5 Best Places To Take A Date During NYC Winter Restaurant Week 2016
Want to plan the perfect date? Impress your guest by reserving a table during New York City's Winter Restaurant Week. We've narrowed down our five favorite spots where couples can get cozy and enjoy their time together over a delicious meal. By Carly Petrone.
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If your date is into design and farm-to-table cuisine, definitely make a reservation at ABC Cocina. Renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has created yet another outstanding menu that celebrates local craft and international culture. Start out your meal with your choice of Shaved Beets and Portobello Mushrooms with queso blanco and herbs, Raw Shaved Fluke with green chili dressing, crunch rice, and herbs, or gooey Spicy Ham and Cheese Fritters. Entrees include Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp Salad, Crispy Chicken Salad, or a Crispy Fish Sandwich with black olive tartar sauce, chilies, and arugula. Finally, top it off with a decadent dessert like warm Vanilla Fritters with Mexican chocolate or Creamy Rice Pudding with caramelized white chocolate and citrus compote. Walk through the adjacent ABC Carpet & Home store on your way out and check out all the goodies.
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Impress your guest with a delightful French-inspired lunch at Café Boulud. Enjoy classic and country cooking from start to finish. Arugula Salad, Duck Terrine, and Cauliflower Veloute appetizers await you, while Fontina Ravioli, Scottish Salmon, or Pot au Feu (brussels sprouts, turnips, bone marrow toast) are ready to be served as your entrée choices -- not too shabby. And their dessert options will make your mouth water; Coconut Flan, Gingerbread Gateau (with pear bavarois and praline ice cream), and Chocolate Semifreddo. Bon appetit!
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If you and that special someone are dreaming of traveling to Italy, you're going to want to do the next best thing and book a table at Lincoln Ristorante inside Lincoln Center. They're celebrating the cuisine of Rome with antipasti, secondi, and dolce courses not to be missed. Start out with your choice of Insalata di Cicoria, Zuppa di Pollo Con Polpettine (chicken broth, chicken meatballs, Matzoh balls, concighlie, carrots, and dill), or Terrina di Coda Alla Vaccinara (braised oxtail terrine, radicchio, Treviso, mustard, and horseradish). Pasta lovers will be happy to know that Spaghetti alla Carbonara made the cut while meateaters can savor Pancia di Maiale (pork belly, red wine braised cabbage, and gnocchi alla Romana). Those looking for something lighter can nosh on Orata Cotto Al'Olio (daurade, artichokes, radishes, carrots, and mint). Wonderful dessert options include Crostata di Ricotta and Tortino di Mele (apple cake with salted caramel gelato). You and your date can discuss your upcoming Italian itinerary over Pasticinni.
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Make a night of it and stay at the Plaza Hotel in the heart of the city. Dine at The Palm Court and enjoy a unique tasting menu that highlights classic and craft cocktails that are paired with a savory or sweet item from their evening menu. First course options include the Tommy's Margarita paired with Shishito Peppers or Unemcumbered paired with Crudites followed by your choice of Orson Welles Negroni paired with mini burgers or House Tonic with Gin paired with Country Style Pate. Finally, enjoy a Macintosh made with Highland Park 12 scotch along with a delicious Chocolate Peanut Tart or the Gatsby Mint Julep along with your choice of ice cream or sorbet. Dine like a king or queen for just $38? Sign us up!
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If you're planning a cultural day out, stop by Isabella's, located a few steps away from the Museum of Natural History, Central Park, and the New York Historical Society. Warm up with Winter Market Soup to start, or satisfy your hunger with Whipped Goat Cheese Flatbread or Grated Zucchini & Dill Fritters before moving onto the main course. Choose from Isabella's Mixed Grill (spiced lamb Kofta, charred roma tomato, grilled pita, fine herbed salad), Calendar Island Mussels with crispy fennel pork sausage, toasted fregola, and tomato saffron broth, or Coriander Crusted Faroe Island Salmon with horseradish crushed potatoes, sautéed spinach, and citrus beurre blanc. Yum! Make sure you leave room for dessert because Triple Chocolate Torte and Coconut Rice Pudding await.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
