PRE-PLANNING: Valentine's Day 2011

What's Good?

          Since I have been dating my mother always assisted me on how to treat a woman and what she would like to do as far as you courting her. Sometime the magic doesn’t always happen on the first night and although you are filled with lust it is in your best interest to let the night pass. Single awareness day also known as Valentine’s Day comes with a lot of expectations especially as you get older. You are more financially stable to where simple doesn’t always do it…sorry! I hope many of you have an idea for what to do on V-day. Eating is always a major necessity when catering to someone on this day. Whether you are you are a master chef or simply going to a restaurant, ambiance is key. Finding somewhere that is well lit and decorated according to its theme is the best first step to making a good impression. For those that are new to New York or simply trying to find something new, well look no further. I will be giving you some great areas of interest to spend your Valentine’s Day!

First lets Start with some restaurants because that should always be the first destination of the night. I strongly suggest that you call some of these restaurants for your reservation so things go smoothly at the door.

Sushi Samba has one of the most chilled and relaxing environments in New York City when involving dining. The bright colors set a 70's California vibe especially with the music. My experience there was absolutely great along with the service. My Recommendation: The Eel Nigiri as an appetizer and the Chicken Teriyaki ~ Samba Style. 

Sushi Samba

87 7th avenue , 

New York, n.y. 10014

212-691-7885

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Yama 49 is still one of my favorite spots for dining because of its location and service.The Sushi is always well prepared and the tempura  does wonders. Not to mention the prices are extremely fair. The ambiance gives you a more intimate feeling because of the design and lighting. My Recommendation: King Crab Tempura & Spicy Tuna

Yama 49

308 E 49th St

(between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave)

New York, NY 10017

(212) 355-3370

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Qi is a high scale Thai restaurant with reasonable prices. Thai food is definitely up and coming because a lot of people are stepping out of their boxes and trying new things. Thai is absolutely incredible and if you haven't tried it yet please drop the McDonald's go live a little. It's located in Union Square where the night can end whenever. 

My Recommendation: Sesame Crusted Salmon &Thai Iced Tea

Qi Restaurant

31 W 14th St

New York, NY 10011

(212) 929-9917

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Red Rooster  restaurant is for those who cannot deny that soul satisfying southern flavor! The NEW restaurant has been taking guest on a steady basis since their establishment in the heart of Harlem. For all of my Green lovers, here is the spot. My Recommendation: Crab Cakes for your appetizer & The Grilled Snapper Tomato.

Red Rooster

310 Lenox Ave, (Btwn 125th & 126th St)

New York, N.Y. 10027


(212) 792-9001

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Celsius Bar and restaurant is the only place to my knowledge with a winter solstice setting. The Restaurant is located in Bryant Park. Being that the restaurant is open seasonally it makes the restaurant that more  special. The restaurant prepares American cuisine, so if you want to play it safe and still get great taste this is your spot. My Recommendations: steamed shrimp dumplings as your appetizer and The Celsius Jumbo Sliders for dinner.

Celsius Bar & Restaurant

Bryant Park (40th Street & 6th ave)

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If you are 21 and older then your night can be a little more fun. Finding a great bar with reasonable music and prices is so hard to come by these days. Well, look no further, did you ever think you can get mellow for 8 bucks well; we found a spot for you…

El Cantinero is a very low-key Mexican restaurant and bar  with a dance floor upstairs. This establishment is located in the Union Square area. They have a Margarita selection along with other mixtures that out does Blockheads by far. Each Drink on the menu is four bucks so it’s impossible to lose. I never had a complaint from anyone I brought there to leisurely hang out.

El Cantinero

86 University Pl (Btwn 11th & 12th St)

New York 10003

212 255-9378

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Piano’s is a small bar in the Lower East Side of Manhattan where there is live music on occasions and an upstairs where they play themed music according to the day of the week. The prices are fair and the vibe is energetic. The people there actually make you want to dance.

Piano's

158 Ludlow St

New York, NY 10002

Chocolate is and will always be a V-Day favorite...

There are many places to get chocolate but nothing say’s "let me put my good foot forward" like Godiva. Godiva has some of the best chocolate selections such as the dipped strawberries, truffles and other assortments. A dozen dipped strawberries would do it though!

Godiva Chocolatier

33 Maiden Lane

New York, NY 10038

(212) 809-8990 

Cake has always hit the dead center of anyone’s sweat tooth since its creation. Black Hound’s edible arrangements have just what you are looking for as well. Their chocolate is consumed by the eyes and then by your mouth. Treating both senses the same. The taste and satisfaction has been in business for 13 years so you can imagine how many other people feel the same way.

Black Hound

170 2nd Avenue

New York, Ny. 10003

21297995055.3733 ext 1

After everything is set and done, picking an extra curricular activity can vary on how intimate you are with the person. If this person is your spouse well go home and get creative(can’t coach you on this one), if not you can get a little closer with the person by making the last trip a romantic one.  Movies are for teens and easygoing people but if you want to dig a little deeper, one of New York’s most romantic attractions is Ice Skating whether it is Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center. Ice-skating is something different and different is always good. If you are not an avid skater this is a great idea. Taking the Roosevelt Island ferry is one of my favorites. Even though the ride is about ten minutes the scenic setting with city lights and the bridges is an everlasting memory.