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Weekly Snapshot - Romance Edition
Love permeates in the cold winter air with cozy Valentine's Day celebrations around town. And to spread awareness of heart disease, February is American Heart Month -- there are events being held citywide to spread awareness. Show your support for the cause by donning red any day of the month.
Whether it be your love of dining or gift giving, this romance snapshot offers you personal recommendations... all that are heartfelt to help you celebrate Valentine's Day this month with those that are close to your heart! 
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors, so they can
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See the below categories for my event picks for the
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 General Events...
Through February 13 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
The excitement of Fashion Week continues with top designer events around the city.
Through February 7 New York Cares Coat Drive
Your last chance to give for a good cause.  February 10 & 11
Westminster Kennel Club Dog ShowThe best of the best pedigrees come out to compete in the most prestigious of dog shows at Piers 92/94 (55th Street & West Side Highway). February 11 GLOW/ Shining Service Worldwide/Arden Event for Female VetsFrom 6-8pm at The Red Door (200 Park Avenue South), a spa-themed event which will honor 4 female veterans by unveiling new looks and custom made dresses.
February 14 to 16 Couture Fashion Week If you're not lucky to score tickets to Fashion Week, buy a ticket to this event at the New Yorker Hotel (481 8th Avenue). As an added highlight on the 15th, join in on the festivities of high fashion and music, a celebration inspired by the theme of iconic Carnivale di Venezia... bring your mask! Have your makeup done at Rouge (1123 Broadway) before this event; this would be a night to try their glamorous look, Total Polish. |
Cultural Pursuits...
Through February 23The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the CatwalkThere's still time to view this amazing exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn).
Through February 23 The Armory Show at 100: Modern Art and Revolution One of my favorite museums, the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library (170 Central Park West), is showcasing the Armory Show at 100, 100 masterworks from the 1913 Armory Show that powerfully impacted American audiences.
Through March 8 David Altmejd - Juices
Canadian sculptor David Altmejd's sculptures will be the featured exhibition at one of my favorite galleries in the city, the Andrea Rosen Gallery (525 West 24th Street). David creates highly detailed sculptures that often blur the distinction between the interior and the exterior.
Through June 1 Frank Lloyd Wright and the City: Density vs. Dispersal
The exhibition at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street) examines the tension in Wright's thinking about the growing American city in the 1920s and 1930s... with a 12 foot by 12 foot model of one of his plans.
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Curtain Up...
February 7 Sweethearts of the Ballet World
Christopher Wheeldon's intricate duet is beautifully choreographed by a pair of exceptional dancers that are soon to be married. A NYC Ballet Performance at David H Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza).
 Through February 9
NYC Fab 50In celebration of 50 years since the The Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, there are concerts across the city. Get your tickets... or visit the New York Public Library (42nd Street & 5th Avenue) for a special exhibition with lots to see and hear... memorabilia, recordings and videos.As a fan of Neil Simon, I've always enjoyed his first musical, Little Me. Enjoy a comedic performance by Tony award winner and Smash star, Christian Borle, as he takes on the role of 6 different suitors. Only 7 performances at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street).
February 13 The Nelson Mandela Tribute Concert
President Clinton, Morgan Freeman and the Soweto Gospel Choir will honor the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela at Saint Paul the Apostle Church (405 West 59th Street).
At various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
ROMANTIC PERFORMANCES
February 13 A Very Broadway Valentine's Day
Broadway couples celebrate Valentine's Day at one of my favorite musical venues, 54 Below (254 West 54th Street).
February 14 Dianne Reeves
Singer songwriter Dianne Reeves performs at the Rose Theater jazz center at Lincoln Center. February 14 Michael Feinstein
Carnegie Hall (57th Street & 7th Avenue) performance with Laura Osnes (Bonnie & Clyde) and Julian Ovenden (Downton Abbey).  Love and InformationThe Minetta Lane Theatre 18-22 Minetta Lane Caryl Churchill's British humor of more than 100 characters are perfectly explored. Through March 23rd. The Duke on 42nd Street 229 West 42nd Street Shakespeare's famous romantic comedy. Through April 6th. Outside Mulligar Samuel J. Friedman Theatre 261 West 47th Street Starring Debra Messing, this show celebrates the wonders of love. Through March 16th.  Rusalka
Metropolitan Opera
Lincoln Center Plaza
Renée Fleming performs in Dvorák's bittersweet romance. February 8, 12, 15. Visit previous snapshots for more favorites in theater.
