February 6, 2015
Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: Romantic Red Celebrations
        
Even in the cold air, love permeates with a plethora of options for a cozy Valentine's Day celebration. And to further spread awareness of heart disease, February is American Heart Month -- with events being held citywide to bring attention to this important cause. Show your support by donning red any day of the month.



Whether it be your love of dining or gift giving, this romance snapshot offers you heartfelt recommendations to help you celebrate Valentine's Day!
 
 
 
Enjoy a month of romance...  
    
 
 
   
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General Events...General 

February 6  Skate with the Greats 
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
New York Rangers hall-of-famers will skate with New Yorkers and visitors on the rink.  All proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

February 6 & 7 
Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
New York's greatest collection of vintage clothing and textiles from the 18th, 19th, and 20th century.


February 12 through 19  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Various locations
Your opportunity to view all of the cutting-edge upcoming fashion trends and looks. Next week's Snapshot will feature Fashion Week and all of the happenings in the city. 

February 13 through 15  Couture Fashion Week

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan (
1605 Broadway)  
If you can't score tickets to Fashion Week, buy a ticket to this fashionably fabulous event. 

February 13 through 15 
NBA All-Star Event
Various Locations
Check the website for all of the events... including an All-Star Celebrity Game at Madison Square Garden, featuring celebrities of stage, screen and NBA... Carmelo Anthony, Nick Cannon, and Kevin Hart to name a few.
4th Annual Ice Festival


February 14 
4th Annual Ice Festival
Ice-carving artists from Okamoto Studio use electric chain saws, chisels, and picks to transform over 3,000 pounds of ice into a glistening replica of the Park's Romeo and Juliet statue. In the evening, feast your eyes on colorful lights with 1980s-themed silent disco with live DJs.






Through February 14  Beauty at the Barre
Rouge (130 Thompson Street)
Make an appointment at Rouge for a Total Polish and Lashes and you'll receive a 2-class card to Physique 57
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 
 
Through March 1  Bank of America Winter Village 
Bryant Park
Skate, shop, and dine throughout the winter.
  
ON THE RADAR:

February 16 & 17  Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 

Piers 92/94 (55th Street & West Side Highway)
The best of the best pedigrees come out to compete in the most prestigious of dog shows.

February 21  Chinese New Year Parade
Chinatown
The 16th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade will have more than 6,000 people marching through Chinatown. It is followed by the Lunar New Year Parade on the 22nd, also in Chinatown.

Spring   Saturday Night Live The Exhibition
Premier on 5th (417 Fifth Avenue)
Sign up now to be part of the presale; tickets will sell out fast. Kicks off with a celebration of the 40 year history of SNL... America's top comedic show.


Cultural Pursuits...Cult  
The Cut-Outs 


CLOSING THIS WEEK:
 
 
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Through February 10
The exhibit includes painted sheets cut into various shapes and sizes, thus creating compositions of contrasting colors.

 

 

 

 

ONGOING EXHIBITS: 

Katy Moran
  
AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM (2 Lincoln Square)
A Shared Legacy: Folk Art in America
Through March 8
Art between 1800 and 1920 are on exhibit.

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
 

(Central Park West at 79th Street) 
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.
   
ANDREA ROSEN GALLERY (525 West 24th Street)
Katy Moran
Through February 28
Exhibition by contemporary London artist  Katy Moran.  

ASIA SOCIETY (725 Park Avenue)
Takahiro Iwasaki creates detailed miniature landscapes using towels, toothbrushes, used clothing, and other found and recycled materials.

BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn)
Through February 15
Explores the fashion world's most coveted accessory. I especially like the shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Chanel, and Ferragamo.
    
DC MOORE GALLERY (535 West 22nd Street)
Robert Kushner: Baroque
Through February 14
In this exhibition of new paintings, Kushner fuses plant forms with references to the global history of ornament.
DTR Modern Gallery



THE DRAWING CENTER
(35 Wooster Street)
Through March 22
Tomi Ungerer is best known as the award winning author and illustrator of children's classics like The Three Robbers and Moon Man. But he also made a name for himself with witty advertising campaigns for the New York Times and the Village Voice. 

