Valentine’s Day itself has come and gone, thankfully, but not every couple was able to celebrate their love on a Thursday. That means the festivities can conceivably last throughout the weekend. And that means the single and lonely – as well as less amorous duos – still have the chance of being traumatized by happy lovers staring into eachother’s eyes and engaging in gory PDAs.

To counteract the wrath of St. Valentine (about whom, as a person, very little is known, for the record), here is a handful of anti-romantic films, in which coupling does not quite work out:

“The Awful Truth” (1937): The screwball comedies of the 1930s offered a respite from the more sincere traditional romantic comedies of the era. They still do. Manic in tone and pace, they also offered refreshingly skeptical, if not cynical, looks at romance. Leo McCarey (“Duck Soup,” “An Affair to Remember”) won a directing Oscar for this cockeyed comedy, in which a wealthy couple (Cary Grant and Irene Dunne) break up and struggle to not reunite. Spoiler: they get back together, but it’s not without a fight. Or several of them.

“We Won’t Grow Old Together” (1972): Best Title Ever. Maurice Pialat is France’s most sour filmmaker, which is saying something, and this is his most sour film, which is also saying something. Jumping through time, eliding no doubt even more unpleasant moments than we see, it details a couple (Marlène Jobert and Jean Yanne) who shouldn’t be together. She’s mousy; he’s a jerk (and likely based on Pialat himself, who was notoriously temperamental with his actors). Don’t worry: the title is accurate.

“Annie Hall” (1977): In its original form, Woody Allen’s Best Picture winner was a shapeless, epic (read: around 2 ½ hours long) exploration of the memories and absurdist observations of Woody stand-in Alvy Singer. In post-production, Woody and his editor realized the scenes with Alvy’s girlfriend (Diane Keaton) worked better than the rest of it. What started out as a free-form experimental narrative became a still quite experimental look at the rise and fall of a relationship – one of cinema’s saddest, most honest and, of course, funniest.

“Modern Romance” (1981): Though he’s sometimes misinterpreted as Woody Allen-lite, Albert Brooks offers the dark side of the more famous comic director: where Woody’s screen persona is ultimately lovable and righteously anxious, Brooks’ is selfish, needy, obsessive and, sometimes, sociopathic. It’s not a comforting sign that Stanley Kubrick was a huge fan of Brooks’ second directorial outing, in which his Hollywood editor breaks up with his beautiful if insecure girlfriend (Kathryn Harrold), regrets it, tries to win her back and then, once they’re reunited, instantly suspects her of infidelity. These are two people who shouldn’t be mating, although it’s debatable that Brooks’ monstrous need monster should be mating with anyone. (New Yorkers: this weekend Anthology Film Archives – under the program title “Valentine’s Day Massacre” – screens “Romance” with the aforementioned “We Won’t Grow Old Together.” As a friend pointed out, they’re basically the same movie, although one’s a little funnier.)

“The War of the Roses” (1988): Danny DeVito has a dark sense of humor, and it’s arguably never been put to better use than in his uncompromisingly pitch black look at a couple (Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas) who fall in love, fall out of love and then sport fisticuffs and other blunt objects in a battle over their beloved manse. Even when you think they’re going to reunite, the film finds a way to swat that feeling away – at one point, literally.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004): Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman’s time-jumping break-up film – which liberally borrows the premise of Alain Resnais’ 1968 French film “Je t’aime, je t’aime” – finds Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet each erasing memories of their failed relationship. Of course, that means they may just fall back in love, then spectacularly out of it, again. In fact, Kaufman has said his original ending would have had them doing just that, over and over again, until their deaths.

“(500) Days of Summer” (2009): Emo boys have tried to co-opt this as a portrait of a nice guy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) whose heart is ground into dirt by a cute mean girl (Zooey Deschanel). But even Gordon-Levitt has voiced opposition to this reading, pointing out that it’s really an unflattering portrayal of nice guys, who, the film argues, are self-absorbed, oblivious to others and contaminated by romantic delusion.

“The Future” (2011): No matter what you think of Miranda July’s performance art, her feature-length films (this and “Me and You and Everyone We Know”) are far more interesting than they perhaps should be. After a periodically intolerable first half, her second film turns into a perversely bleak look at a couple (July and Hamish Linklater) drifting apart. The devastating final shot, which seems to last forever, is as grounded in reality as the beginning was lost in irritating quirk.

The post Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend With These Anti-Romantic Films appeared first on Metro.us.

IKEA knows what you’ll be doing tonight, readers.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, IKEA Australia will give away a free crib to any baby who is born nine months from today, on November 14, 2013.

For the babies born the week of Veterans Day, parents will have to present the IKEA advertisement as well as proof of birth. Or, you know, you can just pay the $99 it costs to buy a crib from IKEA.

If only nature worked so smoothly, right? Just because a baby is conceived on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean he or she will be born exactly nine months after. Pregnancy is a little more complicated than that. Babies are born early. Some are born late. There are so many variables. So, really, it’s anyone’s game.

The post IKEA Australia offers free crib for babies born 9 months from today appeared first on Metro.us.

There are plenty of people out there who are hoping the day of hearts will bring them the gift they want most. It is a day full of wishes, red-wrapped gifts, candy hearts and — whether you like it or not — occasional disappointment.

There is so much expectation wrapped into this one special day because we attach our significant other’s love to the gift they give us. Sometimes, that all-important item you are hoping for just isn’t sitting in the tissue paper when you open the box. So if you don’t get the present you were expecting, or if you don’t like the one you got, what can you do? Most importantly, how can you get through the day feeling better and not worse about the one you love?

This one 24-hour period carries a lot of weight for couples. Some people deal with that pressure by choosing to play it down. Maybe they are a nonconformist, or feel they don’t need a holiday to show their love. If that’s the case, try to talk about it to see where your valentine is coming from so you can better understand it.

If you are given something you don’t like, thank your partner graciously but see if there is the option of taking it back. If there is, explain why you might like something else — what’s in the box is too dressy or too bright — and then invite them along to choose something else. Use it as an opportunity to teach them about your tastes. If there is no chance for a return or exchange, be receptive. If your loved one likes the gift they gave, try to be open to their taste and you might expand your own horizons.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that Valentine’s Day is to express your love, whether or not your partner’s generosity is packaged quite the way you had hoped. No matter what you receive, remember that it’s still carrying love and you will appreciate it more — and so will your Valentine.

Relationship expert Dr. Jane Greer is creator of “Shrink Wrap” – a nationaly commentary on what we can learn from celebrity relationships — and host of “Let’s Talk Sex” at Healthylife.net. Her book, “What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship,” is available nationwide.

The post How to deal with a Valentine’s Day bummer appeared first on Metro.us.

It’s Valentine’s Day, a day created by Hallmark to make couples spend loads and loads of money on candy, flowers and gourmet dinners. Or the day when singles and cheaters clean up on the internet and in the bars.

Whatever side of the romantic fence you’re standing behind this year, one thing is certain: the made-up holiday is on everybody’s mind. Radio stations are cranking out all the classic love songs, while kids and grown-ups alike are handing out cards to classmates and co-workers. On Thursday, ESPN did a ridiculously stupid sketch where Damien Woody, starring as the Love Doctor, gave NFL fans advice on their favorite teams and players.

Point is, it’s infectious and we here at PFT aren’t above any of it. So away we go as we name the athletes and celebrities we would like to see hook up.

» Dwight Howard and Taylor Swift: We don’t get the whole fascination with Swift — a nice-looking girl with a decent voice — and her whiny, boyfriend-dissing ballads (not to mention her penchant for firing lovers … but she sure sounds like she would be perfect arm candy for Howard, who has made a living off whining, dissing teammates and getting coaches fired. Plus, Swift (5-foot-11) is one of the few girls that might not look completely ridiculous standing next to Howard (6-foot-11).

