You’re welcome.



Show her a potent expression of your fondness with the world’s sexiest fragrance, Tom Ford’s Black Orchid Voile de Fleur. With notes of black truffle, honeysuckle, and sandalwood, how can you go wrong? From $45.

Tom Ford’s Black Orchid Voile de Fleur, available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Indulge her with a Tiffany Hearts Pendant made of platinum and .86 carats. $4,000.

Tiffany, 727 Fifth Avenue (near 56th Street), (212) 755-8000, and Tiffany Wall Street, 37 Wall Street (between William & Nassau Streets), (212) 514-8015, tiffany.com

What’s better than a box of fine chocolates and a few short stories? Both. La Maison Du Chocolate’s Book of Love offers six new flavors (passion fruit, anyone?) smartly packaged to look like a book. From $38.

La Maison du Chocolat, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (at 49th Street), (212) 265-9404, and 1018 Madison Avenue (at 78th Street), (212) 744-7117, lamaisonduchocolat.com/en

There are strawberries. And then there are luscious, perfect strawberries imported from Japan’s Kyushu Island. Get yours, for a limited time, at Butterfield Market. $45 for a box of seven to twelve.

Butterfield Market, 1114 Lexington Avenue (near 78th Street), (212) 288-7800, butterfieldmarket.com

Give her a heart of gold. Literally. With Love Rocks NY’s Heart Pendant made of 14k gold and 22 micro pave diamonds. $600.

Love Rocks NY, available online at loverocksny.com.

Free drinks. A kissing booth. What else is there to say? Hit Blue Owl tomorrow night for Hendrick’s Gin’s A Night for Unusual Romance. RSVP first, at info@blueowlnyc.com. Tomorrow (2/14), from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Blue Owl, 196 Second Avenue (at 12th Street), (212) 505-2583, blueowlnyc.com

Make a delicious decision on cupcakes for your sweetie at Magnolia Bakery. Only $2.75 each.

Magnolia Bakery, 401 Bleecker Street (at 11th Street), (212) 462-2572, and 200 Columbus Avenue (at 69th Street), (212) 724-8101, magnoliacupcakes.com

Fiamma’s three-starrred chef, Fabio Trabocchi, will be offering a luxurious tasting menu to scintillate all of your senses. Dishes include Grilled Scallops with Fennel Sauce, Roasted Lobster with Ginger and Grilled Kobe with nepitella salt and Manni extra virgin olive oil. The special tasting menu will be available tomorrow for $150 per person.

Fiamma, 206 Spring Street (near Sullivan Street), (212) 653-0100, fiammarestaurant.com

A sure path to a romantic evening: Lock in your love at Visconti Ristorante. The tale begins in Rome where a young man symbolically wraps a lock and chain around a light post to profess his adoration for his lady. Visconti has their version and some hearty modern Tuscan cuisine to go with it.

Visconti, 39 East 58th Street (off Madison Avenue), (212) 758-8600, viscontiristorante.com

He prefers Wagyu sirloin steak. She prefers sushi and sashimi. Satiate both at Megu’s six-course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner. $125 per person.

Megu New York, 62 Thomas Street (near West Broadway), (212) 964-7777, and Megu Midtown, 845 UN Plaza (at 47th Street), (212) 964-7777, megunyc.com

Prepare for an impossibly romantic evening at The Carlyle Restaurant. Indulge in a special three-course Valentine’s Day prix-fixe dinner menu with choices like Casserole of Langoustine, Dover Sole, Diver Scallop and Sea Urchin, and one-of-a-kind desserts. Plus they’ll throw in a complimentary half bottle of dessert wine. $125 per person.

The Carlyle Restaurant, 35 East 76th Street (at Madison Avenue), (212) 744-1600, thecarlyle.com/dine

You gotta love Amalia’s special V-Day menu crafted with well-known and little-known aphrodisiacs. Choose from oysters on the half shell, Black Truffle Gnocchi, Roast Quail with Rose Petals, and Pomegranate-Glazed Duck For Two.

