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The Ultimate New York Valentine’s Day Guide

nyc-valentines-day-guide-2011
Whether you're coupled or single; a believer in romance or lust; thrifty or indulgent—our huge Valentine's Day round-up will meet almost every V-Day need (though you'll have to find the love part yourself). From shopping events, cool art fests, and ideas for romantic interludes to the best places to primp, woo, or meet that special someone, it's all here. We know where Cupid will be hanging out and we want you to get nailed hard by his arrow! So get to clicking and rescue Valentine's Day from the jaws of lameness.



Click through for one monster guide to all the not-to-be-missed Valentine's Day happs in NYC.

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Available for stays from February 1-28, the W hotels are offering a "Love Sick Package" (above) for enamored couples or indulgent singles. Featuring Max Brenner chocolate syringes and massage oil, an in-room movie credit, breakfast in bed, a bottle of bubbly, and late check-out, this Valentine's Day is not for amateurs. Book February 11-14 and experience a special "WOW" component of the package: Acura car service to the W New York - Downtown for some private skating at the hotel's one of a kind ice rink (with two cocktails at the Living Room Bar and Terrace included).
W New York Times Square, 1567 Broadway (at 47th Street); 212-930-7400.

Celebrate Valentine's day alone or with your significant other at Brooklyn Winery's Valentine's Day fete featuring tango lessons, aphrodisiac cocktails and nibbles (oysters and chocolate-covered strawberries-yum!), and racy Bettie Paige films streaming in the background. Tickets are $60 pp before February 7 and $75 pp after, and include 2 drink tickets and snacks.

Aphrodisiacs and Amore, Monday, February 14, 8 p.m. to midnight, Brooklyn Winery, 213 North 8th Street (between Driggs and Roebling streets), Williamsburg; 347-763-1506.

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Need to look spiffy for that hot date, guys? Give yourself the perfect Valentine's gift with a Persons of Interest (above, right) gift certificate for a straight-razor shave and cut ($73) at the newly-opened Persons of Interest Barbershop. They'll even throw in some significant other gift advice on the house if needed—not too shabby!

Persons of Interest Barbershop, 299 Smith Street (at Union Street ), Brooklyn; 718-585-5300).

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We can't forget to help the ladies primp for the big V-Day. Hip Soho salon The Drawing Room (above, left) is celebrating its one-year anniversary with 20% off cut or color services for first-time clients, as well as a 20% off referral card for a friend or loved one through the end of February. All clients will also receive a complimentary Pureology Deep Conditioning treatment gratis (a $50 value).

The Drawing Room, 148 Spring Street, 2nd floor (between West Broadway and Wooster Street); 212-226-2600.

Work off all that Valentine's Day bliss and/or resentment at DavidBartonGym's Love Hurts program, a complimentary month-long series of weekly workouts open to members and non-members. Think of it this way: you can indulge away on V-Day and not even have to pay for it (monetarily, that is)!

Love Hurts, Sundays in February, 12 p.m. to 1p.m., DavidBartonGym, 215 West 23rd Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues); 212-414-2022.

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Fashion big-hitters Patricia Field and Kelly Cutrone are hosting a disco Valentine's Day Ball (above) to celebrate love in all forms! Prizes will be given out for sexiest couple, sexiest singles, and best costume, as well as a grand prize $4000 shopping spree. $100 will get you entry and an open bar all night; advance purchase necessary. Did we mention the Belvedere open bar?!
Capitale, 130 Bowery (between Grand and Broome streets); 212-966-4066.
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If you agree with Oscar Wilde that the essence of romance is uncertainty, check out this Ice Storm-inspired 70s key party where all guests get a key with their number on it, which they can drop into a fish bowl on the way in, and then take someone else's on the way out. Era-appropriate dress is encouraged, so break out those high-waisted jeans for what is sure to be a swinging-great time with music, open bar, snack buffet, and party favors for $20.


Southpaw, 125 Fifth Avenue (between St. Johns and Sterling places), Park Slope; 718-230-0236.

Get into the spontaneous mood for Valentine's Day with Jalouse Magazine's Real Quick, For Fun event running February 10-14. The pop-up will host art, fashion, food, and music with contributions by P.J. Monte, Sean Kinney, Ben Rayner, Reza Nader, and Austin Peters. RSVP at RealQuickForFun@gmail.com.

Real Quick, For Fun, Thursday, February 10 to Monday, February 14, 376 Broome Street (between Mott and Mulberry streets); 917-519-6619.

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Stumped for an original Valentine's day gift that's not trite or tired? Head to the Phaidon Store, where you can find the best in love-related esoterica. Try the Poem of the Pillow (Phaidon, $49.95, above), a gorgeous collection of erotic Japanese wood cuts that will definitely inspire the mood (Playboy called it "at times hot and at times bizzare"!). If you're looking for something a bit safer, check out a bacchanalia of cookbooks from around the world while you're there.
Phaidon Store, 83 Wooster Street (between Spring and Broome streets); 212-925-1900.
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If you're in the mood to get your own presents this Valentine's Day, head to Laura Lobdell Jewelry's "I Love You More Than" shopping event on Thursday, February 10, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Get a a hand-painted Laura Lobdell valentine and a Party Pass to Bobo restaurant next door for champagne and a free personalized poem by poet Anayvelyse. Also on sale are "You're my Match" matchstick necklaces, champagne bracelets on red ribbon, and Candy Talk Hearts to round out this Valentine-themed jewelry lovefest.

Thursday, February 10, 6 to 8:30 p.m, Laura Lobdell Jewelry, 183 1/8 West 10th Street (at West 4th Street); 646-272-8483.

Get a start on that Valentine's Day gift shopping at Thistle & Clover's event featuring jewelry by Blanca Monros Gomez and illustrated notecards by Allessandra Olanow of One + The Same. Sweets and libations will be provided to make the buying go down just a little bit easier. RSVP to info@thistleclover.com.

Valentine's Day Cocktail Event, February 9th, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thistle & Clover, 221 Dekalb Avenue (between Claremont Avenue and Adelphi Street ), Brooklyn; 718-855-5577.

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Stop by The Paramount and get those pheromones working with the Cupid's Aphrodisiac cocktail (above). An erotic blend of chocolate Godiva liquor, Double Cross Vodka, white Creme de Cacao, a splash of milk, and dark chocolate and strawberry garnish—it's the perfect companion to a hot date or looking for one.

The Paramount, 235 West 46th Street (between Seventh and Eighth avenues); 212-764-5500.

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Sweep your sweetie off his or her feet--and learn something to boot with this offering from the Culinary Loft. Food can be a very sensual experience, and this Valentine's cooking class holds true to that proposition with a menu that included smoked salmon and caviar pizza, pistachio mint crusted lamb rack, and cinnamon-spiced chocolate cake. The intimate night will set you back $150 pp including wine--a rather small price to pay for guaranteed (good) memories.


Monday, February 14, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Culinary Loft, 515 Broadway, Suite 5A (at Spring Street); 212-431-7425.

Set the mood for love with products from Molton Brown at their pre-Valentine's Day shopping event. Pamper yourself with Belvedere cocktails and Godiva chocolates while you shop at their Madison Avenue Emporium. Guests will also receive a complimentary gift bag with any purchase.

Molton Brown Shopping Event, February 9th, 5 to 8 p.m., Molton Brown Emporium, 515 Madison Avenue (at 53rd Street); 212-755-7194.

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