Debonair’s Guide to Valentines Dining

For many men the thought of going out to eat on Valentine’s Day is about at pleasurable as root canal – the over-inflated prix-fixe menus, the crowds, and the forced romanticism.  To this we say, suck it up!  This obligation to be extra sweet to your sweetheart one day out of the year shouldn’t have to feel like such a chore.

Debonair has taken half the pain out of your Valentine’s Day dining plans, presenting you with seven sure-fire options located in and around New York City, and varying in price.  These should help to whet her appetite and, well…read on.

One of the best parts about having Valentine’s Day fall on a Sunday this year is it gives you the option to brunch instead of dinner.  If you happen to live on the Upper West Side check out Eighty One at the Excelsior Hotel (45 West 81 Street, New York, NY 10024, (212) 873-8181, 81nyc.com).  The casual eatery is offering a la carte Sunday Brunch or a special 4-course prix-fixe dinner with choices ($75). Options include poached lobster, braised Kobe beef & black sea bass.

If you prefer to haunt the downtown hotels, The Grand Bar & Lounge at the SoHo Grand Hotel (310 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013, (212) 965-3588, sohogrand.com).  This swank hotel lounge famous for prime people watching has reservations available from 5pm to 11pm, for a romantic $65/person 3-course prix fixe dinner.

Around the corner in Tribeca, the upscale Japanese hot spot Megu (62 Thomas Street, New York, NY 10013, (212) 964-7777, megurestaurants.com) are doing a $125 tasting menu.  Reservations are required, and a black card is encouraged.  Your lady will surely be wowed by the décor, delicious food, and ample wine list.

If you’re feeling adventurous enough to brave the RFK Bridge head up to Tarrytown, NY and enjoy a special Valentine’s menu for $135 for lunch on Sunday & $165 for dinner on Saturday & Sunday at Blue Hill at Stone Barns (630 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, (914) 366-9600, bluehillfarm.com).  The restaurant, build in an old farmhouse offers modern American cuisine with a mix of Burgundy, California, and Italian wines in a picturesque country setting.

Aleo in Gramercy / Flatiron (7 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, (212) 691-8136‎, aleorestaurant.com), known as a great date place, is doing a special Sunday Brunch 12-3pm. Live music for romantic dinner Sunday (no cover). If you choose to go on Saturday, they offer a complimentary cocktail for the lady.  Don’t worry; she won’t think you’re cheap.

Saul Restaurant in Boerum Hill (140 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201,(718) 935-9844‎, saulrestaurant.com) is one of the pioneers of the Smith Street culinary scene.  This Michelin rated new American restaurant serves up some of the creamiest foie gras, and other-worldly veal chop.  For Valentine’s Day weekend Chef Saul Bolton has prepared a special $95 5-course menu.

Finally, Rayuela on the Lower East Side (165 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002, (212) 253-8840, rayuelanyc.com) offers all weekend a very special 4-course prix-fixe menu prepared by chef Maximo Tejada ($55/person). Opt for the wine pairing with complimentary champagne toast at this trendy Pan-Latin bistro without sacrificing street cred, flavor, or romance.

Reservations for all restaurants may be made at www.opentable.com