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For the Foodie... Romantic Dining
Romance is always in the air in New York. Below are my top places to dine when you're looking for an intimate dinner in the city. Next week will be my dining choices for NYC Restaurant Week.
Check their websites for special Valentine's Day offerings... many are featuring a prix fixe for the occasion.
 Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar
(Wine Bar/Tapas - West Village)
1 Seventh Avenue (Carmine & Leroy St)
The most romantic restaurant and wine bar in the city where wine and chocolates are at the forefront. A true gem with impeccable first class service and ambience. Try their chocolate martinis, or savory cheese and chocolate truffles. Butter(New American - Midtown West) 70 West 45th Street (5th & 6th Avenues) I've often eaten at Butter on Lafayette Street and was pleased that they have opened in Midtown, a great addition to pre/post theater dining. American cuisine at its finest, all prepared by a Food Network star (Alexandra Guarnaschelli). An inviting bar, a subterranean restaurant, and communal tables. The s'more with peppercorns, cocoa, and graham crackers is a must!Caravaggio Ristorante(Italian - Upper East Side) 24 East 81st Street (5th & Madison Avenues) This is in my top five restaurants in the city! An elegant setting, sophisticated Italian cuisine and superlative service! The perfect spot for a special occasion. Art aficionados will think they are continuing a tour of the Museum Mile with the engaging art that adorns the wall. The branzino and spaghetti vongole are delicious.  Crown(American - Upper East Side) 24 East 81st Street (at Madison Avenue)
Reminiscent of Old New York. An elegant and chic setting... I give it a 10 in ambiance! Set in a 1930s mansion, steps away from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fine foods prepared by John Delucie, founding chef of the Waverly Inn. The rack of lamb and chocolate souffle are divine! Il Buco (Italian - East Village) 47 Bond Street (Bowery & Lafayette Street)
A hidden treasure set on a historic cobblestone street. A true romantic atmosphere filled with cozy tables, candlelit lighting and antique accents from its beginnings as an antique store. Make sure you visit their wine cellar on the lower level. According to legend, the wine cellar inspired Edgar Allen Poe's Cask of Amontillado. Mas (farmhouse) (French - West Village) 39 Downing Street (at Bedford Street) Serious cuisine for discerning diners. I walked past the wooden doorway many times before discovering the treasure trove behind it. I once dined in a 'mas' in Provence, and it was just like this. If you can afford it, try the Chef's tasting menu. Romance written all over it!
NoMad (Mediterranean - Flatiron) NoMad Hotel - 1170 Broadway (at 28th Street)
Three star Michelin rating. Authentic Mediterranean/Moroccan cuisine. Touches of Northern Africa throughout the restaurant, featuring a sexy bar as you enter. Start off with their "love salad" that is part of their Valentine's Day prix fixe.
The House (New American - Union Square) 121 East 17th Street (at Irving Place)
Housed in a Gramercy 1854 Townhouse, The House displays all the authentic qualities of a bygone era. It is the quintessential date place! Begin your evening warming up by the fireplace on the lower level with a negroni, and dine upstairs in their cozy and romantic dining room. Black angus steak and the sea scallops are exceptional.
Located in the beautifully restored Chatwal Hotel, it is a welcome addition to the pre/post theater dining neighborhood. Red leather banquets, old photographs of Hollywood legends, and a gas fireplace all offer a setting of a bygone era of the nostalgic Art Deco period. UPCOMING FOODIE EVENTS 
February 8 NYC Winter Wine Festival
Fifth annual festival includes tastings of over 200 wines, live jazz, and food at the Best Buy Theater (1515 Broadway).
February 10 NYC Restaurant Week Reservations
Although it doesn't begin until February 17th, you can begin to make reservations. I'll offer my top restaurant picks in next week's Snapshot.
February 14 Valentine's Feast Cooking Class
Rustico (40 West 39th Street), an excellent culinary cooking school is offering couples cooking on Valentines' Day.
February 14 Dinner & a Movie
Midnight in Paris and a 4-course dinner at The Crosby Hotel (79 Crosby Street).
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Decadence...
Chocolate in any form (cupcakes, macarons, or straight from the box) is one of my guilty pleasures.
