by Meredith Kaffel With Valentine’s Day around the corner, thoughts of love and “wooing” are occupying many of our minds – whether we’re basking in the glow of a new infatuation, trying to rekindle an old one, or striving to forget the one who got away (or never showed!). New York is a wonderfully romantic city. And yet, Jojo reservations are hot tickets in February, it’s (finally) too cold for a Central Park carriage ride, and, thanks to old and new film classics like “An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” the Empire State Building’s observation deck has become a cliché. So, what’s a would-be Casanova to do? Sometimes, it’s better to think outside the box and embark on a more innovative romantic adventure. The following three places are perfect stops for those both with and without someone to court on St. Valentine’s rosy day. Not only do they provide pleasurable and sensual activities for a man with a significant other, but they also provide the right atmosphere for a sweet single to meet the one who has been waiting for him – right in his own neighborhood.
There’s a Reason It’s Called ‘Wine and Dine’ On the UES, that reason is called The Wine Shop. Found in the low 80s, this establishment not only offers a wide assortment of wine from around the world – France, Austria, Spain, Italy –, but it also boasts a courteous and knowledgeable staff, whose attentions and talents for picking the right bottle far exceed those of other stores in the area. Even The Wine Shop’s website (www.wineshopnyc.com) offers top recommendations, specials and “sleeper” options (producers who they believe to be undeservedly underrated). The shop also hosts in-store tasting events on Friday and Saturday nights – ideal occasions to find a new great wine and, perhaps, a new face hoping to share a bottle.
The Wine Shop
Chocolate is Always in Style Not only does Dylan Lauren, born of fashion guru Ralph Lauren, know good style, but she also knows good chocolate. Dylan’s Candy Bar, her brightly colored candy boutique situated on Third Avenue and 60th St., is the closest thing to Willy Wonka’s wonderland that you can find in this sprawling city. Its upper level presents a variety of chocolate-covered sweets, along with gummy candy, candy- and chocolate-scented bath and body items, and a tempting ice cream bar that is just right for lingering. You can reach the lower level of Dylan’s by walking down a set of festive, candy-lit stairs lined with ever-changing works by new artists. Downstairs, you will find the store’s most unique treats, including nostalgia-inducing Abba Zabba bars, a decadent truffle display, chocolate sushi boxes, and actual Wonka-brand offerings that will charm chocolate lovers’ hearts any day of the year.
Dylan's Candy Bar
Showing Your Sensitive Side The only aspect missing from this amorous adventure is passion itself. Where better to come by such inspiration than at a literary reading? Not only are such poetic gatherings impressive picks for a date (you will appear both cultured and sensitive at once), but they’re also great places to meet like-minded literati who know something about being lovelorn. The 92nd Street Y, at 92nd and Lexington, is an oft-forgotten resource for just these types of events. Described by The New York Times as “the quintessential New York institution,” its Unterberg Poetry Center offers various monthly reading.. In the months of February and March, featured readers include Ha Jin, Margaret Atwood, Terrence McNally, Ian Frazier, and John Banville. (See www.92ndsty.org for a complete schedule of readings.)
92nd Street Y
In his book of memoirs, Casanova once wrote, “I have been, throughout my life, the victim of my senses,” meaning that he allowed sensual pleasures to govern his existence. On this Valentine’s Day (and on any other day), take a cue from the master. |
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