» Chad Johnson and Rihanna: The receiver formerly known as Ocho Cinco has been bored out of his mind since beating his wife and being kicked out of Dolphins camp. He is constantly on Twitter posting pictures (in Spain, at NBA games, at a Marilyn Manson concert), but Chad is usually alone — and he is dying for attention. Enter Rihanna, a longtime favorite in this space who needs to ditch Chris Brown. Rihanna, like Chad, is addicted to Twitter — and she likes to get wild and crazy, and doesn’t mind being put in her place every once in while.

» Andrew Luck and Jennifer Lawrence: Wow, what a pairing this would be, right? Luck is arguably the best young quarterback in football and Lawrence is the best young actress in Hollywood. Luck’s Colts have 40-1 odds to win the Super Bowl, while Lawrence is one of the front-runners to win the Oscar for Best Actress. Not to mention, they are both extremely young and attractive — with the possibility of spawning a long line of rifle-armed, post-apocalyptic killing machines.

» Jim Boeheim and Andy Katz: Because being an idiot and a disloyal person is no way to go through life. We need to get these two crazy kids back together immediately. College basketball needs them, just like Arm needs Hammer … like Oscar Pistorius needs legs a good attorney. What? Too soon?

The post Playing the Field: Valentine’s Day coupling edition appeared first on Metro.us.

Floating on Cloud 9
2     parts Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
1     part DeKuyper Strawberry
2     parts half & half
1     cup ice

Instructions: Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a martini glass. Garnish rim with crushed strawberry candy.

Bleeding Heart
½     oz. pomegranate or
raspberry vodka
Fresh cranberries
Polar Pomegranate or Cherry Pomegranate Seltzer
2     tablespoons frozen cranberry juice (concentrate)

Instructions: Combine the vodka and cranberry concentrate in the bottle of a glass. Add the fresh cranberries, then the seltzer, and watch it bleed before drinking with abandon.

Wild Strawberry Seduction
2     oz. SKYY Infusions Wild Strawberry
1     oz. fresh lemon juice
1     oz. apple juice
½     oz. honey solution
2     medium basil leaves
2     medium strawberries

Instructions: Muddle basil, strawberries and lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and double strain into coupe glass.

Kentucky Kiss
1     part Maker’s Mark  Bourbon
Chilled Martinelli’s Sparkling
Apple Cider
Maraschino cherry

Instructions: Add bourbon to a champagne flute and fill with chilled sparkling apple cider. Add a maraschino cherry.

Pink Passion
2     parts Porton pisco
1     part pomegranate juice
1     part tangerine juice
Sugar to taste
Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

The Anejo Kiss
1½     oz. Partida Anejo
½     oz. Creme de cacao (white)
1     oz. Amarula cream

Instructions: Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

TY KU Blushing Date
2     oz. TY KU Soju
½     oz. raspberry liqueur
1     oz. pink grapefruit juice
Splash of grenadine

Instructions: Shake hard and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a sugar rim.

Cupid’s Arrow
2     oz. Vikingfjord 80 Proof
2     dashes Campari
3     oz. tonic water
Grapefruit

Instructions: Build ingredients on cube ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Natalie Shure

Love On The Rocks
½     parts SVEDKA Raspberry
½     part cinnamon syrup
¾     part sour mix
Instructions: Build in a shaker. Shake and strain in a rocks glass. Garnish with a raspberries and a cinnamon stick.

The post Fall in love with these Valentine’s Day cocktails appeared first on Metro.us.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center welcomes you.

Credit: Claudia Ficca

If you still don’t have any idea how to woo your significant other this evening, fear not: These ideas are sure to impress (except maybe one of them…we’ll let you guess which).

Spin the rink
The holidays may be over, but The Rink at Rockefeller Center is no less romantic. Sign up for the Dine and Skate package ($75 per person), where you and your sweetie will be greeted by a personal skate concierge to give you skating tips, mulled wine, hot cocoa and Valentine’s Day baked goodies by Pastry Chef Michael Gabriel. After your skate, warm up at the Sea Grill, where you can dine on a special three-course Valentine’s menu featuring roasted lobster with bouillabaisse broth and vermicelli rice noodles ($79 per person).

Take a cooking class
Who better to learn kitchen skills from than David Bouley? Tonight, the esteemed chef is teaching four- and six-course meals at Test Kitchen (88 W. Broadway, 212-964-2525) . Those who sign up for the Valentine’s Day Cooking Class ($275) will learn how to prepare a four-course meal and leave with recipes and ingredients. Bouley is also leading a Cooking Class and Dinner for Two ($650, wine pairings $125 per person), where couples will learn how to prepare a six-course feast before sitting down to enjoy it themselves. Call 212-965-2525 to sign up.
Another option: The Institute for Culinary Education’s Valentine’s Day classes, which at press time were not yet sold out. Take your sweetie to tonight’s Champagne gala, tomorrow’s classes on Italian cooking and sweets or Saturday’s steak cooking class (which any guy, we assume, would be down for). http://rec.iceculinary.com

Sail the seas (er, Harbor)
World Yacht has two packages available for sea-loving lovers: The Sweetheart package ($99 per person) includes a four-course sit-down dinner, private table, a DJ’ed music and a rose for all couples. Splurging on the Romance package ($139 per person) gets you a four-course sit-down dinner, private table, live music, rose, champagne toast and Godiva chocolates. Cruises set sail tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7 p.m. Book your tickets online at www.worldyacht.com.

Have a night at the theater
Megan Sipe and her company, Dancing Fish, present two celebratory dance performances, capped off with a chocolate tasting. The first, “AHY-DUH-HOH-UHN” (sound it out) is a humorous solo piece performed by Sipe about her experiences in the Northwest state, and it’s a mix of song, dance, stories and mini-cupcakes — hooray! The second piece, Chocolate Dances, is an interactive dance performance where audience members are invited to come onto the stage to taste handmade chocolates that correspond with the different dances shown — double hooray!
Thursday-Sunday, The Drilling Company, 236 W. 78th St. (3rd fl.)
Tickets ($15) available at http://dancingfish.brownpapertickets.com

Need a gift, stat?
The folks at Godiva know you waited until the last minute to get pick up a present, so they’ve set up a truck to bring their chocolate to you. Where to find it today:
8-10 a.m.: Madison Avenue & 42nd Street (SW corner)
1:30-2 p.m.: Park Avenue & 23rd Street
4:30-7 p.m.: Broadway & 67th Street

But please, don’t take us here
We’re not even sure why this is an option, but tonight, White Castle is converting its restaurants into “Love Castles.” Diners get a specialty menu plus tableside service and the option to send a “CravEcard” to their unlucky — er, lucky, we’re sure — date. Reservations (!) can be made by calling 718-899-8404 ext. 304.

Follow Meredith Engel on Twitter @MeredithAtMetro.

The post Last-minute Valentine’s Day dates appeared first on Metro.us.

We ask three guys and girls this question: Does dinner count as enough of a gift for Valentine’s Day?

Laura Milne
Voiceover agent, 28

Does dinner count as enough of a gift for Valentine’s Day?
“Personally, I’d say yes because I think too much thought goes into this. Being taken out for dinner is a lovely gesture.”

Does a man have to pay though?
“It’s whoever instigates the dinner, so not necessarily.”

Instigates? That doesn’t sound very romantic?
“I’m very romantic. I wouldn’t be averse to splitting a bill. If I say to someone ‘I’m taking you out for dinner,’ I’d pay. If I’m invited out, I’d presume that they’d pay.”

What’s been your worst Valentine’s gift?
“Someone wrote song lyrics to me.”

