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  • Seven ways to Celebrate this Valentines Day
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Seven ways to Celebrate this Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day has arrived, and while its cold outside, you have a Snowman coat to keep your spirits high. It is time to celebrate – whether by yourself, with a friend, or with that special someone. Snowman has crafted 7 fabulous dates (or celebratory excursions) to suit everyone’s budget and interests.

A dinner date is typically the classic go-to plan for February 14th.   So you will notice that most of these date options involve some sort of food and drink indulgence, but these are no ordinary dinners. The first choice, and the best deal around, is Hecho en Dumbo, which is hosting a 4-course prix fixe dinner for $55. What makes these four courses so great? The entire menu is crafted around Mexico’s indigenous cocoa bean. This dining experience will surely beat any box of chocolates. The spot, tucked away at 354 Bowery, can host a night that your date and your taste buds will not forget. For more information: hechoendumbo.com.

While $55 for four courses is an incredible deal for a highly-rated restaurant in NYC, there are other dining options for those seeking an extravagant holiday. If four courses is not enough, Betony, at 41 W 57th Street, has a five course taste menu for $195 per person. Betony was one of the most lauded restaurant openings last year; it will not fail to impress. This Valentine’s Day, one of the restaurant’s wizards, Eamon Rockey, has created a Chanel No. 5 cocktail. While I do not know the secret ingredients, I am sure the food caliber, ambiance, service, and presentation will make for a night of utter luxury and decadence. Find out more at betony-nyc.com.

If you or your special someone is up for a little more adventure or looking for some romantic photo opportunities, it is never a bad idea to become a play pretend tourist. My favorite touristy location is Top of the Rock Observation Platform. Regular, adult passes are $27 and premium passes are $32. The premium pass includes just a few kitschy souvenirs, so I recommend the regular ticket. Arrive just at sunset to get a magical, colorful view and watch the city light up and get ready for a big Friday night. Top of the Rock, located in Rockefeller Center, is also a great option because it will not be as crowded as other view-seeking venues, such as the Empire State Building.

While boat cruises around Manhattan can be a bit touristy, this cruise is limited to thirteen couples. After departing from Chelsea Piers, near 22nd St on the Hudson River, enter a romantic paradise. The menu consists of Champagne and Sparkling Wines (what is Valentine’s Day without a little bubbly?) in addition to a host of “Aphrodisiac Pairings.” These pairings include: Caviar Blini: Duo of Caviar, Yuzu Crème Fraiche. Duo of Oysters: Oyster Rockefeller, Raw Oyster Mignonette. Seared Filet Crostini: Patè, Red Wine braised Shitake. And for desert… Lover’s Fondue Pot: Chocolate, Fresh Fruit Skewers, Amaretto Whipped Cream. All of this, as well as a few hours cruising in one of Harbor Line Cruise’s sailboats, is just $76 per person. And while the company has lots of cruise options throughout the year, this particular menu is a special Valentine’s treat. Tickets are available through Zerve. Visit www.sail-nyc.com for more info.

NOTE: Both the Top of the Rock and Harbor Sailing adventure could get a little chilly. Even though we are celebrating, it is still winter. So bring along a Snowman coat to maximize the experience.

Sight seeing and decadent meals are all great options for the special day, but what about the classic idea of “dinner and a movie.” BAM is a great twist of movie location – and a step about your typical Lowes Cinema. The Brooklyn venue has created a Valentine’s treat – combining a 1941 Classic, “The Lady Eve” with a meal (before or after your movie) at the BAMcafe. The film screens at 6:30pm and 8:45pm, while the dinner seatings are at 6:45pm and 8:45pm. Your meal, your movie ticket, and champagne are all included in the $69 per person price. And if you are a Manhattanite, do not fear, BAM, located at 30 Lafayette Ave in Fort Greene is very accessible from Manhattan. Find out more at bam.org.

Brooklyn provides another twist on dinner and a movie. The Brooklyn Museum, with their new restaurant, Saul, has unleashed one of the hottest new spots for American cuisine. The Snowman team is particularly fond of this option for its nod to our fashion-minded selves. At the museum right now is “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier.” For $125 per person, enjoy entry into the museum and a six-course meal – an experience that could not be found outside of Manhattan. Learn more about the restaurant at saulrestaurant.com.

If you are on a tight budget or just want to savor some quality alone time, a DIY dinner at home is always a great option. As long as you have wine, chocolate, candles, and flowers, this plan will not go wrong. There are, however, some websites that can help you plan a menu to take your meal a notch above other casual dinners at home. Martha Stewart’s option, for the overachievers out there, includes Radicchio and Mushroom Chicken Roulade. The rest of the menu as well as cooking instructions can be found at: marthastewart.com/856536/valentines-day-menus. Epicurious provides special Valentine’s menus to suit everyone – meat-lovers, seafood-lovers, vegetarians, and vegans. Explore this site to get some great ideas: epicurious.com/recipesmenus/holidays/valentines/menus.

However you decide to spend your Valentine’s Day, make sure to celebrate!   Winter is settling in for a little longer, but you have your Snowman coat – which means there is no need to fear the outdoors. We have provided some glamorous and fun options for you, so indulge and enjoy!

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