DTR MODERN GALLERY (458 West Broadway)
Contemporary and pop art on display. 





ELLIS ISLAND

Unframed - Ellis Island
Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.


THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street)
Through April 5
Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late 18th century. Their sculptures are shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges.

GAGOSIAN GALLERY (976 Madison Avenue)
Vera Lutter
Through March 7
Illustrious photographic works inspired by Lutter's connection to the city's light and architecture.  
 
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue)
On Kawara-Silence  
Through May 3   
Kawara's works are known for the rise in Conceptual art.
On Kawara-Silence
    
INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM
(Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
Hubble@25
Through September 15
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exhibition showcases the history of this project and its scientific achievements. View artifacts, photographs, and Hubble-produced images. 

MARIANNE BOESKY GALLERY
(509 West 24th Street)
John Waters: Beverly Hills John
Through February 14
Vivid photographs on display.


Madame Cezanne
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART  (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural Rediscovered
Through April 19
A captivating exhibit of 1920s America in New York City.

Cubism: The Leonard A. Lauder Collection
Through February 16
Experience the most important exhibition of the essential Cubists (such as Pablo Picasso) in more than thirty years.   
 
Thomas Struth
Through February 16
One of the most important and influential photographers of the last half-century, the installation displays Struth's works.

Through March 15
The first exhibition of paintings, drawings, and watercolors by Paul Cézanne.


THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
Lincoln Speaks: Words That Transformed a Nation
Through June 7
This exhibition focuses on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of language and how his words changed the course of history. 
Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s 

MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (7th Avenue at 27th Street)
Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s
February 6 through April 18
A tribute to two iconic fashion designers.   

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Through April 26
This collection captures the time period between the First and Second World Wars. 

The Forever Now: Contemporary Painting in an Atemporal World
Through April 5
The work of 17 artists with 17 different approaches to painting, the exhibit centers on the timelessness of painting today, exploring the issues of originality and subjectivity.

This Is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good
February 14 through January 31
Digital age design encompassing fashion and furniture
.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography
Through September 4
The first-ever retrospective survey of photography organized by the Public Library. How have we been engaged over time? Are we risking our privacy in pursuit of a more public photography? The exhibit explores these and other questions. 

RACHEL UFFNER GALLERY (170 Suffolk Street)
Gianna Commito
Through February 22
New paintings by Gianna Commito, displaying rigorous geometric stripes and planes, shifts in palette, and interlocking bands of varying girth.
 
ROBERT MANN GALLERY (525 West 26th Street)
Through March 21   
Paulette Tavormina Bodegón

Still life photography on display.


Micheal McLaughlin: Your Nearest Exit May Be Behind You

ROBIN RICE GALLERY
(325 West 11th Street)
Through February 22
A photographic exhibit referencing traditional pre-flight instructions... features sights discovered on his travels.  

THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART (150 West 17th Street)
Through March 23
French photographer Marc Riboud's photographic journals through Asia in the 50s and 60s...a time of both political and cultural transition.





SPERONE WESTWATER (257 Bowery)
Helmut Lang
Through February 21
Fashion designer Helmut Lang is also a talented sculptor!  His pieces are on exhibit at the Sperone Westwater Gallery... his first solo gallery show.

ON THE RADAR:

    
THE NEW MUSEUM (235 Bowery)
February 25  2015 Triennial:  Surround Audience
NYC's only recurring international exhibition devoted to the early careers of artists from around the world... 51 artists from 25 countries. Through May 24th.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (42nd Street & 5th Avenue)
March 4  Sinatra: An American Icon
A tribute to the life of the legendary actor and singer, Frank Sinatra.  A multimedia exhibit showcasing memorabilia never before seen. Through September 4th.

THE ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street)
March 4  Brian Pearson

A photographic exhibition by Brian Pearson, a medley of black and white images split between the figurative and the architectural. Opening reception on March 4th. Exhibit through April 12th. 

Art on Paper

 

PIER 26  (Hudson River & North Moore Street)

March 5 through 8  Art on Paper 

Modern and contemporary artists who look to paper as an influence in sculpting, drawing, painting, and photography.

  

THE MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle)
March 31  Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin
A display of thirty of this works taking you on a journey of his ever changing fashion.  Through August 30th. 

