Romantic Places to Dine
Epoch Times staff Nadia Ghattas and contributors Ed Pitaro and John Fine have selected a few of their favorite romantic restaurants for all to enjoy this Valentine’s Day. Book early so that you and your sweetie won’t miss out on these very special spaces.
Nadia Ghattas’s top recommendations:
Le Colonial
Le Colonial is a place you might find in a dream—a place both poetic and luxurious. Here history and culture are combined with warm service. As you stand in front of this building located in the heart of Manhattan, you are transported to days gone by, and to faraway places. This townhouse could have been a mansion of old New York, of Europe, or of a colonial residence in Southeast Asia.
Inside the setting is a vivid recreation of the romance and beauty of French Colonial Vietnam. Enjoy authentic and traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the dimly-lit dining room and then retire to the cozy lounge upstairs to listen to romantic French and Vietnamese songs. This is the perfect spot for a rendezvous at fantastic prices.
Location: 149 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10155, Phone: 212-752-0808
New Leaf Restaurant & Bar
Located in a vintage stone building, lovingly restored by actress and singer Bette Midler and her friends, the New Leaf is a highly recommended gathering spot for a romantic getaway, a memorable celebration, or just as a treat. Chef Campbell’s creations make dining there an occasion!
The restaurant setting seems similar to a quaint New England fairy-tale town or perhaps to an idyllic spot in the countryside of a small European village. But this is in Upper Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park, surrounded by trees overlooking the Hudson River—a perfect getaway from the hassle of the City.
Step over the threshold and you are enveloped in warmth and a welcoming coziness. You notice varying aromas, dimmed lights, and the scenery outside that is ever-changing over the four seasons. The dining patio invites dining under the stars when the weather is suitable, and house-made hot chocolate when the weather gets nippy.
On Valentine’s Day, celebrate with the chocolate dishes that inspire licking your fingers.
Location: One Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040, *Reservations required*
Ed Pitaro’s top recommendations:
The Odeon
This downtown fixture has been around for close to 30 years and helped to transform the once deserted Tribeca neighborhood into a real scene. Opened by the McNally brothers and associates in an old cafeteria with minimal refurbishment, it has defined a new style of American bistro—hip but welcoming; serving updated classics reasonably priced and properly executed; open late and fashionably informal.
Full disclosure: my wife and I went here on our first date many years ago. But even without that personal association it’s a great place to establish your own conjugal mythology. Though the neighborhood has become a virtual bedroom community for Wall Street, the restaurant still resonates with a more artistic and less commercial and crass time.
Not typically romantic, it’s nevertheless a perfect spot to reminisce with your significant other and appreciate long term relationships – personal, culinary, and with New York City. Even without a special menu, sharing a bottle of Cotes du Ventoux and hanger steak with Béarnaise or cod with crayfish butter will put you in a mellow mood and furnish an opportunity to dispense with greeting card sentiments and think about true love.
145 West Broadway (Thomas Street), Phone: 212-233-0507
X2O Xaviars on the Hudson
Much more of a destination restaurant, X2O is housed in a still active Victorian-era pier literally on the Hudson River and only a short drive or Metro North ride from Midtown. Its three glass walls and 25-foot vaulted ceiling provide a breathtaking river view with the George Washington Bridge to the south and the Tappan Zee to the north.
There’s plenty to look at other than your dining companion, but the magical setting and professional service can inspire intimate conversation. They will be serving a three-course menu for $75 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with five choices for each course.
Although unavailable at press time, the highly regarded chef Peter X. Kelly is well known for his creative approach and classic technique exemplified in dishes like Lobster Crepe with Mascarpone and Chives, Heritage Pork served Two Ways and Juniper Dusted Venison Medallions. You can confidently place yourself in his hands for this dinner.
Location: 71 Water Grant Street, Yonkers, New York, Phone: 914-965-1111
John Fine’s top recommendations:
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Two restaurants, both located at the world-renowned Waldorf Astoria Hotel, offer romantic spaces for Valentine’s Day. What better place for a romantic meal than a grand and charming hotel that has been, and is, the site of weddings for generations? Peacock Alley and Bull and Bear offer fine food and privacy to suit the tastes of most diners.
Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to view the mosaics just up the stairs from the main entrance on Park Avenue. Uniformed doormen politely swing wide the portal that reveals a large crystal chandelier at the top of the stairs. Inlaid frescoes, too beautiful to walk on, are in the middle of the floor. A gigantic vase of orchids and fresh flowers stands guard in the hallway.
Off to the right is a display of wedding services catered by the hotel. The advertising video is interesting to watch for it shows master bakers at work on the special cake and planners helping loving couples attend to details for the most important romantic event in their lives.
Peacock Alley
The main lobby offers a grand clock, banquettes, and the fabled Peacock Alley Restaurant. Tables are set behind the bar and offer privacy amidst painted murals of peacocks brightly arrayed. Fish or fowl, beef, or vegetarian, Waldorf chefs and an attentive wait staff offer up dishes. The seating is intimate and subdued. Peacock Alley is certainly a romantic corner in this metropolis of bustling restaurants.
Bull and Bear Steakhouse
Through the main lobby on the Lexington Avenue side of the hotel, which spans whole blocks north, south, east, and west, is the Bull and Bear Steakhouse. Beef is the main attraction—prime aged Angus. For the steak lover there is none finer in town. Try to reserve a romantic table against the window facing Lexington Avenue. A few stairs lead to a partitioned balcony of tables, each with an allure and privacy not afforded in the main dining room.
On Valentine’s Day make sure to reserve in advance your special table against the windows on the avenue. Ask for server Eduardo Quinones and his assistant waiter Flete. You will be sure to receive experienced and capable table service that is courteous and efficient. Tell Eduardo your preference for the special moments you are enjoying. There is no need to rush. Sip champagne, enjoy the peaceful moments before selecting your meal, and then relax.
Outside everyone is rushing. Taxis are clamoring for fares, private livery cars and limousines are disgorging their passengers, passersby look in but cannot see through thick tinted glass toward Bull and Bear’s warmth and hospitality inside.
Enjoy a wonderful, passionate, and gustatory Valentine’s Day. Remember love is in the air.
Location: Waldorf Astoria’s restaurants, Phone: 212-872-4606 or visit their website http://www.waldorf.com
*Reservations Required*