What was it?
“‘The Ballad of Chasey Lain’ by the Bloodhound Gang.” [Sings]  “‘You’ve had a lotta dick Had a lotta dick I’ve had a lotta time Had a lotta time You’ve had a lotta dick Chasey
But you ain’t had mine.’”

Who did that?
“I don’t know. It was bad.”
Is there pressure to have sex on Valentine’s Day?
“Yeah, absolutely — it’s Valentine’s Day.”
You must be thinking, “Every time I get taken out, I’ve got to have sex with them.”
“If I’m going out with someone, yeah there’s a bit of pressure. But it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. If I’m being bought dinner there’s … not an obligation.” [Laughs]

Michael Arthey
Graphic designer, 25

Does dinner count as enough of a gift for Valentine’s Day?
“Yes, it’s enough of a gift for Valentine’s Day because it’s expensive and I’m tight. Food and wine is very expensive, and if you’re going to take them for a nice meal – which you should – it’s going to cost you a lot of money.”

Has it got to be Michelin-starred?
“I wouldn’t go that far, I’m only 25. But it has to be nicer than a Nando’s [flamed-grilled chicken restaurant chain].”
Would you split the bill?
“I’d be tempted to ask for that, but I know the answer.”
What’s that?
“‘F– off’.”
Do you get sex afterward?
“It depends how I feel. I might have a headache. It depends.”
Any bad Valentine’s  experiences?
“Well, I didn’t plan one year and I didn’t get a table until about 10 o’clock at night in a pretty bad pub, and I bought her a Valentine’s card that she didn’t see the funny side of.”

What did it say?
“‘Happy F–ing Valentine’s Day’.”
Did you get sex afterward?
No.

Josie Newton
City worker, 26
Does dinner count as enough of a gift for Valentine’s Day?
“As long as there’s a card as well, yes.”
Is that all there is to it?
“Well, when I first met Danny I bought a gift and a card and he didn’t buy me anything — I was a bit offended.”
What did you buy?
“I bought him a nice gift: a CD and some aftershave. And I didn’t even get a card. But he took me for dinner which made up for it. I have since learned not to buy him anything, but he has since learned that he has to get me a card.”
It’s like training a dog, isn’t it?
“A little bit. Dinner is always on him.”
Do you actually care about Valentine’s Day?
“No, but I do want to go out for a meal and get a card. I expect a meal and a card. Actually, we’ve stayed in on Valentine’s Day and cooked before.”
Did you “go dutch” on the cooking?
“Oh I can’t remember.”
So it wasn’t that special then. What do you expect this year?
“A restaurant that I’ve booked because I like it and he’s going to pay. We discussed a few places and we settled on one and I didn’t not want to get a table. You know, it’s been eight years, so it’s not very special these days.” [Laughs]
Do you go home and read a book next to each other?
[Laughs] “Yeah, in silence.”

The post Does dinner count as enough of a gift for Valentine’s Day? appeared first on Metro.us.

We asked six people, in different generations, for their take on romance and being in love.

If you’re romantically interested in someone, how do you let them know?
 Glenn Best, 28: I’m fairly straightforward. I’m not afraid to tell somebody if I’m interested in them. I’ve been in enough relationships to date that I just go for what I want.
Rachel Remz, 31: I generally act like a crazy person and talk to them nonstop. I just start talking them nonstop about anything.
Alice Barlow, 29: I get really drunk and let them know in a really sloppy way.
Best: I wouldn’t be afraid to also become physical with someone I was into if I thought if they were open to it as well. I think it’s a nice way to let someone know.
Frank Marchesa, 45: I don’t know. It’s been too long, I’ve been married for 21 years.
John Killian, 61: Well, I’ve been married 40 years. I was Homecoming king for my high school, and I had to have a date. I was very shy, and I thought I’d ask the one girl who’d say no so I could get out of it. She said yes, and she’s my wife.
While you’re dating that person, how do you tell them you love them?
 Marchesa: I guess I just said it. It’s nothing special.
 George Haeberlein, 67: It just came out one time. I think it was unplanned, spontaneous.
Remz: It’s usually we’re drunk, and I’ll be like, “Oh my God, I love you” when were making out.
Barlow: I do the stupidest, cheesiest girl thing. It will be after we have sex, and I’ll be all cute and say “I love you.”
Killian: Well, for me it was probably to have sex. I had to say that before I could get it.

What’s the way you communicate most with a lover?
Killian: Still on the phone. I travel a lot. I don’t do the Facebook with her or anything like that.
Marchesa: Call and see her in person. A lot of phone calls, too.
Remz: I’m a texter. I text people all the time. Even my friends know if I’m into a dude, you will get 1 million texts from me. And now I’ll Instagram them all the time. I’ll Instagram at them.
Barlow: It’s in person for me. If I’m dating someone, all day, every day there’s a lot of texting going on, but then I try to hang out with them in person.
Best: I would say in person. I’m very much a face-to-face person. Texting would be a close second, I would say.

How do you know when you’re in love?

Haeberlein: We know each other so well, we can anticipate. You don’t have to say things at times: You just do it.
 

Marchesa: I guess it comes down to when you want to be around the person all the time. That’s pretty much it.
Killian: [It's] knowing that you want to be with that person when you’re not with them and looking forward to seeing them when you’re not with them.
Best: It’s very emotional thing. I think that’s what love is. You can think and overthink it. I just listen to my emotions. It’s something you can feel.

Remz: For me it’s that sinking feeling. You know how I know? They are incredibly wrong; they do incredibly terrible things. It’s just awful — and I will just go for it.
Barlow: I know when I stop calling my friends.

How does texting affect romance?

Remz: I think [texting] has made it less romantic. I think, “This is a guy who I could be interested in,” and then we text all the time. Then, in person there’s just no … textual chemistry.
Barlow: It’s made it way too controlled. Before you would say things and then you’d say, “Oh s—-, did I say something weird? Did I mess it up?” Now like everything is so planned and controlled because of text messages. It’s made it a lot more safe and not as fun. The fun is in the risk.
Best: I think that it changes the face-to-face interaction because you can actually be in touch with someone anytime you want constantly.

Killian: It’s opened up new horizons, but it’s very impersonal.
Haeberlein: You don’t have that much contact.
Best: Constantly being able to connect with people anytime kind of lowers the pressure that exists in the moment in person.

Is romance dead?
Barlow: Hell to the yes.

Remz: I am weirdly, outwardly the least hopelessly romantic person you will ever meet, but I do believe romance is alive. I think people do sweet things for you. It’s unbelievable when somebody does it.
Marchesa: It just doesn’t seem the same. The technology kills it. Facebook killed it all. Spontaneity is the most important thing in a relationship. Going out to dinner, just jumping in a car and going on vacation. Just something, going away for a weekend. I don’t think that happens anymore.
Do you think older people are more or less romantic than your generation?
Remz: Kind of both, because there’s a certain level of our generation where everything’s temporary because of the Internet.
Best: I think they’re different times, different explanations. It was a different type of courtship, and I do think it was more romantic.
Remz: [In] our parent’s generation, people stayed together and they went through the hard times together. Now if there’s a hard time you bail.

Do you think young people are more or less romantic than your generation?
Killian: I think it was more about the courting and dating [in my day] than about meeting people with groups.
Haeberlein: It’s much more difficult than it used to be — well not difficult, but different. You don’t form a bond.
Marchesa: I don’t think they get it, to be honest with you. They don’t get the whole thing.

The post Love in 2013: Is the romance still alive? appeared first on Metro.us.