1018 Madison Avenue (at 78th Street)
With boutiques in Paris, Cannes, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, you can't miss this authentic spot. They have 4 locations in Manhattan, but the UES is my favorite. L.A. Burdick
5 East 20th Street (5th & Madison Avenues)
Delicious chocolates, European-style pastries, and beverages (try the white chocolate drink).
Flowers...
134 5th Avenue (18th & 19th Streets)
Whenever I need flowers for any occasion, they never disappoint. They have an exquisite Valentine bouquet... red peonies, French anemones, and heart roses.
L'Olivier Floral Atelier
19 East 76th Street (5th & Madison Avenues)
Complimentary delivery in Manhattan if you order by the 10th... beautiful bouquets and wonderful service.
Sweets...
Georgetown Cupcake
111 Mercer Street (Broome & Prince Streets)
Originally in DC, they also have locations in Boston and LA.
Ladurée
864 Madison Avenue (at 71st Street)
Macarons to die for... the original French kind. Many try to imitate but nothing matches Ladurée!
Levain Bakery
167 West 74th Street (at Amsterdam Avenue)
French for "leavening," Levain offers yummy cookies and other baked goods.
Divine Gifts...
You may or may not agree with the saying, "It's better to give than to receive" but below are some gift-giving ideas to make your special someone sparkle. Or, you may want to treat yourself! We truly promote our city and our partners, so we hope that you will support them too.
JEWELRY
Chloe + Isabel
I recently ordered a fabulous deco crystal necklace from this online store; although I always prefer shopping in boutiques, their site was so intriguing that I just had to buy! An eclectic and affordable line of jewelry items.
Gilded Lace Check website for retail locationsAntique vintage lace brought back to life by Monika Knutson! Imagine wearing a piece of a Parisian lace undergarment from 1920 on your wrist! Modern, graphic jewelry pieces of old and forgotten lace dipped in sterling silver or 24K gold. Monika combines her passion for antique vintage clothing and jewelry. Her pieces are feminine but compliment all types of clothing.  Jennifer Fisher
270 Lafayette Street, Suite 904
(Prince & Jersey Streets)
From a collection of over 4,000 charms and initial-engraved disks, to elaborate crests and pave diamond skulls, all pieces are made to order by jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher. Her collection will accessorize both uptown and downtown gals!
LINGERIE
675 Madison Avenue (61st & 62nd Streets)
133 Mercer Street (at W Houston Street)
The line is British... co-founded by one of my favorite designers, Vivienne Westwood. Agent Provocateur is a high-end boutique of frillery... beautifully made luxurious lingerie.
Kiki de Montparnasse
79 Greene Street (at Spring Street)
The boutique features an eye-inspiring 2,000 square foot interior and 1,200 square foot gallery showcasing a collection of beautiful pieces for romance and seduction.
La Petite Coquette
51 University Street (at 10th Street)
My friends and I love to take special trips to this sexy little spot. The shop is flirty and the staff is so helpful in finding the perfect piece.
SPECIAL PRODUCTS & SHOPS
Carter Kustera
57 Wolcott Street - Brooklyn
How is this for a unique gift... get a silhouette portrait of the two of you, or of your child. A friend just received one as an early Valentine's gift and it is amazing!
Diptyque
377 Bleecker Street (Charles & Perry Streets)
I stopped in the other day to purchase sweet-smelling gifts for friends. Love, Adorned 269 Elizabeth Street (Prince & Houston Streets) Need I say more? A lifestyle concept store with treasured gifts for both men and women. Marisa Erin Photography
M.E. photography will capture a special moment of your children or a couples shot, making the perfect Valentine's Day gift. MiN117 Crosby Street (Prince & Houston Street) A great shop for men's gifts. Palais des thes
156 Prince Street (at West Broadway)
Limited gift sets from romantic Paris featuring mini teas of the latest declaration of tea lovers. 144 10th Avenue (18th & 19th St) A permanent popup store in West Chelsea. Every six to eight weeks, Story's glass-walled boutique gets redesigned around a new theme... the current theme is (of course) Love! The Art of ShavingMultiple Locations Everything you can imagine for shaving. When you're not sure what to get for him, this store will offer many possibilities.
GIVE THE GIFT OF SPA  The Peninsula Hotel - 700 Fifth Avenue (at 55th Street) ShibuiThe Greenwich Hotel - 377 Greenwich Street (at North Moore Street)
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