Amalia, 204 West 55th Street (near Broadway), (212) 245-1234, amalia-nyc.com

Fig & Olive’s very special V-Day menu includes bubbly (1/2 bottle of Veuve), Grilled Lobster Tail for starters, Lamb Sirloin or Pan Seared Grouper for mains, and Pink Champagne Sorbet. $120 per couple.

Fig & Olive, 420 West 13th Street (near Washington Street), (212) 924-1200, figandolive.com

And if all else fails, there’s always the Anti-Valentine’s Day Ball at The New York Helmsley Hotel. $45 gets you an open bar from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and food. Tomorrow (2/14), 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations/tickets, call (212) 405-4222.

The New York Helmsley Hotel, 212 East 42nd Street (between Second & Third Avenues), (212) 405-4222, newyorkhelmsley.com

Fortunately we’ve compiled a short list of fine Chinese restaurants and their respective festivities for the Year of the Rat. Whether you’re in the mood for scallion pancakes or suckling pig, we’ve got you covered like soy sauce.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

WAKIYA. Ian Schrager’s little haute spot will be sporting a special 7-course menu featuring Swallow’s Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy and rumored aphrodisiac. Pair it with a Y-4706 Martini (to commemorate Chinese New Year 4706), a mix of ginger brandy, pomegranate juice and lychee liquor topped with Pop Rocks candy on the rim, and you’re set. From $175 per person. Available thru Feb 9th.

Wakiya (at the Gramercy Park Hotel), 2 Lexington Avenue (21st Street), (212) 995-1330,
gramercyparkhotel.com/restaurant

CHINATOWN BRASSERIE. Manhattan’s finest dim sum palace has prepared a new dim sum menu featuring Suckling Pig with Pancakes & Plum-Hoisin Sauce, Gold Coin Shrimp & Scallops Sauteed with fresh bamboo shoots and beancurd skin, Prosperity Filet Mignon with Crispy fried Taro, and Peach Shaped Chestnut Buns. Best dim sum ever? You decide. $60 per person. Available thru February 10th and 2/15-17.

Chinatown Brasserie, 380 Lafayette Street (near Great Jones Street), (212) 533-7000, chinatownbrasserie.com

MONKEY BAR. Chef Chris Cheung is keeping it classic for Chinese New Year. Feast on Pan Fried Black Bass with Star Anise-braised Daikon Radish, Preserved Vinaigrette and Avocado Puree and Shrimp with Lobster sauce, served with wonton noodles. Thru February 13th.

Monkey Bar, 60 East 54th Street (near Madison Avenue), (212) 838-2600, theglaziergroup.com/restaurants/monkeybar

MR. K’s. Seven is your lucky number at Mr. K’s. Starting tomorrow, you can indulge in a special seven-course meal featuring Peking Duck, seared beef medallions, Yuling chicken, sesame-shrimp toast, and fresh pastries. $70 per person, two person minimum. Through 2/21.

Mr. K’s, 570 Lexington Avenue (at 51st Street), (212) 583-1668, mrksny.com

Whomever you’re routing for this Super Sunday, you’re going to need football party fuel. And with this year’s Super Bowl expected to be the most watched ever, scoring a great meal is essential.

Here are our gorging picks for game day:

This Sunday, it doesn’t get any bigger than Hill Country’s Super Bowl Bash. Starting with their usual lineup of superb barbecue (brisket, ribs), Beer Can Game Hen, and continuing with à la carte options like Kreuz Market Sausage Skewers (Regular or Jalapeño Cheese), Pit-Smoked Chicken Wings, and Chili Frito Pie. And don’t forget the Bourbon Pecan Pie!

Hill Country, 30 West 26th Street (near Sixth Avenue), (212) 255-4544, hillcountryny.com

Momofuku? Yes, even Momofuku is getting in the game with their Super Bowl Bo Ssäm Special. It’s a pretty good deal too: $30 per head gets you bo ssäm (whole roasted pork shoulder) with rice, bibb lettuce, Momofuku chicken wings, kewpie cole slaw, pickles, and assorted desserts. Call ahead to order at (212) 254-3500 x 109. Delivery available.