CurtainCurtain Up...         
   
NYC Ballet

MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:  
 
Tuesdays & Wednesdays  Jazz Nights
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
 
February 6  A Place For Us
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
NYC Ballet performs through February 26th.


Carmen

February 6 
Artistic Uprising
Hammerstein Ballroom (311 West 34th Street)
A Revolutionary evening of Performance & Slam Poetry, dancing and music. Proceeds will support ending violence against women in Afghanistan, Congo, Kenya, and the Philippines.

February 6  Carmen
The Metropolitan Opera (30 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Richard Eyre's stunning production. Through March 7th.




February 10 through 22  Martha Graham Dance Company 
The Joyce Theatre (175 Eighth Avenue)
Purchase tickets for performances by this illustrious dance company. Liz Gerring, a friend of mine, is one of the 4 choreographers chosen by the Graham company to create a variation of the iconic Martha Graham solo 'Lamentations.' 
The talented dancers from the Graham company are a pleasure and inspiration to watch.  

February 11  A Night With Romeo & Juliet
Alvin Ailey Dance Studio (405 West 55th Street)
Performed by Under the Rainbow. This international ballet training program provides young talented artists with the opportunity to access quality ballet training. 

February 13 through 22  Romeo & Juliet 
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Immortal tale of tragic love performed by the NYC Ballet. 
American Songbook: Megan Hilty

February 18  New York City Ballet: All Ballanchine
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Performances include "Hear the Dance: Italy" and "Hear the Dance: France." Various performances through March 1st.

Through March 1  NYC Ballet Winter Seasons 

David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Winter season kicks off with Balanchine's classic combination.     

  

Through March 28  Lincoln Center's American Songbook

Lincoln Center

Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.  

 

THEATER: 

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
 
 

Through February 8  Lady, Be Good
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Tommy Tune's performance will send you back in time to the Roaring Twenties. George and Ira Gershwin's first collaboration that ushered in the birth of musical comedies.

On the 20th Century

February 12  The Events
New York Theatre Workshop (79 East 4th Street)
The play revolves around characters that survive in the aftermath of a tragedy, depicting what it is that makes us human.
Now in previews, opening night February 12th, through March 22nd.
 
February 12  On the 20th Century
American Airline Theatre (227 West 42nd Street)
Love, lust, and mischief collide in this musical comedy starring Broadway showstopper, Kristin Chenoweth.  In previews starting February 12th, opens March 12th, through July 5th.



February 14  The Audience 
Helen Mirren stars in an electrifying performance as Queen Elizabeth. Sixty years, twelve prime ministers, but only ONE Queen!  In previews starting February 14th, opens March 8th, through June 28th.

ONGOING PRODUCTIONS:
John Golden Theater (252 West 45th Street)
Glenn Close and John Lithgow star in Edward Albee's story. A moving play about a married couple struggling to maintain equilibrium when they open up their home to friends and family.
Big Love

A Month in the Country
Through February 15
Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street)
The play stars Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black) and is centered around the comic turmoil that befalls a country estate when a handsome young tutor arrives... a classic story of unrequited love.

Big Love
Through March 15
Signature Theatre (480 West 42nd Street)
A modern remake describing the shapes and sizes of love as 50 brides and 50 grooms take refuge in an Italian villa!

Through March 15 
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) 
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, a mysterious and witty play about the potential of a first encounter.  

The Elephant Man 
Through February 21
Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street) 

Bradley Cooper and Patricia Clarkson star in the Tony Award-winning classic based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a 19th century British man who was a star of a traveling freak show.  


Through May 24
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)

This m
usical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.  Jessie Mueller took home a Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Through March 29 

Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)    

Emma Stone, as well as the incomparable Alan Cumming are show-stoppers; the Kit Kat Band is superb. Sienna Miller to replace Emma Stone in February. 

        

Through September 6
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) 

The lead actor, a recent graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets.  

Through March 1
Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street)

Critically acclaimed play starring Gretchen Mol. The cast shares the stories, secrets, and lies we tell our friends, family, and ourselves in finding the American Dream.     