Want to get lucky this Valentine’s Day? Try writing a love letter. You could even do it on actual, you know, letterhead. We’re talking about putting pen to paper.
In the Facebook era, it’s the height of romance “because there is a certain level of effort behind love letters, especially because we’re so wired today,” Dr. Azadeh Aalai, a psychology professor at Montgomery College. “If you’re sending a text, you don’t know if it’s being sent to multiple people. How many people even known the addresses of their friends and acquaintances?”
Records of love letters have been found as far back as Ancient Egypt, and as recently as every other pop song. Throughout the ages, what connects all good love letters is their ability to flatter the recipient and reveal how the sender feels about that special someone. Most importantly, the most effective ones have been penned by hand.
“People still appreciate having something tangible,” Tracey Steinberg, a dating coach and flirting expert based in New York,  said. “I’m not dismissing the value of a sweet text or e-mail, but there is something nice about having a letter that your lover gave you.”
Science supports this. Aalai said that there’s a different psychological connection made when a person sees a written signature versus a typed name. Also, the shorthand and acronyms we use while typing don’t hold the same “prose and beauty” of the written word.

Try and you  shall succeed
Dianne Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and the owner of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio (yes, that place really exists), paralleled the difference between a handwritten love letter and an  e-mailed one to showing up to a date with your hair combed and a clean shirt versus showing up with messy hair and a wrinkled shirt you’ve been wearing all day long.
“For a special occasion, it feels much better to receive something that you’ve put in more effort.” Or you could just fill out the form letter, at right.
Mad Libs love letter?
Still stuck on what to write? New York dating coach and flirting expert Tracey Steinberg came up with a form letter that might help you out. Just use as many appropriate adjectives where suggested.

NAME OF PERSON,

I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and how grateful I am that you are in my life. I’m actually crazy in love with you. I still remember when we first met at ________ and how excited I was to have met such a (beautiful, charming, brilliant, hysterically funny and/or kind) person. You were the most ________ and you still are today. As I get to know you better, my feelings for you have deepened and my appreciation for your ________ has as well. You are ________ and I love that you ________ . I will love you every day for the rest of my life.

Love,
YOUR NAME

The post The lost art of the love letter appeared first on Metro.us.

The Transportation Security Administration may not seem like the most romantic job out there, but for Frank and Royda Del Valle, a baggage screening room at Newark Liberty International Airport was the perfect site for love at first sight.

“It caught me out of the blue,” Frank said of meeting Royda nine years ago.

Frank had been a TSA employee for about six months when Royda was assigned to Terminal C. After working side-by-side for a few months, Frank asked her out to dinner and a movie.

Royda responded by asking to see Frank’s ID — she thought he was much younger than he said.

Frank and Royda married four years later, and now have a 17-month-old baby girl who is apparently a frequent visitor to Newark airport, and even attends staff meetings from time to time.

The Del Valles work in different baggage screening locations at Newark now, and likely won’t get to celebrate Valentine’s Day, they said, but they don’t mind.

“It’s the small things that we do,” Royda said. She’ll often leave Frank small notes or his favorite candy next to his car keys as a little sign she’s thinking of him.

Follow Danielle Tcholakian on Twitter @danielleiat

The post Love soars at Newark Airport appeared first on Metro.us.

Lincoln, above, offers Italian food in a posh setting.

Credit: Evan Sung

Gemma at The Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery
212-505-9100
Executive chef Chris D’Amico’s a la carte menu will feature potato and leek soup, Sicilian tuna tartare, saffron risotto, filet mingon, and chocolate mousse cake for dessert.

Lincoln Ristorante
142 W. 56th St.
212-359-6500
Prix Fixe: $85 p.p.
Enjoy panoramic views of Lincoln Center while you dine on Italian cuisine. The appetizing menu will feature exclusive Umbrian specialties such as Trota e Cotechino, Coniglio in Porchetta and Norcia black truffles.

Sfoglia
1402 Lexington Ave.
212-831-1402
Prix Fixe: $95 p.p.
Upper East Side favorite Sfoglia will be exclusively hosting parties of two all night tonight. Enjoy some new dishes prepared by Chef John Carr, including Maine Uni with brown bread and house-made butter, spaghetti with ruby red shrimp, Buckwheat Crespelle with celery root cream, plus strong cocktails and rich desserts, in the sweet space.

Miranda
80 Berry St., Brooklyn
718-387-0711
Prix Fixe: $48 p.p.
The three-course meal features Ciabatta-dusted and pan-seared smoked mozzarella, housemade pasta stuffed with saffron-scented Maine lobster, vanilla -infused mascarpone cheese and much more. A wine pairing is also available.

Colonie
127 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn
718-855-7500
Prix Fixe: $95 p.p.
This romantic Brooklyn Heights restaurant will be serving a five-course meal with multiple savory options. The menu has East Coast Oysters with blood orange, fennel, speck consomme mignonette and a chocolate ganache with banana ice cream.

The Darby
244 W. 14 St.
212-242-4411
Prix Fixe: $150 p.p. & $175 p.p.
The Greenwich Village spot will be hosting a 1920s-themed dinner, complete with cabaret performances. The three-course menu will include buttered Maine Lobster, a local beet  salad, and dark chocolate cake. There will be two seating periods available.

Junoon
27 W. 24th St.
212-490-2100
Prix Fixe: $55 p.p.
Chef Vikas Kanna will be preparing fine Indian dishes, like Singhada Shorba, a chestnut soup, and Jal Aur Thal Se, tandoori-cooked lamb chops with marinated lobster tail. An additional wine pairing is also available.

Beauty and Essex
146 Essex St.
212-614-0146
See and be seen at this Lower East Side celebrity hot spot. Beauty and Essex will provide an a la carte menu with chilled oysters, grilled lobster, and Veal Osso Buco for you and your loved one to share.

Andanada 141
141 W. 69 St.
646-692-8762
Prix Fixe: $65 p.p.
Chef Manu Berganza will be preparing dishes with what he calls “traditional Spanish flavors and artistic representations” at Andanada 141. Guests will have three courses, including Cannelones de Crab, Magret de Pato con Cous Cous de Vegetales and Mousse de Chocolate y Rosas.

Le Cirque
151 E. 58 St.
212-644-0202
Prix Fixe, $135 p.p. & $225 p.p
At the French mainstay, guests will have the option of a three-course Valentine Amour meal plus wine pairing or a Black Truffle five-course meal.

Oyster Bar & Restaurant
87 E. 42 St.
212-490-6650
Oyster Bar, in Grand Central Terminal, will offer guests an a la carte menu with your choice of Maine lobster bisque, wild mushroom-crusted Florida Mahi-Mahi filet, pear champagne sorbet and more.

Il Buco
47 Bond St.
212-533-1932
Prix Fixe: $140 p.p.
Head downtown to il Buco to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine prepared by Chef Joel Hough. On the menu are seared Hudson Valley foie gras, sea urchin risotto, Elysian Fields lamb, chocolate truffles and more.

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana
11 Madison Ave.
212-612-3388
The Gramercy restaurant will feature a Cebiche style a la carte menu that includes Maine lobster, calamari noodles in a rocoto “leche de Tigre,” and a sweet Café Enamorado.

ilili
236 Fifth Ave.
212-683-2929
Prix Fixe: $100 p.p.
Satisfy your appetite for Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine at ilili with your significant other. The six course V-Day menu will feature Escargot Bourguignonne, Lobster Manti, Diver Scallop Carpaccio and more. After the meal, ladies can go home with a special ilili gift bag.

The post Where to take your date for Valentine’s Day dinner appeared first on Metro.us.