Momofuku Noodle Bar, 171 First Avenue (near 11th Street), (212) 777-7773, momofuku.com

Keep it spicy with the Los Dados Football Playoff Package. $20 per person (4-person minimum) gets you a choice of two starters: deconstructed BBQ Beef Mini Tacos (with queso fresco, handmade corn tortillas, & pico de gallo), Guacamole with chips & salsa, Organic Greens with lime vinaigrette & pickled vegetables, Tamales (chicken, black bean, pork or sweet), choice of two taco fillings, beans and rice, tacos and tortillas, and pico de gallo on the side.

Los Dados, 73 Gansevoort Street (near Washington Street), (646) 810-7290, losdadosmexican.com

A Super’ party calls for super guacamole. Get yours delivered with Rosa Mexicano’s Guac to Go Kit featuring guac’ for 5 (or 10, 15, or 20), homemade tortilla chops, multiple jars of Rosa Mexicano salsas, and fresh corn tortillas. $36.95 to $109.95.

Rosa Mexicano, 9 East 18th Street (near Fifth Avenue), (212) 533-3350, 61 Columbus Avenue (at 62nd Street), (212) 977-7700, and 1063 First Avenue (at 58th Street), (212) 753-7407, rosamexicano.com

Midtowners can count on David Burke at Bloomingdale’s for Super’ catering. Choose from signatures like David Burke’s Famous “CheeseBurker” Sliders, Burke In The Box Thin Crust Pizzas, Jack Cheese Meatloaf Sliders, Asian Spiced Shrimp Cocktails, Corn Flake Crusted & Stuffed Fried Chicken, Sam Adams Braised Shortribs, The Kobe Dog Platter, and Heidi’s Touchdown Cookies.

David Burke at Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Avenue (at 59th Street), (212) 705-3800, davidburke.com/bloomingdales

This year, they’re adding shopping tours for a few, good gentleman. We asked the professional shoppers for a little guidance on their favorite bespoke men’s tailors:

DUNCAN QUINN. “The only rule is: there are no rules. With bespoke, each piece is for an individual person with unique needs from the piece,” declares Duncan Quinn, perhaps the best known bespoke tailor in New York City. DQ combines the sartorial splendor of Saville Row and energetic color (midnight blue with fuschia, grey with purple). His shop also sports a fine collection of cuff links, oversized Fleur de Lys ties, and hand made umbrellas.

Duncan Quinn, 8 Spring Street (near Elizabeth Street), (212) 226-7030, duncanquinn.com

HISHAM OUMLIL. Recently nominated for Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Awards, Hisham Oumlil is a name that’s buzzing in menswear circles. “We don’t sell clothing as a necessity, we approach it as an art and Hisham Oumlil handles all aspects of the process from fittings to production to ensure the true tradition of bespoke,” explains Hisham. André Balazs and Jude Law, both long-time clients, agree.

Hisham Oumlil, 257 West 39th Street (inside Beckenstein Men’s Fabrics), (near 8th Ave), (212) 730-0720, oumlil.com


To schedule your own personal shopping tour (and score discounts), contact Coup de Coeur at (917) 464-3699 or visit coupdecoeurny.com.

Graffiti is celebrating their first Valentine’s Day with an 8-Course Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu. That means you start with Pop Rock Oysters, main with Fig and Honey Pork, and end with Kamasutra Chocolate. And at $80 per couple (that’s just $40 per person), it may be the best deal in town.

Graffiti Food & Wine Bar, 224 East 10th Street (between First & Second Avenues), (212) 677-0695, graffitinyc.com

Lobster bisque soup. New Zealand lamb chops. Molten chocolate cake. Bar Martignetti’s $50 per person, multi-course Valentine’s Day meal is easy on the eyes and on the wallet.

Bar Martignetti, 406 Broome Street (at Centre Street), (212) 680-5600, barmartignetti.com

Sure they have awesome fish tacos but Mercadito is so much more. And for V-Day, $60 per person gets you a five-course tasting menu (raw oysters, ceviches, botanas) with margaritas. Yes, with margaritas.