 
Hamilton

Fish in the Dark 
Through June 7
Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street)
Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld, focuses on 15 characters as each deals with a death in the family.  Now in previews, opens March 5th, through June 7th.

Through April 5
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)   
The creative team from the Tony Award winning "In the Heights," has produced another show stopper.  An inventive new musical about the young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton.
 
Through March 15
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM - Brooklyn)
Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy return to the stage for this revival of Eugene O'Neill's trenchant portrait of hope and disillusionment.
  
If/Then The Musical
 
Through March 22
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
 
Idina Menzel of Wicked stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide.
 
I'm Gonna Pray For You So Hard
Through March 1
Atlantic Theater Company (330 West 16th Street)
Pulls the audience into the middle of a complicated relationship, shedding light on the struggles of parents and children trying to find a common ground.  
   
Through March 22
The Laura Pels Theatre (111 West 46th Street) 
Roundabout Theater Company presents a Sondheim m
asterpiece, inviting us back into the world created by the Grimm brothers.  

Let the Right One In
Through March 8
St. Ann's Warehouse (29 Jay Street - Brooklyn)
A National Theatre of Scotland production; a brutal and tender vampire myth told through the turbulence of a coming-of-age romance.

The Nether
 
Through March 15
The Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street)
A virtual wonderland crime drama that will have you on the edge of your seat.   

Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Through May 31
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street)

Theatrical musical play of the life and mysterious death of legendary writer, Edgar Allen Poe. 

 
On the Town
Through September 2
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
The feel good play that everyone should see. Broadway's largest orchestra and cast make us fall in love with NYC again. A story of sailors on a whirlwind tour in the Big Apple.
 
The River 

Through February 8

Circle In The Square Theatre (1633 Broadway)

Starring Hugh Jackman, this is the story about a man and woman in a remote cliff side cabin on a moonless night.

The Road to Damascus

Through March 1

59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street)
An Al Jazeera journalist, an American diplomat, and an African pope come together in an incredible riveting play. Through March 1st.
  
Winners and Losers
Through February 1
Soho Rep. Theatre (46 Walker Street)
A fierce and funny off-Broadway epic about what true friendship can endure.

Through February 22
Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street)
James Earl Jones and Rose Byrne star - a touching comedy portraying the relationship between two families when their children become engaged. 

ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP:

February 19  The Nomad
The Flea Theater (41 White Street)
A World premiere musical production. Through April 6th.

February 20 through 28
  Twelve Angry Jurors
Corner Office (300 West 43rd Street)
A courtroom drama adapted from the Emmy Award-winning Twelve Angry Men.
 
February 24  Chinese New Year Gala
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
A Gala Celebration of the Chinese New Year with performances by the New York Philharmonic.

February 24  The World of Extreme Happiness

New York City Center (130 West 56th Street) 
A story about Sunny, determined to escape her life in rural China and forge a new identity in the city. Now in previews, opens February 24th, through March 29th.


February 26 through 28  NYU Fusion Film Festival

Various locations
New York University's premiere film and television festival dedicated to celebrating women in film, television, and new media from student to icon.

March 11  Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance 

David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza) 
One of the greatest modern dance companies. Through March 29th.

March 13 
Skylight 
Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street)
Kings Theatre
Carey Mulligan stars in the sold out London engagement of a sentimental love story.  In previews starting March 13th, opens April 2nd, through June 14th.

March 13  An American in Paris
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war. Previews begin March 13th, opens April 12th.

March 14  Sarah McLachlan
Kings Theatre (1027 Flatbush Avenue - Brooklyn)
After 40 years this renowned theater has been restored; bringing top quality entertainment to this state of the art venue.

For the Foodie... Food 
Bobo
VALENTINE'S DAY DINING:   

  

DOWNTOWN:

  

181 West 10th Street
West Village - Italian Cuisine
Special menus available Saturday (February 14) and Sunday (February 15). 4-course prix fixe dinner for $110; 3-course brunch for $50.
 

Claudette

24 Fifth Avenue

Greenwich Village - French Cuisine 

4-course prix fixe for $85 per person.   

 

Little Park
Eataly
200 Fifth Avenue
Flatiron District
Special Menus and reservations available at Manzo (formal dining centered around meat), Il Pesce (Seafood), Le Verdure (centered around fresh and seasonal ingredients, mainly vegetables).

