February 2010 | Best "First Date" Restaurants

2010-01-28T00:18:00.007-05:00

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Park Avenue Winter

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With a stunning interior design (that changes completely each season), Park Avenue Winter is always a memorable dining experience. Chef Craig Koketsu (Quality Meats) created the robust winter-inspired menu with contemporary classic dishes such as a perfectly grilled Veal Chop and miso-glazed lobster. For dessert, try the "Apple Pie in a Box for Two", meticulously constructed from layers of whipped mascarpone and diced apples within a white chocolate shell.

2010-01-28T00:17:00.010-05:00

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Emporio

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Emporio is a rustic trattoria with an emphasis on Roman specialities such as fresh tonnarelli pasta with shrimp and grilled Mediterranean branzino. At night, the comfortable dining room is beautifully lit with candles and the large skylight overhead creates a feeling of openness. Eco-concious diners will appreciate their extensive use of organic locally-sourced products (which are also available for purchase on site).

2010-01-18T00:33:00.009-05:00

3 / 6

Cafe Cluny

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This classic and charming West Village bistro is located on the idyllic cobblestone corner of 12th and West 4th Streets. With homey touches such as flickering votive candles and fresh flowers, Cafe Cluny feels more like a tastefully appointed townhouse than the immensely popular restaurant it is. The menu will please most palates with simple dishes including an excellent roasted chicken and traditional steak frites.

2010-01-18T00:31:00.010-05:00

4 / 6

Public

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Located in the heart of Nolita, Public serves "Australasian" cuisine, inspired by Executive Chef Brad Farmerie’s London training and travels through Australia, New Zealand and the East. The restaurant is owned and operated by design and concept firm AvroKO, who've deftly turned this rough-edged former bakery into a sleek yet welcoming space. The grilled scallops with sweet chili sauce and the swordfish with Sichuan eggplant salad are two of the most popular dishes.

2010-01-18T00:20:00.013-05:00

5 / 6

Bar Boulud

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Bar Boulud is the chic, more casual relation to Chef Daniel Boulud's formal restaurants. With white oak furnishings and a long vaulted ceiling, the space feels immediately modern and fresh. An enormous wine cellar is one of Bar Boulud's main draws, with a particular focus on wines from Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. For those looking to brush up on their wine knowledge, the restaurant's sommelier also hosts wine talks and tastings at Alliance Francaise.

2010-01-17T05:34:00.003-05:00

6 / 6

Mercat

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At Mercat (meaning "Market" in Catalan, the language of Northeastern Spain), Chef Jalinson Rodriguez was inspired by the grand public markets of Barcelona. With an exposed kitchen, cured meats and artisanal cheese counter, marble bar and large "wine loft", Mercat goes well beyond the typical tapas experience. In addition to home-made seasonal sangrias, the restaurant maintains a wine list of 75 varieties, all from Spain.