To all of the Valentine’s Day procrastinators out there, we see you running around the jewelry section of Macy’s scrambling to find a gift, or desperately scrolling Yelp to make last minute dinner reservations. While the classic flowers-plus-dinner combination is nice, nothing says ”I love you” like homemade sweets.
Thanks to Liz Gutman, Jen King and their “Liddabit Sweets Candy Cookbook,” you have the chance to not only satisfy your loved one’s sweet tooth, but also impress with a thoughtful gift. Unlike many candy cookbooks on bookstore shelves, “Liddabit Sweets Candy Cookbook” contains recipes that are simple enough to make with few ingredients but technical enough to look like they were made by a gourmet chef.
What better way to combine everyone’s love of alcohol and chocolate than with Cherry Cordials? This easy recipe is sure to make your loved ones day. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:
- 1 batch of brandied cherries or, if you’re feeling fancy, high quality maraschino cherries
- 2 cups of Le Fondant or store-bought Fondant
- 2 cups of chopped dark chocolate, or 2 cups of chopped dark chocolate & 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 2 large baking sheets lined with waxing paper

1. Drain the liquid from the cherries. Stack 3 or 4 sheets of paper towel on the counter and place the cherries on them in a single layer; gently pat the tops with another paper towel and allow cherries to dry for about 10 minutes.
2. Place the fondant in a medium-size heatproof bowl, and heat it in the microwave on High in three 10-second intervals. (Alternatively, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and heat, stirring occasionally, until the fondant is warm and the consistency of pancake batter, 5 to 7 minutes.)
3. Place the cherries in a small bowl, and next to them place the bowl of fondant and then one of the prepared baking sheets.
4. Taking a cherry by the stem, dip it into the fondant so that the fruit is covered completely to the stem. Lift it out of the fondant, hold it for a few seconds to allow any excess fondant to drip off, and then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the cherries are covered. Set the baking sheet aside in a cool place until the fondant is cool, dry, and firm to the touch. (20 to 30 minutes)
5. In a second medium-size bowl, temper the 2 cups chocolate according to the instructions on page 26, or use the 2 cups chocolate and ½ cup oil to make the *Cheater’s Chocolate Coating. (details on how to make Chocolate coating below)
6. Grabbing a Fondant coated cherry by the stem, dip it in the chocolate so that all of the fondant is covered; hold it above the bowl for a few seconds to allow any excess chocolate to drip off, and then place it on the second prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the cherries have been dipped. Allow them to set up until the chocolate is firm. (15 to 20 minutes)
You can store these delicious cherries for up to 6 weeks so you and your love can enjoy them well after Valentine’s Day. This recipe and many others can be found in “Liddabits Sweets Candy Cookbook”, available in bookstores now.

*Cheaters Chocolate Coating
1. Melt the chocolate: Place it in a medium-size microwave safe bowl and heat it in the microwave on High for 20 seconds. Stir the chocolate with a whisk or heatproof spatula, then continue heating it on High in 20-second increments, stirring after each increment, until the chocolate is completely melted. Alternatively, fill a small (2-quart) saucepan about one third full with hot water, and place it over medium-low heat. When the water simmers, place the chocolate in a slightly larger metal bowl and set it over the simmering water (make sure the bowl is large enough for you to easily grasp it for removal.) Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring it occasionally, until it’s completely liquid and there are no lumps left, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove it from the heat.
2. Slowly stir the oil into the melted chocolate until it is completely incorporated.
3. Keep the coating warm by setting the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water until you’re almost ready to use it; then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool until it has the consistency of warm fudge sauce, 15 to 20 minutes.
You can store the chocolate coating in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Reheat it as many times as you need to.

The post Make your own candy this Valentine’s Day appeared first on Metro.us.

Can’t find a date for Valentine’s Day?

You can bid on one at WhatsYourPrice.com – and you wouldn’t be alone: New Yorkers have been bidding the most to get a date for Thursday.

“Put your money where your mouth is and bid on a chance to fall in love with smart, sexy people, today!” the site promises.

The dating website, where users can bid on dates, reported today that nearly 28,000 New Yorkers have paid women to get a first date for Valentine’s Day in the four weeks before the holiday.

Those New Yorkers spent an average of $143.53, a spokesman for the site said.

New York topped the people looking for the most dates, followed by Los Angeles and Miami.

Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter: @reporteralison

Follow Metro New York on Twitter: @MetroNewYork

The post New York men pay women for Valentine’s Day dates on whatsyourprice.com appeared first on Metro.us.

1. This box of pralines by Armani Dolci includes two special Valentine’s Day bonbons, filled with a soft passion fruit cream filling and topped with a red heart.  $35, http://armanidolci.com

2. Julia Baker’s Gooey Chocolate Bars are filled with French caramel and topped with a dash of sea salt. Try buying her a Hershey’s after this.
$9, www.juliabakerconfections.com

3. Coffee the morning after has never been so special. Angel Wings by Chambre de Sucre, $26 for 22 pieces, www.deandeluca.com/

4. Vegan Divas replace animal products with healthier ingredients, such as maple syrup and cold-pressed coconut oil. Your meat-free date will love their bite-size doughnuts with red velvet icing. $4.50 each or box of 12 for 52, www.vegandivasnyc.com

5. In 2009, Andrey Terry left his finances job to bake cookies — and boy, are we glad he did. His concoctions are soft and sweet, with just the tiniest hint of salt. Consider us wooed.

6. Your single friend will get a chuckle and some yummy treats. Sugarfina Anti-Valentine’s Gift set includes “Plenty of Fish in the Sea” (Swedish fish) “Men are Pigs” (gummy piglets) and “Stop Kissing Frogs” (apple frogs), $16, www.sugarfina.com

7. Cheese and chocolate?! This is what love’s about. Murry’s teamed up with artisinal chocoliteries Mast Brothers to create Love at Mast, a decadent Vermont triple crème layered with shavings of chocolate. $12, www.murrayscheese.com

8. Vermouth is more than just for martinis, especially when it’s the Atsby New York brand. The small-batch vermouth  is made from North Fork Chardonnay, apple brandy from the Finger Lakes, as well as roots, spices, herbs, flowers, seeds and pods from the world over. The two different flavors, Amberthorn and Armadillo Cake, can be sipped chilled like a fine wine, on ice, as well as mixed into cocktails. $37, www.atsbyvermouth.com

9. What happens when Brooklyn’s Parker Red (the catering arm of Ted & Honey Cafe) teams up with with florist and interior designer Franki Elizabeth? All of your Valentine’s needs are met. The Bouquets & Bites pop-up shop (1 Sheridan Sq.) will feature Parker Red sweets like brownie bites, chocolate-covered strawberries and red velvet cupcakes, plus red and pink hand-tied bouquets.

The post Sweet treats for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Metro.us.

Credit: Josh Lehrer

The cynic’s pick: ‘PASSION’

“Passion” is a twisted love story about a relationship founded on obsession and manipulation. The antithesis of a rom-com, this dark musical will appease those who are intrigued by the intensity of infatuation and the complexities of newfound love. For Sondheim fans, it’s a no-brainer. And those who like to be first-to-know will be impressed that you heard about this under-the-radar restaging that’s new to town as of this weekend (Feb. 8). www.classicstage.org

Credit: Joan Marcus

The confident choice: ‘PICNIC’

No matter who you are, it takes a lot of courage to bring your date to a play where Sebastian Stan spends half the time onstage shirtless and gleaming with sweat. Here he’s a down-on-his-luck drifter who falls for a small town’s most prized bachelorette. We won’t tell you how that seemingly doomed affair turns out, but we will guarantee that you’ll earn major points for being bold enough to stare at Stan while sitting next to your SO. www.roundabouttheatre.org

Credit: Michael Brosilow

The long-term ticket: ‘WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?’