Little Park
Smyth Hotel (85 West Broadway)
Tribeca - American Cuisine
Andrew Carmellini's new hot spot will be serving a 7-course Valentine's Day dinner for $95. As a fan of Carmellini, I can assure you the food will be amazing.

The Crosby Bar
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
SoHo - New American Cuisine
4-course menu including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé for $95 per person.
Betony

UPTOWN:

41 West 57th Street

Midtown West - American Cuisine
22 East 66th Street
Upper East Side - French Cuisine
Lovely French bistro with a romantic candlelight setting. $125 for 4-course prix fixe dinner.
 
Cafe Tallulah 
240 Columbus Circle

Upper West Side - French Cuisine

Visit last week's Member Snapshot for my full review. They will have live music on Valentine's Day with a 3-course prix fixe dinner and champagne toast for $65 per person.   

  

Erminia
250 East 83rd Street
Upper East Side - Roman Cuisine
Continually voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the city; 4-courses for $150 per person.

Sfoglia
1402 Lexington Avenue
Upper East Side - Italian Cuisine
Charming Italian trattoria with farmhouse tables. 4-course prix fixe dinner for $110.

EVENTS: 
Best Buy Theatre (1515 Broadway)
3 hours of tasting over 250 wines from all over the world, eating delicious food and listening to live jazz music.

ON THE RADAR:   

February 16 through March 6 
NYC Restaurant Week 
Various participating locations 
I'll highlight recommendations next week.


February 20  
7th Annual New York City Beer Week
Various Locations

Celebrate an entire city of Craft Beer... Over 300 beer destinations in all 5 boroughs participate over 10 days.

 

 

 

February 25  Whisky Live 

Pier 60 Chelsea Piers (23rd Street & 12th Avenue)

Over 300 whiskies, classes, and food to enjoy.  

 

February 26  Good Spirits Manhattan 

The Altman Building (135 West 18th Street)

Annual cocktail and food pairing event. 

 
featureSpecial Feature...Romantic Red Celebrations

EVENTS: 
 
February 8  Scent Wine & Chocolate Pairing

Backlabel Wines (111 West 20th Street)
Sniffapalooza, Scenterprises, Mademoiselle Miel Chocolates, and Backlabel Wines.

February 12  Sip, Sniff, and Create Your Own Scent  

The Scentarium (85 Franklin Street) 

Create your own Custom Scent with Fragrance Expert Sue Phillips and enjoy sparkling wine, refreshments, and the joy of creating your unique scent. 


February 13 & 14  Dianne Reeves at Jazz at Lincoln Center  

Rose Theater (10 Columbus Circle)
One of the most recognized voices in modern jazz will sing love songs during this special weekend-long performance.  

February 13 through 22  Romeo & Juliet   
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Immortal tale of tragic love performed by the NYC Ballet.
 
Through February 14  Valentine's Day at Grand Central 
Grand Central Station
Participating shops come together to celebrate the chocolate lovers in your life. 

February 14   Love Songs for VDAY 
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Love Songs for Valentine's Day at one of my favorite venues in the city.

February 14  A Broadway Romance 
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Celebrate Valentine's Day with the New York Philharmonic; Broadway performance of romantic songs.

February 14  Valentine's Day Chocolate Walking Tour: Sample the Sweetness 
Starts at Marie Belle (484 Broome Street) 
Annual walking tour takes you to the sweetest spots in the city to sample all kinds of chocolates. Visit Marie Belle, Jacques Torres, Kee's, and Vosges Chocolates.
 
February 14   3rd Annual Very Special Marc Cohn Valentine's Day Show 
City Winery (155 Varick Street) 
A romantic performance makes a great date night.
   
February 14  Chef's Table: When New York Wine Met Italian Food
Eataly (200 Fifth Avenue)
Take a cooking class at Eataly's famed school. Explore how New York wine and Italian food are a perfect match while enjoying locally produced wines paired with Italian dishes, made with Italian and local ingredients.
 
