Valentine’s Day is a mere week away, and this certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. While people have mixed emotions about this holiday, we at Downtown believe that this day is for everyone! Self-love is just as important as showering your significant other with love, and Valentine’s day is as good a time as any to appreciate yourself and those around you.
So how do you best show it? We’ve rounded up some Valentine’s Day classics that can be given to yourself, your special someone, or a friend! Galentine’s Day is a thing too, and we certainly think the love of good friends and friendships are worth celebrating, too.
Sweets For My Sweets
Photo: Courtesy of neuhauschocolate.com
You didn’t think we’d talk about Valentine’s Day without talking about chocolate, now did you? As much as we love love, we also really love chocolate. So it’s just a logical connection. What better way to show someone you love them than by offering them the holy grail of sweets — chocolates! Some of our favorites include Neuhaus, Jacques Torres and Godiva which all have special Valentine’s Day boxes.
Dinner Date
Photo: Courtesy of ledistrict.com
While we’re on the subject of giving something edible… There’s a reason why taking your special someone out for dinner on Valentine’s Day is a classic. First of all, New York City has one of the best culinary scenes in the world, making it easy to fit it into what you and your valentine like. Second, many restaurants really set the right mood for Valentine’s Day by decorating and offering special menus — and really, is there anything more romantic than sharing a heart-shaped dessert? Third, the way to any foodies heart is through the stomach. And let’s be honest, in this day and age we’re all just a little bit foodies. Some of our downtown favorite’s, with special menus, include Tribeca Grill, Le District’s Beaubourg and Ristorante Rafele.
Spa Pampering
Photo: Courtesy of Haven Spa
Another way of showing love and care is by treating yourself — and/or your special someone — to some serious pampering. Many spas in NYC offer special packages both for couples and for singles because as great as Valentine’s Day is for couples to focus on each other and spend some quality time together, self-love is just as important. Some of our favorite spas in downtown include the sister spas, Haven Spa and Eve Spa, which offer couples massages and Valentine’s Day Mani-Pedis. For a Galentine’s celebration, check out Haven’s bitch massage — soothing and relaxing for both body and mind, or The Valley Girl — a décolletage facial that leaves you with a light glow and the softest skin imaginable. Another downtown favorite for a luxurious love treatment is AIRE Ancient Baths; they have two special packages — the Love Tandem and the Valentine’s Duet for this lovely occasion.
Bright Like A Diamond
Photo: Courtesy of tiffany.com
In the famous words of Marilyn Monroe, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. And this certainly still rings true on Valentine’s Day. Just as no two diamonds are the same, neither are people. So choosing the right jewelry piece can be tricky. It’s all about personal style and preferences, so a good tip can be to look at your valentine’s style. Do they wear classic outfits, more minimalistic or are their outfits bold and playful? Then a good choice can be to mimic this in jewelry choices. Some brands we suggest taking a closer look at is Dana Bronfman‘s stunning pieces, Scandinavian Maria Black‘s minimalist love pieces, and, of course, you can never go wrong with one of Tiffany’s Valentine’s Day picks wrapped up in their iconic blue box.
Romantic Getaway
Photo: Courtesy of Deer Mountain Inn
Is there anything more romantic than whisking your better half out of your day-to-day lives for a change of pace and scenery? The answer is no. Getaways are a perfect Valentine’s surprise — just the two of you in a peaceful place. Which getaway fits best is really up to what kind of people and what kind of couple you are. Are you city dwellers or does nature and fresh air soothe you? If you’re the latter, you should check out Deer Mountain Inn, a classic turn-of-the-century hidden gem seated in the hills above Tannersville, NY in the Great Northern Catskills. For Valentine’s Day, they offer a curated tasting menu from Michelin-starred Chef Ryan Tate. If you can’t get enough of the city, may we suggest a little staycation? At the Beekman, they’re offering an intimate five-course dinner for two at Tom Colicchio’s Temple Court or a “Celebrate With Us” package that includes red wine and chocolate upon arrival, late checkout and continental breakfast for two at Temple Court
“I’m so passionate about all things chocolate that I can think of nothing better than having the opportunity to share my knowledge and its history,” said Torres. For this venture, Jacques partnered with Eddy Van Belle, chocolate aficionado and founder of four other Choco-Story museums around the world, from Belgium to Uxmal. Of the partnership Torres added: “Creating an immersive experience in New York that would reflect our love of chocolate was our mutual goal.”
Museum visitors can download the Choco-Story phone app, which allows them to discover four virtual 3D animations during the visit of the museum by scanning one of the posters with their phone.
Choco-Story New York is located at 350 Hudson Street and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase at www.mrchocolate.com/museum.
In a city notorious for serving up the best slice on earth, you’d think that this idea would have emerged sooner: two separate ovens cooking the crust two separate ways to optimize the pizza for in-house versus delivery enjoyment.
