You and your honey made it through breakup season and now it's time for the world's most noxious romantic day of the year: Valentine's Day. With just a week to go until the big day, you might be too late for some of the big romantic date spots, which were booked by thoughtful boyfriends and girlfriends weeks ago. Don't abandon all hope just yet; we're here to save you from the tears, finger pointing and plate throwing with some last-minute ideas to save your relationship.
Eat Your Heart Out Williamsburg's Diner has a special V-Day menu that's just offal. Cozy up in one of the restaurant's darling little booths or snag a seat at the bar to dive in Daenerys-style on some beef heart, bulked up with marrow butter. The couple that eats heart together, stays together; it is known. No reservations required; seating is first come, first served.
Jazz It Up Lincoln Center's stellar jazz club Dizzy's Club Coca Cola has a late-night set to keep the love flowing into the 15th. Starting at 11:30 p.m., Samora Pinderhughes performs the music of Billy Strayhorn, one of Duke Ellington's long-time collaborators. Since tickets are only $10 on Fridays, you won't break the bank if you started the evening dining out. The shows don't require a reservation, so arriving early is definitely recommended.
Put Boobs In Your Face Everyone appreciates a beautiful body, especially when it's decked out in fishnets and nipple tassels. Get your date in the mood for looooooove at Gotham Burlesque's special Valentine's Day show at Stage72, beginning at 10 p.m. Headliners include the "Girl with the 44DD Brain" and "Jiggling Genius," just in case you weren't sure what you were in for. General Admission tickets are just $39 bucks and the two-drink minimum should get you well lubricated for any hanky panky later on.
Get Cheesy Bubbling crocks of melted cheese, dripping and hot in your mouth. If that sounds like a turn on, head over to The JakeWalk, where they're offering pots of cheese fondue paired with a bottle of sparkling rose for just $50. They're also offering pick your own meat and cheese boards (get the creamy Delice de Bourgone if you know what's good for you) paired with any bottle of wine for $55. Make a reservation for your candlelit cheesefest by calling (347) 599-0294.
Go On A Malaysian Adventure Secret supper clubs are a fun way to leave your comfort zone and try on something new. Sample the fiery and unctuous flavors of Malaysia at the Valentine's Day Supper Club Dinner hosted at a secret location in Brooklyn. Rendang-style Langoustines, Slow-cooked Sambal Short RIbs and Chili Chocolate Mousse are on the menu, served in an intimate, speakeasy-style setting.
Make 'Em 'Scream If you can't be with the one you love, why not send some hand-crafted ice cream consolation from the good folks at MilkMade. They're taking candygrams to the next level by delivering pints of ice cream to your destination of choice on Valentine's Day. $40 gets you two pints (Salted Caramel and Red Velvet Cake), a hand-written card with a message of your choice and delivery to your loved one's office or home.
Get International Taking a weekend jaunt abroad is neither economical nor feasible but the international culinary treats at Gotham West Market are a decent approximation of jet setting around the globe. Slurp ramen from Ivan Orkin, tapas from El Colmado or stick closer to home with Americana fare from Genuine Roadside. Flowers are part of most Valentine's Day equations so stop by the pop-up flower shop to get a Love Fern to nurture together.
Dine On Tragedy The greatest romances are often the ones cut short by fate and a death by poisoning. Chef David Santos pays tribute to history's great tragic lovers with a seven-course tasting menu chock full of libido-enhancing goodies. Shakespeare's fated Romeo & Juliet are immortalized in a Cocoa-cured Branzino with pomegranate pudding and basil seed crumble; Alexander the Great and his beefy bodyguard Hephaestion in a roasted salmon with feta curd, walnuts and braised arugula; and Cleopatra and Mark Anthony with beer, figs and honey. Seatings begin at 5:30 for the $95; call (212) 206-0606 to reserve.
Cook From The Heart No amount of pricey dinners or orgiastic rituals can rival a meal cooked with love. We've got plenty of ideas for easy things to whip up for your lover: start with oozying truffle egg toast then fire up your taste buds with spice roasted pork then finish with decadent pull-apart bread. A stiff whiskey cocktail wouldn't be a bad place to start, followed by lots of tiny bubbles that'll go right to your head.