February 14  Champagne Gala for Valentine's Day
The Institute of Culinary Education (50 West 23rd Street)
Why not take a wine class? Your evening begins with a discussion of the origin and making of sparkling wine, while tasting samples. The highlight of the tasting features a Prestige Cuvée Champagne paired with an American challenger.



February 14  Valentine's Day in The Bar | Melanie and Bianco Martinis
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
With this New York based and internationally acclaimed classical and crossover soprano performing, this restaurant is a great way to spend the evening. There is live jazz during brunch at the bar that day as well.

Cafe Wha? (115 Macdougal Street) 
The romantic music of The Gipsy Kings played by the brass group, Los Cintron.  
  

February 14 

The World Bar (845 United Nations Plaza)

A dozen top notch wines to be tasted, delicious hot and cold appetizers, and plenty of people to meet.

  

February 14  The 70's Soul Jam Valentine's Concert
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Soul music returns to the Beacon Theatre for an evening of music with The Valentine's Soul Jam.

February 14  Love in the Parlors: A Valentine's Day Concert
The Merchant's House Museum (29 East 4th Street)
Romantic vocal music of the world's greatest 19th-century composers. 
La Vie En Rose 


February 15  Valentine's Day at Triangulo

Triangulo (135 West 20th Street)
A beginner tango lesson, champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries are included during  this special night for couples.

February 15  La Vie En Rose 
The Highline Ballroom (431 West 16th Street) 
A Valentine's Brunch... mixing French jazz & Golden Age swing.  




GIFTS: 
    

 

Vosges

DECADENCE...

Chocolate in any form is one of my guilty pleasures.    
  
Multiple Locations 
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 Upper East Side is my favorite.

  

Vosges 

Multiple Locations

Amazing gift ideas to satisfy the ultimate sweet tooth. Try their Valentine truffle collections.  

 
 
FLOWERS... 
So many uptown and downtown florists that I love... here is one that delivers everywhere!

Petal by Pedal
Local spot sources flowers directly from NY farmers and delivers them by bicycle throughout New York City. 

 

William Greenberg Desserts

 

SWEETS...

 
864 Madison Avenue (at 71st Street)
Macarons to die for... the original French kind. Many try to imitate but nothing matches Ladurée!

William Greenberg Desserts
1100 Madison Avenue (82nd & 83rd Streets)
I often visit here for their black & white cookies among a large collection of treats.
 

    

  

  

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, treat yourself!  

JEWELRY:   
Jennifer Fisher

Antique 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 with pieces of old and forgotten lace dipped in sterling silver or 24K gold. 

   

103 Fifth Avenue (17th & 18th 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 and will accessorize both uptown and downtown gals! 

Lazaro
457 Broome Street (at Mercer Street)
Designer jewelry for men... truly unique and unusual.

LINGERIE:   
Kiki de Montparnasse

Agent Provocateur    
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.

79 Greene Street (at Spring Street)
The boutique features an eye-inspiring gallery showcasing a collection of beautiful pieces for romance and seduction. 
 


SPECIAL PRODUCTS & SHOPS:  

377 Bleecker Street (Charles & Perry Streets)
I stopped in the other day to purchase sweet-smelling gifts for friends.

The Couples Kitchen
Headed by a husband and wife team, you can take private cooking lessons or hold your own cooking party.
 
Creed Boutique
794 Madison Avenue (at 67th Street)
Grab their special Valentine fragrance, Love in Black.

LJ Cross
994 Madison Avenue (at 77th Street)
Interior designer Lisa Jackson opened an exquisite boutique featuring her jewelry and accessories... scarves and lingerie. A jewel of a shop.

Love, Adorned    

269 Elizabeth Street (Prince & Houston Streets) 
Need I say more? A lifestyle concept store with treasured gifts for both men and women.
Palais des thes 

MiN 
117 Crosby Street (Prince & Houston Street)
A great shop for men's gifts.

156 Prince Street (at West Broadway)
Limited gift sets from romantic Paris featuring mini teas.   
 
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 Peninsula Spa 
 
Multiple Locations
Everything you can imagine for shaving.  
    
GIVE THE GIFT OF SPA:         
The Peninsula Hotel - 700 Fifth Avenue (at 55th Street)

The Greenwich Hotel - 377 Greenwich Street (at North Moore Street) 
Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021