At Adoro Lei, in-house pies are made Neapolitan-style, baked in a 100% Maraforno wood-burning oven imported from Naples. Twelve-inch pies are baked at approximately 800 to 1000 degrees, which takes about 90 seconds.
As for the delivery pizzas, which are more of a “New York style pie,” the chefs use a Marsal brick oven that uses gas as its heat source to bake at 600 degrees. This method takes slightly longer, about eight minutes.
The only difference between the two pizzas — there are over a dozen varieties — is the dough recipe.
“The Neapolitan-style pizza has an airier crust and, because of the high temperature in the wood burning oven, the dough blows up very quickly causing air pockets in the crust. This is why it only takes about 90 seconds to cook,” said the restaurant’s Chef Mario Gentile. “If you put a hot pizza in a box it causes steam, and this steam causes the air bubbles in the Neapolitan pizza crust to deflate which creates a soggy texture. ”
The gas oven, which cooks the New York style pizzas, cooks at a lower temperature so that the crust does not create air bubbles. This results in a more condensed pharmacy online crust that can withstand the steam for a longer period of time, making it much better suited for delivery or takeout.
As for specifics, The Casanova and The Rosina pizzas are two sides of a very popular coin – the Margherita pizza. The former is “Italian” and made with San Marzano tomatoes, pecorino, Buffalo Mozzarella, and the other is more New York style, made with tomatoes, pecorino, Parmigiano, basil, and fresh mozzarella. For veggie lovers, The Isabella is made with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, pecorino, oregano, and fresh mozzarella; or, if you’re a fan of truffle anything, The Pietro, made with marinated cherry tomatoes, basil, pecorino, wild arugula, prosciutto, Parmigiano shavings, and truffle oil.
If it’s chocolate pizza you’re after—because, of course you are—don’t miss the two pizzas created from a collaboration with world-renowned chocolatier Jacques Torres, The Giacomo, made with a savory cocoa crust, Jacques Torres cocoa and nibs, house made mozzarella, bacon, fig puree, gorgonzola, caramelized onions; or The Henriette, made with sweet cocoa zeppole pie, Jacques Torres cocoa, chocolate ice cream, fresh cream, berries, and chocolate drizzle.
With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away, most of us have not yet purchased a gift for our loved one(s).
For the sake of originality, here are 20 gift suggestions for those seeking to offer something more original than a bouquet of flowers and/or a box of chocolates:
New York City chocolatier Jacques Torres has a number of playful Valentine’s Day exclusives available. The “Spanker Lollipops” are for the less conservative chocolate fans, while the Champagne Truffles and I Love You Squares ought to appear to the classier of folks. Available at all Jacques Torres New York locations — Hudson Street, DUMBO, Amsterdam Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Midtown East, NOHO, and Grand Central Terminal — and select sweets are available for national shipping online at www.mrchocolate.com.
A bottle of D’USSÉ — a brand with a 200+ year legacy — may be easy to find locally, but the drink itself was naturally-aged at least four and a half years in France’s Château de Cognac. Combining cinnamon, almond, honey and dried fruits in its flavoring, D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac is the rare spirit that is both strong and delicious. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, D’USSÉ has released some great free recipes online; I recommend The Storm, which mixes the Cognac with triple sec, grenadine, cranberry juice and ginger beer.
Few brands are as universally-loved as TOMS, arguably the pioneers of the one-for-one business model. TOMS has come a long way from basic colored slip-on shoes, and its new TOMS X James Goldcrown collaboration is especially eye-grabbing. James Goldcrown is the artist behind the viral Love Wall murals found in New York and Los Angeles, and as released in early January, the new TOMS x James Goldcrown shoes are beautiful, love-centric, and available for both men and women.
A member of The Specialty Foods Association, an affiliate of Fare Trade NYC and a member of the Good Food Merchants Guild, MOUTH is a popular online retailer known for its indie food, drink and gift picks. In other words, curators are choosing the best of what’s new so you don’t have to spend your time researching such. The new raspberry-flavored, hand-crafted X&O Candies? The Bourbon & Tequila Spiked Chocolate Sauce? The Love You Like XO set including Raspberry Rhubarb Goat Milk Caramels? Too many great options — and these are just some of the picks that MOUTH has curated for Valentine’s Day!
If your better half is a football fan, then Ava’s Cupcakes has a new product that will suit both your Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day needs. Helmed by chef Michelle Spell, Ava’s Cupcakes is offered the “Game Day” Sugar Cookie Set, featuring colorful and shaping football-themed cookies. Goal posts, team helmets, stadium, edible platinum trophy…It’s all there! And beyond those special days in February, Ava’s also offers gluten-free and vegan options.