Mercadito, 179 Avenue B (at 11th Street), (212) 529-6490, and Mercadito Grove, 100 7th Avenue South (at Grove Street), (212) 647-0830, mercaditony.com

Hop over to Rayuela where Valentine’s Day begins with a Cava toast, Sopa Amarillo, and your choice of prix-fixe options, including Ribeye a la Parrilla, Bacalao Colorao, Cordero Amoroso, and Paella Para Dos. $75 per person. For reservations, please contact Event Coordinator, Rachel Japko at (212) 253-8840 or rayuela.events@gmail.com.

Rayuela, 165 Allen Street (at Stanton Street), (212) 253-8840, rayuelanyc.com

Suba is going to be special on V-Day. Starting with choices like Atun Crudo (raw Bluefin tuna) or Terrina de Faisan (pheasant and bacon terrine with candied hazelnuts), and Waygu Flatiron steak or Cochino Glaseado en Sidra (apple cider glazed pork). Four-course dinner goes for $95 per person.

Suba, 109 Ludlow Street (between Rivington & Delancey Streets), (212) 982-5714, subanyc.com

Treat someone special to Mandarin Oriental, New York’s Champagne Tasting Menu in the 35th floor Lobby Lounge featuring views of Central Park and the spectacular Manhattan skyline. Decadent caviar, smoked salmon rosettes, and velvety Foie Gras terrines are paired with fine Champagnes. Three-course Champagne Tasting Menu, $195 for two people. For reservations, please call Cleiser Calcines at (212) 805-8234 or email ccalcines@mohg.com.

Mandarin Oriental New York, 80 Columbus Circle, 35th Floor Lobby Lounge, (212) 805-8800, mandarinoriental.com/newyork

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OCTOBER 24, 2007
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Lots of them.

So, you’ll appreciate the Michelin Guide’s list of New York City dining “secrets”. The lineup consists of cafés and restaurants that offer good value, off-menu selections, or clandestine eating areas with separate fare.

Michelin’s “Inspector secrets” include the following:



Jean Georges
1 Central Park West in the Trump International Tower (between 60th and 61st Streets), (212) 299-3900, jean-georges.com

Lunch consists of a set menu of three courses – an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $30 – all while experiencing the elegant atmosphere and professional service.

202 at Nicole Farhi
Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue (near 16th Street), (646) 638-1173, nicolefarhi.com

In the midst of the Nicole Farhi store you’ll find this hidden café that features outstanding food. Take a break from shopping to sample salads, sandwiches, fish & chips or a tuna burger – along with a glass of wine.

Del Posto Ristorante
85 Tenth Avenue (between 15th and 16th Streets), (212) 497-8090, delposto.com

Once inside this two-star Italian, do not pass “Go” – take an immediate left and head for the bar and seating area designated “Enoteca.” Here you’ll find an abbreviated version of the main menu with some additional choices.

Café Sabarsky
1048 Fifth Avenue in the Neue Galerie (near 86th Street), (212) 288-0665, cafesabarsky.com

Breakfast is a great choice at this café on Museum Mile, with Austrian coffees and pastries that are considered an art form by local connoisseurs.

Payard Patisserie & Bistro
1032 Lexington Avenue (near 74th Street), (212) 717-5252, payard.com

Dip into the casual café of this Upper East Side favorite for dessert and champagne. Sample canapés with wine or coffee, or take afternoon high tea.

Tamarind
41-43 East 22nd Street (near Broadway), (212) 674-7400, tamarinde22.com

Looking for a light lunch or dinner? Stop by the intimate Tea Room, next door to the main restaurant. A separate menu offers lighter fare, including afternoon tea.

Cacio e Pepe
182 Second Avenue (near 12th Street), (212) 505-5931, cacioepepe.com

In the spirit of dining al fresco, the garden behind the restaurant makes a perfectly lovely setting for dinner (in season).



If you haven’t made a reservation yet, consider the Michelin Guide’s top picks.

