wEE Love Valentine's Day Edition

The EE team has been getting a ton of Valentine's Day queries lately from singles, new couples and the hot and heavy lova-lovahs. There are perfect places all around Manhattan for every stage of your relationship. Whether it be 3 weeks, 3 months, 3 years - wEE got you covered! 

Apotheke 

Three Weeks - Cocktails & Conversation 

There is no need to sit down to a 8-course tasting menu if you're not even sure you can get through 8 weeks with this person. Obviously, this relationship is as fresh as veggies at the greenmarket. Show that special someone that you're sweet on them without going overboard. 

Apotheke 9 Doyers Street (nr. Bowery) A cocktail from this speakeasy/den of vice might be just what Cupid ordered to take your relationship to the next level. Enjoy live jazz on Tuesday night (this is every Tuesday, FYI) as you sip one of their heavenly elixers like The Deal Closer (Cucumber, vodka, local Chinatown aphrodisiacs, mint, lime & vanilla essence). 

Ward III111 Reade Street (nr. Chambers St.) The guys at

Ward III

Ward III certainly know how to seduce their ladies... or so we've heard. On Valentine's Day, they will feature three gourmet chocolates accompanied by Scotch and Bourbon whiskey to match. ($20) As the night continues, create your own cocktail with the things you know and love in your libation. Select your spirit, texture, spice, flavor and fruit and your drink will be made just the way you want it. The options are endless - If you want a effervescent gin martini with rosemary and ginger that is savory and has a hint of lime, this is entirely possible.

Wine & Roses

Wine & Roses 286 Columbus Avenue (nr. West 73rd St.) Romantic, dim lighting, a selection of over
100 bottles of wine and 24 by the glass, and delicious small plates, how could you go wrong? They don't accept reservations, but try to snag a corner booth to get cozy and enjoy your date. Wallet-friendly as well, which is always a plus.

Three Months - No Dives Allowed - Take 'em to Dinner! 

The John Dory Oyster Bar

Staying monogamous for three months is significant, so don't even think of taking your date anywhere with paper napkins and sawdust on the floor. However, this doesn't mean you need to drop a paycheck and be delinquent on your rent, either. Here are some classy, casual-elegant (yes, that's a thing) recommendations that are sure to please.

Fedora 239 W. 4th Street (nr. Charles Street) Chef Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly is bringing that loving feeling to his Valentine's Day menu with a 6-course menu ($80) featuring heavenly dishes such as tuna tartare with salmon roe and smoked cream. For dessert, enjoy a decadent chocolate pudding with peanuts and salted caramel. Pair this with mixologist Brian Bartel's Cherry Lane cocktail (Sparkling Brut Rose, sweet & dry vermouth, brandied cherry juice and Fedora orange bitters) and you've got a night to remember. 

The John Dory Oyster Bar 1196 Broadway (nr. 29th St.) Nothing says romance like Hama Hama oysters with champagne sorbet, or venison wrapped in lardo with smoked oyster jus. April Bloomfield really brings it at the Dory with a $75 Valentine's Day prix fixe. If you are not partaking in the optional wine pairing, make sure to pair one of your courses with their delicious Negroni - it's the best in town. After dinner, head to the lounge in the Ace Hotel for a nightcap on one those big cozy couches. 

Takashi

Takashi 456 Hudson Street (nr. Barrow St.) It doesn't get better than feeding your Valentine ribeye or beef tongue with chopsticks and washing it down with cold, crisp sake. Make sure to try the fonduta, Takashi's take on Japanese grilled meats and veggies that you grill up and of course, feed to each other. Well, that part is optional, but you get the idea.

Three Years - Rekindle the Romance & Get Creative 

At this point, you two are pretty comfortable with each other and the days of wining and dining are over, but Valentine's Day calls for something a little extra special. Get out of your couple's funk and check out these fun, inventive dinners and events that are sure to bring that spontaneous spark back into your relationship. 

Museum  of  Sex

Marc Forgione 134 Reade Street (nr. Hudson St.) This warm, rustic restaurant with a kitchen helmed by the newest Iron Chef, Marc Forgione is offering a Valentine's Day Aphrodisiac 7-course Tasting Menu ($125) - with sexy dishes that are sure to set the mood, how could you go wrong with lobster on a bed of Israeli couscous drizzled with a bacon & egg sabione? Or how about tuna and passionfruit with a black truffle vinaigrette? This sure sounds like a feast that only Cupid could conjure up. Call 212-941-9401 to book your table for two.

Museum of Sex - Oralfix Aphrodisiac Elixir Bar 233 Fifth Avenue (nr. 27th Street) Not for the faint of heart, check out current exhibits like "The Sex Lives of Animals" and "Action: Sex and the Moving Image" then head downstairs to the elixir bar to sample aphrodisiacs that have been around for over 3,000 years to affect libido, fertility, potency, and attraction for centuries. With cocktails like the Frida Calor (Mezcal, tamarind, white cacao and a love potion) and small plates like truffles, lemon love bars, and figs and prosciutto we think this excursion is just what the love doctor ordered. 

Saxon + Parole

Saxon + Parole 316 Bowery (nr. Bleecker St.) The restaurant will be filled with romantic-al accoutrements to set the mood for your five-course menu ($90) that includes a seafood tower (we're guessing oysters will be a feature), sweet potato tortellini and warm cinnamon sugar doughnuts with vanilla cream and chocolate sauce. After dinner, head into the Madam Geneva bar for a complimentary Punch Drunk Love cocktail and enjoy sultry cabaret music by in-house
entertainment for the evening.