, Sparks (if you are feeling steak-y) and Thalassa.
But Avoid The Deals
Along with Mother's Day, Valentine's is one of the biggest days in the restaurant industry (so please, be understanding and tip your waiters well!). Which means lots of restaurateurs try and wring every last penny out of eager lovebirds with "romantic specials" with "complimentary" glasses of something bubbly. Avoid these if possible unless you are going to a restaurant you regularly visit—and yes, we know, we know: Two of the restaurant's we listed above have prix fixes for V-Day—those things really are hard to avoid!
Order Carefully If You Are Early In The Dating Game...
Assuming you've gone someplace without a holiday fixe prix, your ordering strategy should depend on a few factors beyond your hunger, how long have you and your date have been dating being the biggest. If it is your first date (on V-Day? Interesting!) there are lots of things you might want to avoid. Specifically things that might make you gassy (i.e., beans, broccoli) or make your breath unpleasant (garlic, raw onions). You also might want to avoid heavy food coma-inducing dishes if you are hoping for some after dinner action. Just saying!
But Otherwise, Go Wild!
Look, Valentine's Day is about lots of things (crass commercialism, mostly) but at its core it is about having a good time with a person you love or could potentially love or can't break up with during the Valentine's window (it is a thing!). So, if you and yours want to split that 40 oz. $125 ribeye for two while making slurping and moaning noises that make your fellow diners uncomfortable—more power to you!
