Feature

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Cynics may call it amateur night, but every young Romeo has to start somewhere, and no one appreciates this fact better than our city’s chefs and restaurateurs.

By Robin Raisfeld & Rob Patronite
Published May 21, 2005

1. Public
As any romantic will tell you, it’s all about the lighting. That’s why on February 14, Public saves on its Con Ed bill and lights up the dining room with 1,000 candles. The $60 four-course prix fixe includes an aperitif and a box of handmade chocolates. Dress code: something flame-retardant.
210 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St.; 212-343-7011

2. Aureole
Expect plenty of oysters, truffles, and foie gras on Dante Boccuzzi’s seven-course “aphrodisiac” menu; $120, Viagra not included.
34 E. 61st St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-319-1660

3. City Hall
If you fancy yourself and your Valentine a latter-day Nick and Nora, go for the old-world glamour of dinner and live jazz in City Hall’s subterranean Granite Room; the three-course prix fixe is $85, plus complimentary champagne and oysters.
131 Duane St., nr. Church St.; 212-227-7777

4. Suba
In love, it’s important to preserve a sense of mystery, which is why, after you finish your $95, fourteen-course small-plates extravaganza, dessert is served with a blindfold.
109 Ludlow St., nr. Delancey St.; 212-982-5714

5. Peanut Butter & Co.
While most gourmands do not consider peanut butter a powerful aphrodisiac, it’s a lot cheaper than langoustines. The $30 prix fixe includes four heart-shaped sandwiches, cookies, and, of course, candy hearts.
240 Sullivan St., nr. W. 3rd St.; 212-677-3995