Committed couples get comfortable with one another; they operate in a language that only they can understand. This production takes that kind of long-haul love to the next level, showcasing theater’s most cohesively dysfunctional husband and wife as they bait and mock a newly married duo over a long night of cocktails. And it’s all in the name of breaking familiarity and pushing their relationship to the next level. Despite the epic levels of gamesmanship to which this particular pair have taken their matrimony, the play’s still recognizably romantic in a way that many longtime lovers will understand. www.virginiawoolfbroadway.com

Credit: Joan Marcus

The introductory date: ‘THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD’

Isn’t it great at the start of a relationship, when there’s still a lot of excitement and, well, mystery? If you’re just starting out with someone new, a musical comedy is the perfect pick that will let you relax together and laugh. With audience participation and surprise endings that change every night, there’s plenty within this uproariously convoluted plot for you to talk about. And regardless of the twists and turns this choose-your-own-adventure might take, you’ll be good to go knowing that every single performance is going to end in a love song. www.roundabouttheatre.org

Credit: Joan Marcus

The safe bet: ‘ONCE’

As the top Tony winner of 2012, “Once” is likely to hit the mark for even the hard-to-please theatergoer. Romantic and haunting, the story follows musicians who realize they each bring out just what the other person needs most. If all else fails, there’s a bar right onstage so you can grab a glass of wine to smooth over any misgivings about your taste in musical theater. But in our professional opinion, if your date doesn’t like “Once,” you should probably just reconsider the relationship. Unfortunately, this is also one where it might be hard to score tickets — but if you can, you really can’t go wrong. www.oncemusical.com

Follow Metro’s theater editor via Twitter: @TMichelleMurphy.

The post Play dates for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Metro.us.

Credit: Crunch Fitness

You can’t beat up your ex at Crunch, but you can kick the crud out of his photo.

These studios’ special workouts will help you grow closer to your sweetie — or show that menacing Cupid who’s boss.

New York Sports Clubs
Master trainer Love — yes, that’s her real name — is behind the new “Tough Love: Bars, Bands & Blindfolds Bootcamp” happening all this month. It’s a dynamic mix of high-intensity intervals, partner relays, blindfolded plyometrics and moves with bands and blindfolds, meant to mimic “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Bring your other half or show up single and ready to sweat with a sexy stranger. Best news: It’s free whether or not you’re a member. Thursdays, 5:15 p.m., NYSC 59th Street & Park Avenue

Crunch
Take out all your aggression at Crunch’s “Ex-Factor” boxing and kickboxing class  Bring a photo of your former flame — the pros will tape it on a mitt and pair you with another resentful romantic so you can get kicking and pounding. It’s a free class, so members can bring friends. Members, sign up online (www.crunch .com); nonmembers, come early to sign up at the front desk. Feb. 14, 7 p.m., Crunch 59th St.

SoulCycle
On Feb. 14, the E. 63rd St. studio is offering blow-outs from Fix Beauty Bar to Soulsters in the 10:30 a.m. class to get them looking hot for the night ahead. There are also couples date-night rides in the Scarsdale, Roslyn and Greenwich studios, and sad cyclists can get their mojo back at the Feb. 14 NoHo studio’s Achy Breaky Heart ride. Sign-ups for all of these classes begin Monday at noon at www.soul-cycle.com — get there right at noon, because spots fill up fast.

Body & Pole
Body & Pole teaches the seductive art of pole dancing, plus a whole lot more: Take this Saturday’s Burlesque Booty class, taught by burlesque performer Peekaboo Pointe, for example. She’ll lead you through a routine for your derriere in a 90-minute class that’s equal parts workout and fun. It’s $25, call 212-334-6900 to sign up.

Meredith Engel

The post Try these Valentine’s Day workouts appeared first on Metro.us.

So if you prefer to call Valentine’s Day “Tuesday,” then you might appreciate the trending Twitter thread #IfYouAreSingle.

Here are some of the top tweets with little inspirational words about spending the day solo, why you shouldn’t give up hope, or simply some humor to make you smile — not that you need any cheering up.

#IfYouAreSingle be sure to decide what all-black outfit you’re going to wear ahead of time.

— kate norton (@digikate) February 14, 2012

#IfYouAreSingle it’s because you tweeted Who is Paul McCartney yesterday

— DarthH8ter (@DarthH8ter) February 14, 2012

#IfYouAreSingle & choosy when it comes to finding your soulmate, chances are, you’ll end up with the right one, or die alone.

— ?_? (@FrhSyzwna) February 14, 2012

if Caroline Flack has taught me anything, it’s that #IfYouAreSingle, dont worry, your boyf might not have been born yet

— They call me Kevin (@Charli_Styles) February 14, 2012

#IfYouAreSingle don’t worry. You still have ice cream.

— Jarrett Holt (@JARRETT) February 14, 2012

#IfYouAreSingle open this link… and you’ll become pregnant. twitter.com/Louis_Harry_1D…

— god.(@Louis_Harry_1D) February 14, 2012

#IfYouAreSingleHappy Single Awareness Day .!!

— KEEMII(@iK33MII) February 14, 2012

Those of you that dont know #IfYouAreSingle you’re going to know today when those texts dont get returned and your call goes right to vmail

— Ray Lipowski(@RayLipowski) February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day. #IfYouAreSingle, quit complaining. Buy yourself a Chocolate Frog and move on.

— Ronald Weasley (@RonTheGinger) February 14, 2012

#IfYouAreSingle, volunteer for #TheHungerGames and win. You’ll never have a shortage of admirers in The Capitol.

— President Snow (@President_Snow) February 14, 2012

#IfYouAreSingle try to ignore today… Remember all the chocolate goes on sale tomorrow!

— Jealous Girl Probz (@JealousyProbz) February 14, 2012

The post Top Tweets: If you are single on Valentine’s Day appeared first on Metro.us.

Emma Straub
Author of “Other People We Married”
Her pick: “You cannot beat Jane Austen for Valentine’s Day. ‘Emma’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ are my favorites, both funny and sharp and yes, swoon-worthy. Is it so wrong that I’m a sucker for a happy ending?”

Rachel Hore
Author of “A Place of Secrets”
Her pick: “My current favorite romantic read about love and relationships is ‘The Very Picture of You’ by Isabel Wolff Bantam. It’s the moving story of Ella Graham, a portrait painter, who falls in love with someone she’s not supposed to, and eventually finds happiness in an unexpected way.”

Hilary Winston
Author of “My Boyfriend Wrote a Book About Me”
Her pick: “My pick for most romantic book is Graham Greene’s ‘The End of the Affair.’ Set during World War II, this book brings all the best romantic novel elements together: Unrequited love, undying love, a love triangle, betrayal, jealousy, misunderstandings, bomb explosions and death. Well, maybe bomb explosions aren’t one of the best romantic novel elements, but you get the point. Read it and weep.”

David Levithan
Author of “The Lover’s Dictionary”
His pick: “As someone who boards every plane in the hope that true love will be found in the seat next to him, I was predisposed to love Jennifer E. Smith’s ‘The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.’ Granted, her pair meet at the airport before the flight even begins — but what starts off as ‘meet cute’ becomes something much more serious and much more interesting, as all great romances should be.”

The post Your Valentine’s Day reading list appeared first on Metro.us.

In an attempt to cash in on those who might find it hilarious to gift greasy fast food to their Valentine, these chains are offering special packages for this romantic holiday. At least, we hope that’s the only reason someone would choose to do this on Valentine’s Day…

Let us begin with Pizza Hut. Valentine’s Day will be no regular pizza night with the help of the Engagement Party Package. If you’ve been trying to dream up the perfect way to pop the question, look no further — for just $10,010, the Pizza Hut proposal is just one terrible life choice away. You’ll get a fireworks display, a ruby ring (who wants a diamond anyway?), a limo ride, flowers, a photographer, a videographer and a medium pizza with breadsticks and cinnamon sticks. For that price, you’d think they’d at least make it a large pizza, but oh well.

Another option is a candlelit dinner at Waffle House. Who says your favorite drunk food can’t double as the most romantic meal of your life? Waffle House is taking reservations for dinner with white table cloth service and a special Valentine’s Day menu.