A smart gift may lead to some lip action, so it’s best to be prepared for that. Yes To just released its 2-Step Lip Kit, consisting of Exfoliating Lip Scrub and a Lip Mask. Both parts of the kit smell like coconut and are nearly 100% natural like all Yes To products are known to be.
Other lip-related products to look into this year are H2O+ Beauty’s new Oasis L-Balms and Lip Gels. Each balm is packed with natural beeswax to help nourish and smooth dehydrated lips. Each gel includes a splash of Water Lily extract, leaving lips with a plush texture and a glossy finish. Beauty meets hydration with H2O+.
Snake River Farms’ meat is utilized by many top chefs, including Thomas Keller, Wolfgang Puck, Gabriel Rucker, Alvin Cailan and Michael Mina. But unlikely many vendors to top restaurants, Snake River Farms also sells its meat direct to consumers. Hugh Acheson’s Curated Steak Box — priced just under $200 — includes American Wagyu filet mignon and ribeye, one Lodge skillet, one Mercer saucing spoon, 1 Bragard kitchen towel, Jacobsen’s Flake Finishing Salt, and Hugh Acheson’s Steak Cooking Guide. In other words, meat you won’t forget, along with some tools on how to prepare a great steak in the future.
I have observed that make-up is a long-term game, as it is not just about buying brands that are good for your skin, but also about the tools you use to apply it. The Artis Elite Smoke Collection — available at www.artisbrush.com — is comprised of 10 brushes. As an example, the larger oval brushes (Oval 10, Oval 8, Oval 7) are designed for the application of base products. Each of the brushes are made exclusively with CosmeFibre. In turn, expect brushes that are both long-lasting and easy to clean.
For those interested in both grooming and beer, BRÖÖ is an exciting brand and its new Craft Beer Barber Collection is sure to keep its users both clean, refreshed and cool. Beer has long been used as a home-brewed remedy for strong hair and healthy skin, and the products of BRÖÖ are rich in B vitamins and proteins. The Craft Beer Collection includes the 3-in-1 soap-free Hydrating Condi-Shave Cream, the 4-in-1 Shower Session Wash, and the 3-in-1 Hydrating Mug & Mane Lotion. Perfect for the shower and beyond.
PHYTO’s PHYTOLOGIST is the first of its kind, targeting the four attributes of hair-thinning: density, thickness, strength, and shine. Its 99% natural formula is full of powerful plant extracts (e.g. Cacao, Indian Gentian, Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi). On top of being an effective hair treatment, PHYTOLOGIST is lightweight and can be left in.
Based in the Yarra Valley of Australia, Four Pillars Gin has made major waves in the U.S. since launching here less than a year ago. Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin includes indigenous lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper, juniper, cardamom, coriander, star anise, lavender, cassia, and angelica, while each batch also includes eight pounds of fresh orange gins. Beyond being served in a beautiful bottle, Four Pillars numbers its bottles, further exemplifying how this is the rare craft gin that could also appeal to the masses.
The Beachwaver Co. got a lot of press when it was uncovered that the Beachwaver S1 was used by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa at the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The Beachwaver S1 makes three different styles of curling easy to do within minutes: defined curls, loose beachy waves, and glam waves. The S1 is now being sold for a limited time in white via www.beachwaver.com.
In the case that you are spending your Valentine’s Day with a canine, there are still gifting options to consder. Just in time for Feb. 14, the Lord Jameson Dog Patisserie — which launched in New York last year — is offering its Valentine’s Day Limited Edition Petite Pouch. Its ingredients are 100% organic, vegan and free of GMOs. Also available for sale at Beasty Feast.
Clinique has a new product on the market for waking up your skin: the Pep-Start HydroRush SPF 20 Moisturizer. A long-lasting, lightweight daily moisturizer, the Pep-Start HydroRush boosts collagen. Available at local New York Clinique counters and at www.clinique.com for just under $30.
In this gift set from Maille, Black Truffle and Chablis Mustard is packaged in an exclusive stoneware jar from La Maison Maille, as packed in an elegant black and gold gift box. The rare upscale mustard meant for a foodie. Now sold at both www.maille.com and the Maille Flatiron Retail Store located at 927 Broadway.
A picnic in not ideal this time of year in New York, but this gift box from La Tienda may have you reconsidering that. This Spanish-themed tapas box for two includes La Riojja dry-cured chorizo sausage, Peregrino anchovy stuffed olives, Torres truffled potato chips, and Marcona almonds. It is available for order via www.latienda.com.
This Sonoma County wine has the color of a champagne diamond and is lively and racy with hints of pomegranate, golden delicious apples and wildflowers. It’s perfect for sipping alone, or works well with a large range of foods, including roast chicken, salmon, seared tuna, crab cakes, and ceviche. Or, of course, a Valentine’s favorite: strawberries and chocolate. This treat can be ordered from www.gothamwines.com.
Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day, but perhaps you will be craving some saltiness with the sweet. In that case, the Jacobsen Salt Co. has the Salty Candy Duo box, in which Black Licorice and Caramels are both wrapped up. Williams Sonoma sells these sweets, as does the company via www.jacobsensaltco.com. The brand also offers unique gift sets including Salt Of The Month Club and The Ultimate Pantry.
For those seeking a heavy metal-themed Valentine’s Day, well, Judas Priest has just re-issued its classic 1986 album Turbo as a three-disc set. In addition to the remastered original studio album, the set includes a full show from 1986’s Fuel For Life Tour, as recorded at Kansas City’s Kemper Arena. All the Priest hits are played and all the expected stage banter of Rob Halford is included. A wonderful rock time capsule featuring one of rock’s greatest bands.
With Christmas and Hanukkah just a bit over two weeks away, there is still time to do some gift-planning for this holiday season. Below are 10 recommendations to keep a friend or loved one warm, cozy and/or clean:
Recently launched in the New York market, Wine & Whiskey carries an annual subscription fee of $175. In turn, members are invited to secret, exclusive pop-up events with quality-oriented food and rinks. Wine & Whiskey NYC promises that no two of its events are ever the same, and attendees can partake in an interactive system to earn future rewards.
Ragstock is a Minneapolis-based clothing chain, but fortunately, it sells its goods online and will ship internationally. Ugly Christmas sweaters are one of Ragstock’s specialties, and the company has over 25,000 vintage sweaters in-stock; some are priced near the $200 mark. Ragstock also sells Hawaiian shirts, Hanukkah wares — see above — and all sorts of throwback fashion.
Allen Brothers meat is a staple of Halls Chophouse, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, and the Hillstone Restaurant Group. In turn, it is surprising that Allen Brothers meat and seafood can simply be purchased over the web. The company, which started in 1893, is currently running 12 days of exclusive offers; day 8 was 20% off on 4 x 9 oz. bacon wrapped filets. Surprisingly affordable when considering how top-notch Allen Brothers is known to be; subscription gift plans, including the Burger Of The Month plan, are now available.
Known as Mr. Chocolate, Jacques Torres Chocolate first opened in the DUMBO neighborhood in 2000; Jacques had spent more than a decade honing his craft with Le Cirque and the Ritz Carlton. Beyond Jacques’ nine New York City locations, his website offers timely holiday-themed chocolates; gelt is only one of the Hanukkah offerings. The “Gifts and Favors” section includes sets of all flavors and themes; the Chocolate All Year set, priced at $585, truly has something for everyone. Gluten-free and kosher options are also available from Jacques Torres.
I have never seen a cheese board this beautiful, and I have never seen a cheese board this practical. Part wood and part marble, it also acts as a serving tray. On top of that, it was handcrafted and produced sustainably.
In a New York City winter, you need to keep your head warm, but odds are that also want to listen some music while outside. Instead of wearing earbuds under a wool cap, this bass-heavy item from Free People kills two birds with one stone, as headphones are built into earmuffs. Compatible with most smartphones — it has a standard headphone jack — and one size fits all. The earmuffs come in black and grey and, for those concerned, the fur is faux.
Another winner available via Free People, the To Go Tea Steeping Mug is handmade in the U.S., as produced by Victoria Smith Ceramics. It features a tea strainer and lid, making it easy for tea on-the-go. Beyond its functionality, its design is also commendable, both handpainted and glazed.
For those looking for the experience of a trend-setting lounge within the comfort of their own home, Cocktail Courier is both upscale and economical. A monthly subscription service, Cocktail Courier brings you a kit full of the ingredients needed — between 4 and 12 — to prepare a specialty craft drink helmed by a top bartender. This month’s cocktail is The Code, which includes both D’USSE and Disaronno, and is available through Jan. 1; DJ Khaled recently posted about the drink on social media. Priced at $63.92, that comes out to $7.99 per cocktail.
Since launching in 2000, REN Clean Skincare is known to follow the three P’s: performance, purity, and pleasure. Its ingredients are 100% plant and mineral-derived, whether you are talking about one of their body washes, shampoos or hand creams. REN’s Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial is a three-phase product, serving as a exfoliator, then a revitalizing massager, and finally a hydrating mask. It is safe to use up to five nights a week and can be applied under a serum or moisturizer or on its own.
Adidas’ Jaysor aD20 sunglasses are not only fashionable and sporty, but also functional and lightweight. It has a rectangular shape with a single bridge, and features a full rim frame, as made of plastic. The aD20 sunglasses are unisex and come in five color varieties: black/grey, grey matte, blue matte, grey/chrome, and transparent/blue.
