The Dinner
- Splurge on a night at one of New York's most romantic restaurants.
- Need more options? We've got 20 great Valentine's Day special deals and prix fixe menus -- from bargains for recession romantics to unique offerings from NYC's top restaurants.
- If your sugar pie is a true New York foodie, an amazing menu will make more of an impact than candlelight and roses. Book a table at one of Zagat's favorite New York restaurants and your date will be swooning before dessert.
- Nothing says love like a home-cooked meal. Whip up an intimate nosh at home. And don't forget dessert! Pick up some decadent chocolate to get the endorphins going or stop by your favorite local bakery for yummy homemade cookies or cakes.
The Gifts
- Flowers are a sure bet to impress the ladies. Check out Flowers of the World for truly unique arrangements that she won't forget. But in this economy, it truly is the thought that counts, so a modest bodega bouquet and a heartfelt note will do just as well.
- A more unique choice is the Valentine's Day Burger Bouquet from The New York Burger Company. For just $25, you can send a sampler-style box containing three mini-burgers, three signature dipping sauces, homemade potato chips, and a brownie. It even comes with a personalized, hand-written Valentine note. Delivery is free on February 13th and 14th between 11AM and 8PM from "river to river" between 8th Street and 38th Street (delivery elsewhere in Manhattan is possible for a small fee). Call 212-229-1404 or 212-254-2727 to place your order.
- Gifts from the Apple store will wow dates of any gender. Why not load his iPod with romantic songs downloaded just for him from iTunes? Or spend a little more and spring for a new iPod and get free laser engraving of your personal message and free signature gift wrapping.
- Turn up the heat this Valentine's Day with some sexy toys from The Pleasure Chest. Who needs flowers when you can give your Valentine a gift that keeps on giving? There are options for every budget -- from the $17.95 Big OH kit to a $1,300 ergonomically-designed vibrator that comes in gold and silver. The personal shoppers at The Pleasure Chest are trained to help you pick out the perfect gift without making you blush.
The Carriage Ride in Central Park
The picturesque carriage ride in Central Park is not just for tourists and romantic-comedy heroines. Snuggle under a blanket with your sweetie in the moonlight. Canoodle to the clop-clop of horse's hooves as you view the city from a more romantic perspective. A 20-minute ride should cost you about $20-$30 plus tip.The Scenic New York Kiss
Enjoy a memorable kiss on Valentine's Day in one of the city's most romantic locations. There's the top of the Empire State Building, naturally, where you can make like Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr (or Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan). Also included in a recent Daily News list of the best kissing spots in New York are the Rockefeller Center Skating Rink, The Cloisters, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Just try to keep it PG-13 until you get home.The Valentine's Day Proposal
Thinking about popping the question this Valentine's Day? Make it a memorable New York proposal at one of Brides New York's top ten proposal spots in New York City.And if you're madly in love, but short on cash for an engagement ring, there's still time to enter to win a free diamond ring courtesy of Cushette and authors Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus.
