Love in the Afternoon
Forget dinner: This year, book a romantic Valentine's Day brunch
Before you scramble to make Valentine's Day dinner reservations like every other doting couple, consider the unconventional: a romantic brunch. Lucky for you, February 14 falls on a Saturday this year, so kick-start your day of adoration with one of these menus created especially for same-side-of-the-table couples (you know who you are). Act fast: Few restaurants are taking advantage of this fortunate timing, so these spots will fill up quickly.
Bar Blanc Not usually open during daylight hours, this sleek West Village restaurant will throw back its shutters for lunch on Valentine's Day. The three-course menu ($48) includes heart-warmers like lobster bisque and slow-roasted chicken with comte gnocchi. Finish the meal with dense chocolate cake and Bartlett pear sorbet. 142 W. 10th St. (between Greenwich Ave. & Waverly Pl.); 212-255-2330 or barblanc.com (Reserve a table)
Bobo With its reputation as a romantic destination, Bobo has outfitted its brunch menu with some aphrodisiacal ingredients. Sip one another's My Bloody Valentine or Rose Petal Bellini ($10 each), then share some Hama Hama oysters ($3 each) and crispy eggs with caviar ($8). 181 W. 10th St. (at Seventh Ave.); 212-488-2626 or bobonyc.com (Reserve a table)
Dovetail Chef John Fraser has concocted a three-course brunch ($28) that begins with canapés like duck meatballs and sweet-and-savory breads. Move on to lamb meat loaf or French toast with vanilla maple syrup and end on the rich note of butterscotch pudding. 103 W. 77th St. (at Columbus Ave.); 212-362-3800 or dovetailnyc.com (Reserve a table)
davidburke townhouse Slip into a plush, lipstick-colored seat and a three-course menu ($35) that includes an apple-and-brie omelet and bacon-wrapped green beans. Hint subtly to your date to order the strawberry pancake with Champagne-chocolate syrup and candied pecans, then not-so-subtly share the last bites. 133 E. 61st St. (at Lexington Ave.); 212-813-2121 or davidburketownhouse.com (Reserve a table)