Or make your Valentine’s Day “hot and steamy” with the help of White Castle. Those mini burgers are meant to be shared, right? The chain is offering reservations for a special meal that features free dessert. There’s also a promotion for couples who submit a photo of themselves enjoying their Valentine’s Day dinner — if you’re chosen, you could win the dinner kit, plus two adorable matching t-shirts “to be enjoyed at home.” Wink, wink, White Castle…

The post Fast food franchises cash in on Valentine’s Day appeared first on Metro.us.

2. “Fleet” (flirty tweets). “Do something cute or clever via Twitter or Facebook. Tweet or update your status to something along the lines of ‘cooking for one’ tonight, any suggestions for a menu :)’. Who knows, someone … could write back, ‘hey, let’s cook for two’.” 

3. The (s)ex factor. “Look through your e-mails or phone and see if anyone rings any bells like an ex, a sex buddy or someone you have a crush on and with whom you know it’ll be just for the night. It’s not a bad thing to reach into the past a little bit as long as it’s all done in the spirit of fun and that you’re not getting yourself into any sort of emotional entanglement.”

4. Sexy and spontaneous. “Organize a spontan­eous night out for anyone that doesn’t have a sweetie tonight. A lot of venues such as galleries or bars have things geared towards single people on Valentine’s Day so it’s not too hard to etch out last minute plans. Once you’re out, start dancing or chatting with someone you wouldn’t normally approach.  It helps to have a friend as being two makes you feel more at ease and you’ll be more approachable. Be each other’s wing (wo)man and laugh about it if things go wrong. 

The post 4 tips to find a date for Valentine’s without looking like a stalker appeared first on Metro.us.

Chris D’Amico
 
Gemma
335 Bowery St.
212-505-9100
www.theboweryhotel.com

“The most romantic meal that I had was on the Amalfi coast, just up the mountains in between Sorrento and Positano, in a town called Sant’Agata. There is a tiny, local pizzeria which overlooks the coast. During the evening the stars can be seen so clearly and look huge – there’s nothing more romantic!”

Chef Devon Gilroy
 
Amali
115 E. 60th St.
212-339-8363      
www.amalinyc.com

“My fiancee and I made time this past summer while Amali was being built to eat at Recette in the West Village. The food was simple but refined and we spoke at length about our time cooking together — rehashing openings and mishaps. It brought us back to an earlier time in our relationship that was more care-free.”

Chef/owner Huy Chi Le
 
Indochine
430 Lafayette St.
212-505-5111
www.indochinenyc.com

“The most romantic dinner I ever had was with my wife, Michelle, onboard a Halong Bay cruise in Vietnam last year. It was a fantastic way to experience Vietnamese culture in luxury and comfort. We dined by moonlight on the open deck. The crew would catch lobster, squid and fish as we sailed, and they would grill the day’s catch on deck in front of us nightly.”

Executive chef Marco Moreira
 
Tocqueville Restaurant
1 E. 15th St.
212-647-1515
www.tocquevillerestaurant.com

“The most romantic Valentine’s Day dish I have ever made for my wife was one year when we decided to escape the city to our beach house for a romantic getaway. That year, there was a huge snow storm and the lights went out. So we lit all the candles in the house and I prepared braised quail served over polenta with a bottle of Barolo wine.”

Executive chef Jeffrey Kreisel
 
Hotel Chantelle
92 Ludlow St.
212-254-9100
www.hotelchantelle.com

Penthouse808
8-08 Queens Plaza South
LIC, 718-289-6118
www.penthouse808rooftop.com

“One of the first dishes I made for my fiancee was something she grew up eating called Burek. Her mother, being from Montenegro, traditionally made it but I decided to make a more refined version to impress her.”

Chef Laurent Manrique
 
Millesime
92 Madison Ave.
212-889-7100
www.millesimerestaurant.com

“My most romantic meal is the memory of a Valentine’s Day with my wife where we spent hours in the kitchen cooking together and dancing between each course. Each meal was prepared in a way that we were able to eat with our hands and feed one another.”

Follow Mary Ann Georgantopoulos on Twitter @marygeorgant

The post Table for two: Local chefs dish on their most romantic meal ever appeared first on Metro.us.

2. For a titillating twist on dinner, Dancer recommends awakening your senses while “Dining in the Dark” at Camaje (85 MacDougal St., 212-673-8184) in the West Village, where you are blindfolded during the meal and performances by guest artists.

3. For dining in a restaurant with your eyes wide open, Dancer likes to suggest reserving a table at One If By Land, Two If By Sea (17 Barrow St., 212-255-8649), a landmark Greenwich Village carriage house once owned by Aaron Burr in the 18th century. Illuminated by candelabras and warmed by two fireplaces, the restaurant has a bar-side pianist and an award-winning pastry chef that make for a very romantic experience.

4. Whisk your lover away on a Staten Island Ferry ride. Channel your inner Kate and Leo while admiring the skyline and Statue of Liberty from the harbor at sunset.

5. Classics become classics for one good reason: They never grow old. Ice skating in Central Park is one of them. Dancer likes to tell guests to grab a house-made hot chocolate to-go from The Pierre’s Two E Bar/Lounge and head to the Wollman Skating Rink for an afternoon on the ice. This is the time to keep your lover on their feet, not sweep them off.

Experience The Pierre

To really knock her socks off, book a room at The Pierre. If the Central Park views, stately guest rooms and five-star service don’t make her fall for you, nothing will. Check out their special “Winter Romance” package, where guests have round-the-clock “Romance Designer” services and the opportunity to shop from an exclusive Lover’s Trunk — featuring sparkling Swarovski crystals, a Prada handbag, sunglasses and little black dress, La Perla lace, Molton Brown body oils, a luscious in-room menu and rich Godiva chocolates — all available for purchase from the comfort of your suite. Rates start at $650, through Feb. 29 (www.tajhotels.com/pierre).

The post New York City: Isn’t it romantic? appeared first on Metro.us.

Club Monaco bralet, $39, tap pants, $20, www.clubmonaco.com

Eberjey Cat’s Meow  playsuit, $75, www.net-a-porter.com

Kriss Soonik Loungerie Diana Wings robe, $209, www.kris-soonik.com

Zinke Fireside bralet, $66, brief, $77 www.journelle.com

Josie Natori for Target cami/tap shorts set, $25, www.target.com

Frederick’s of Hollywood Dollicious bra, $34, thong, $12, garter belt, $16, www.fredericks.com

La Fee Verte spun gold set, $70-$78, www.anthropologie.com

Blush Lingerie Spellbound strapless bra, $38 retro brief, $28, www.anthropologie.com

The post Pump up the romance with these sexy, pretty things appeared first on Metro.us.

Adult chocolate milk vodka-based cocktail, $18, www.adultchocolatemilk.com

Harvest Song Sour Cherry preserve, $8, www.harvestsongventures.com

Edward Marc Chocolatier vanilla salt caramels, $15 for a 16-piece box, www.edwardmarc.com

Vianne Chocolat dark chocolate peanut butter cups, $15 for a box of 9, http://viannechocolat.com

Valrhona Valentine’s chocolate gift box, $30 for 15 bonbons, www.valrhona-chocolate.com

Bombolonis (Italian doughnuts), 4 for $7, Bomboloni Café, 187 Columbus Ave., 212-877-3080

Jacques Torres  LOVE plaque, $12, www.mrchocolate.com

Max Brenner Love Mug, $10, www.maxbrenner.com

Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, $21 for 6, www.magnoliabakery.com

Chuao potato chips in chocolate, $5, Whole Foods Market

The post Valentine’s Day treats that will make them swoon. appeared first on Metro.us.