For more information on Restaurant Week, including particapating restaurants and reservation information, visit restaurantweek.com.


MICHELIN TWO-STAR

Del Posto
85 Tenth Avenue (15th Street), (212) 497-8090, delposto.com


MICHELIN ONE-STAR

Aureole
34 East 61st Street (Madison Avenue), (212) 319-1660, charliepalmer.com/aureole_ny

Café Boulud
20 East 76th Street (Madison Avenue), (212) 772-2600, danielnyc.com/cafeboulud

Devi
8 East 18th Street (5th Avenue), (212) 691-1300, devinyc.com

Fiamma
206 Spring Street (Sullivan Street), (212) 653-0100, brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/fiamma_new_york

Fleur de Sel
5 East 20th Street (Broadway) (212) 460-9100, fleurdeselnyc.com

Gotham Bar & Grill
12 East 12th Street, (University Place), (212) 620-4020, gothambarandgrill.com

Gramercy Tavern
42 East 20th Street (Park Avenue South), (212) 477-0777, gramercytavern.com

The Modern
At The Museum of Modern Art, 9 West 53rd Street (Fifth Avenue), (212) 333-1220, themodernnyc.com/modern

Perry Street
176 Perry Street (West Side Highway), (212) 352-1900, jean-georges.com

Vong
200 East 54th Street (Third Avenue), (212) 486-9592, jean-georges.com


BIB GOURMAND

Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street (Park Avenue South), (212) 447-7733, bluesmoke.com

Lupa
170 Thompson Street (Bleecker Street), (212) 982-5089, luparestaurant.com

Not sure where the best tables are? Don’t sweat, Michelin Guide’s A-team inspectors have got you covered.

These restaurants feature quality dining in prime outdoor settings such as bamboo gardens, terraces, patios and lakeside dining in Central Park. The selection includes seven different types of cuisine.



Liberty View (Chinese)
21 South End Avenue (West Thames Street), (212) 768-1888

I Trulli (Italian)
122 East 27th Street (Lexington Avenue & Park Avenue South), (212) 481-7372, itrulli.com

5 Ninth (Contemporary)
5 Ninth Avenue (Little W 12th Street), (212) 929-9460, 5ninth.com

Ono at Hotel Gansevoort (Japanese)
18 Ninth Avenue (13th Street), (212) 660-6766, chinagrillmgt.com/ono

Pastis (French)
9 Ninth Avenue (Little West 12th Street), (212) 929-4844, pastisny.com

Kittichai (Thai)
60 Thompson Street (Broome Street), (212) 219-2000, kittichairestaurant.com

Boathouse Central Park (American)
The Lake at Central Park (East 72nd Street), (212) 517-2233, thecentralparkboathouse.com

Five Front (Contemporary)
5 Front Street (Dock & Old Fulton Streets), Brooklyn, (718) 625-5559, fivefrontrestaurant.com

Now that you’re a little older, it’s time to eat like a champ. Lucky for you, the Michelin Guide New York has the lineup for the best Mexican restaurants just in time for Cinco’.

These restaurants were chosen for their authentic, Mexican cuisine and festive atmosphere. The inspectors’ selection includes one Bib Gourmand (good value) restaurant, El Parador Café.

¡Buen Provecho!



Crema Restaurante
111 West 17th Street (Sixth & Seventh Avenues), (212) 691-4477, cremarestaurante.com

Mexicana Mama
525 Hudson Street (Charles & 10th Streets), (212) 924-4119

Zarela
953 Second Avenue (50th & 51st Streets), (212) 644-6740, zarela.com

Rosa Mexicano
1063 First Avenue (58th Street), (212) 753-7407, rosamexicano.info

Maya
1191 First Avenue (64th & 65th Streets), (212) 585-1818, modernmexican.com

Maz Mezcal
316 East 86th Street (First & Second Avenues), (212) 472-1599, mazmezcal.com

El Parador Café (Bib Gourmand)
325 East 34th Street (First & Second Avenues), (212) 679-6812, elparadorcafe.com