Man Can candle in Campfire, $10, www.man-cans.com

Onassis silk bow tie, $38, http://onassisclothing.com

D.L. & Co skull candle, $90, www.dlcompany.com

DoDoCase for iPad2 designed by New York artist Curtis Kulig, $80, www.dodocase.com

David Beckham Bodywear Collection for H&M briefs, $15, www.hm.com

Gap plaid shirt, $50, www.gap.com

Swatch Gloden Block watch, $245, www.swatch.com

The Art of Shaving Power Shave razor, $175, www.theartofshaving.com

Incase Sonic headphones, $150, www.goincase.com

Soundfreaq Sound Step Love speaker, $160, www.soundfreaq.com

Alternative Apparel Rocky hoodie, $50, www.alternativeapparel.com

The post Valentine’s Day: Gifts for the guys appeared first on Metro.us.

Graphic Image Mine Leather Luggage Tags, $26, www.graphicimage.com

PRISM by Anna Laub New York glasses, $330,  www.prismlondon.com

Apivita Relaxing Bath and Shower Gel, $18, www.apivita.com

Dior Garden Clutch Lip and Eye Palette, $75, www.dior.com

Made By Humans  Tea Infuser,  $7, www.amazon.com

Oliver Jeffers for Digby & Iona Heart in a Bottle Necklace, $220, www.ojxdi.com

 Stila Love at First Blush Palette, $14, www.stilacosmetics.com

Air Plant Valentine, $13, www.etsy.com/shop/peacocktaco

Robindira Unsworth 22k Gold Vermeil Ring, $95, www.robindira.com

La Prairie Cellular Lip Colour Effects in Berry Glace, $40, www.shoplaprairie.com

Jean-Michel Basquiat Candle, $55, www.femininrascal.com

L’Eau de Chloe fragrance, $65-$85, www.saks.com

Diane von Furstenberg Square Dot Barware, $30-$80, www.bloomingdales.com

Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick in Infatuation, $34, www.saks.com

The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub, $18, www.thebodyshop.com

Lanson Brut Rose, $49-$59, wine stores nationwide

 Butter London Polish in Come to Bed Red,  $14, www.ulta.com

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JD Beebe designed the “Hamm-o-gram” “to make anyone lonely on Valentine’s Day forget about their moody blues.” For five dollars, you can have a personalized card —  not an e-card —  picturing “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm, mailed to a soon-to-be deliriously grateful recipient.

And guess what? Not only will you be bringing the joy of hot Hamm to others, you’ll also be donating to charity. Beebe explains: “I came up with the idea easily enough — Jon Hamm rhymes with gram (brilliant I know) — but I do like my silly projects to do some good. In an effort to be philanthropic and not get sued by the Hamm brigade, I chose A Caring Hand  (for bereaved children and families) as a charity partner. This was simply because Mr. Hamm actually lost his parents at a young age, and since I couldn’t find any charities that he himself donated to I wanted to make it personal enough that he might see the good in it.”

Everyone wins with the Hamm-o-gram. Could Charlie Day Chocolates be next?

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When two people get to the point where they can’t be bothered to engage in an activity that was once the highlight of their day, they need more than a back rub to turn them on. Often, the only way that a couple can reconnect in the bedroom is to get the hell out of there. Literally.

Whether they pack a picnic, take a hike and make out in the mountains or meet in a hotel room at noon for hasty sex and lunch from the minibar, the key to keeping sex exciting is changing the script.

When psychologists Arthur and Elaine N. Aron of Stony Brook University carried out a study measuring what happened when couples were asked to participate in “novel and arousing activities” together, they found that participating in “exciting” tasks had a significantly positive impact on their relationship satisfaction.

Aron makes the point that spending time together isn’t enough. You have to change the routine, so for example, “going out to dinner at the same restaurant won’t be as beneficial as eating out somewhere new every time.” The same rules apply to sex. After 10 years, the same recipe week in, week out, is bound to become less appetizing — and yes, different techniques can help, but realistically, there are a limited number of orifices and not everyone is prepared to wear a gimp hood.

The illusion that sex should be spontaneous is also detrimental. When two people are working 50 hours a week and they need to eat, sleep, work out and remain on speaking terms with family and friends, spontaneous sex simply doesn’t happen.

All couples, whether they have been married for five minutes or 15 years, owe it to themselves to have a rational, unemotional discussion about how much sex they can reasonably expect to have, based on both their commitments and their existing sexual frequency. The unanticipated upside to doing something as unsexy as blocking sex time out in a diary is the exponential increase in sexual anticipation. And since expectation influences outcome, knowing that your next sex date involves a limo, a privacy screen and a tour of the one you love pretty much guarantees a happy ending.

–Suzi Godson is editor of Moresexdaily.com and author of “The Sex Book.”

Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages. Opposing viewpoints are welcome. Send 300-word submissions to letters@metro.us.

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1 SELF-ESTEEM. Do things that will make you feel good that day. Go for a power workout at the gym, something that will also work to increase blood flow and circulation around the body.

2 SCHEDULE. Don’t wait until the evening to get the ball rolling. Get the mental anticipation going and make your couple the No. 1 priority that day. Spend the day being thoughtful and positive.

3 PLAY. Get creative. Use a sleeping mask as a blindfold or go to the pharmacy to get some playful props such as vibrators or arousal gels.

4 DRINK. Blame the bubbles for making you giddy with excitement within sips. The carbonation means it goes straight to you head, hitting the blood stream faster than wine.

5 BEDROOM.  Turn your bedroom into a love nest. Get rid of all the clutter, change the sheets and light scented candles as the smell facilitates relaxation. Good lighting is key.

6 INTIMACY. Spend the day and night engaging in a lot of non-sexual physical acts. Hold hands, kiss and cuddle.

7 EAT LIGHT. Start with oysters. Follow with a plate of asparagus to get your dose of folates, which will help your orgasm.

8 WORDS. Make sex a topic that is sexy, not critical. Tell your partner something sexy or openly discuss new positions you want to try.

9 MUSIC. The male orgasm is focused on physical sensations, whereas women relax. Trance-like music will help both.

10 RESOLUTIONS. Make every day a V-Day. Use it as an excuse to prioritize your relationship and create new habits.

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1 Calming breath.
Sit back to back with your partner in a comfortable position, making sure your spine is straight. Sitting on a pillow may help lift the lower back. Start breathing in and out together and feel each other’s breath as you start breathing in unison. Count in for two breaths and out for four for a few rounds. Then in for three breaths and out for six, then in for four and out for eight, gradually building up to in for five and out for 10. This is your chance to slow down after a busy day and connect with your partner.

2 Downward dog.
This is a classic pose and done together it will get the two of you laughing and feeling connected. Position your mats in a straight line (not side by side), get on your hands and knees, with your toes tucked under, then lift your bum up in the air and press your thighs back to straighten the legs. Press in your hands as you straighten the arms and press your bum up as high as possible if you both look between your legs you should be able to see one another. From here, you can tread gently from heel to heel or take long breaths in and long deep sighs out. This is a great pose to stretch out the back and strengthen the arms and shoulders.

3 Spinal twist.
Lie on your backs next to one another and stretch your arms out to the side. Your left hand can hold your partner’s right wrist and vice versa. Place your feet flat on floor then lift your feet off the ground and bring your knees into your chest and lower your knees to the right. As you are both lowering your knees in same direction, take five breaths. Lift knees and then lower over to the left and take five breaths. Place your feet back on the ground.

4 Eye-to-eye kindness.
Making sure you have some quality face-to-face time with your other half is vital. Sit down on the floor facing each other. Make sure you are in a comfortable cross-leg position and that your spine is straight. Place a pillow under your buttocks. Breathe together in for two counts out for four. Sit facing each other again and look into your partner’s eyes and say three kind things you love about them. This is a great practice for letting the one you love know why.

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