Valentine’s Day throws us for a loop this year – landing on a Sunday, one week after Super Bowl.  Whether you’re in the afterglow or aftershock of the results of the big game, you’ll no doubt be obligated to step up and treat your lady to a full day of Valentine’s bliss.  But fear not – arranging a romantic dinner or even a brunch is easier than you think.  NYC restaurants are posting enough special deals to make everyone happy.  And even if you’re flying this one solo (again) there’s something for everyone!

Bondi Road and the Sunburnt Cow

Valentine’s Day is an all-day affair at Bondi Road and the Sunburnt Cow!  Both locations will host a special “Cupid’s Brunch” from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 14^th.  Then whether you are single or a pair, Bondi and the Cow have got you covered!

No one to love this Valentine’s Day?  Don’t sit at home feeling sorry for yourself; head down to the Sunburnt Cow for their third annual No Love at the Cow Anti -Valentine’s Day Party!  Join other like-minded singles to celebrate Valentine’s Day the Australian way with $20 happy hour special offering all-you-can-drink (including the Cow’s special “Love Potion”) for two hours.  Mix, mingle, participate in a kissing contest, enjoy a delicious Down Under inspired meal and drown your sorrows away with frosty shots from the “Ice Luge of Love” at the bar.  Who knows, you might even end up finally meeting that someone special.

Sunburnt Cow
137 Avenue C (bet 8^th & 9^th Streets)
212-529-0005
www.thesunburntcow.com

Bondi Road is the place for couples.  Not only are they featuring delicious Down Under delicacies as part of a $20 tasting menu, but you can also take advantage of the $20 happy hour special offering all-you-can-drink for two hours.  Bring your sweetheart and celebrate Valentine’s Day the sexy and laid-back Australian way!

Bondi Road
153 Rivington Street (bet Suffolk St & Clinton St)
212-253-5311
www.bondiroad.com

Mercadito Restaurants

If you and your sweetheart like it HOT, the only place to dine on Valentine’s Day is at your favorite Mercadito restaurant!  On Sunday, February 14^th, Mercadito (179 Avenue B between 11^th and 12^th Streets), Mercadito Grove (100 Seventh Avenue South at Grove Street), and Mercadito Cantina (172 Avenue B between 10^th and 11^th Streets) will offer 5 course family style menus and a special cocktail and shot until 10:00 pm.

The Mercadito that started it all is offering a guacamole tasting, the choice of two botanas or two ceviches, the choice of four of their dizzying array of tacos, one of two side dishes and a dessert for $45 per person.  You’ll fall in love all over again with Mercadito Grove’s Valentine’s menu which features a few different choices among their 5 courses for $45 per person.  Or ignite your night at Mercadito Cantina which is offering the choice of 3 guacamoles, a taco tasting, a “para la mesa,” the choice of two side dishes and, for dessert, a cool and creamy assortment of flan for $40 per person.  Each location will feature the Poción #9 cocktail for $11 and a Shot de la Passión for $4 – the perfect libations to put you in the mood.

All restaurants will be serving an a la carte menu after 10:00 pm.  For reservations, contact Mercadito at 212-529-6490, Mercadito Grove at 212-647-0830 or Mercadito Cantina at 212-388-1750.  www.mercaditorestaurants.com :

Bao Noodles

Torn between whether to celebrate Chinese New Year or Valentine’s Day?  Why not do both at Bao Noodles!

Kick the year of the Tiger off right at Bao Noodles’ Chinese New Year Brunch from noon to 4:00 pm.  Enjoy one of their $9.99 brunch specials featuring the choice of Southeast Asian-inspired delights such as a Vietnamese Omelets (with pork and wood-ear mushrooms or seasonal vegetables), Vietnamese Congee (squid, crab and shrimp or chicken and duck), Egg & Chinese Bacon Baguette (with chilled vermicelli salad), Braised Honeycomb Tripe (with a poached egg and a panko-crusted mungbean rice ball) and Thousand Year Egg (with watercress salad and carrot-ginger dressing).  You can also catch a tiger by the tail (actually by the bottle) this New Year when Bao Noodles features free Tiger Ale all brunch long! The restaurant will be decked out in its year of the Tiger finest, making for a fun and festive afternoon.

As day becomes night, Bao Noodles will feature a special Valentine’s Day Dinner menu from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm.  You and your sweetheart can enjoy a delicious 5 course tasting menu for $40 per person paired with Prosecco, sake and the famous Perfume River cocktail (Stoli Straw, guava and strawberries)created by Bao Noodles’ master mixologist Chris Johnson.  Start dinner off with cool and refreshing Papaya Salad and then your choice of regular of vegetarian Spring Rolls.  Bao Noodles’ signature Lemongrass Short Ribs are served before your choice of main including Tamarind Snapper, Wok Seared Flank Steak and a vegetarian option.  Lastly, Bao Noodles has called on dessert specialist George Majao to create a sweet treat that’s the perfect way to say “I love you!”

Bao Noodles
391 Second Avenue (bet 22^nd and 23^rd Streets)
212-725-7770

The Summit Bar Love Punch Party

There is truly something for everyone at the Summit Bar’s Love Punch Party!  From 6:00 pm to 3:00 pm the Vegas-flavored lounge will offer three stimulating elixirs formulated by resident alchemist Greg Seider.  For $7 per glass you and your sweetheart will have a night to remember with your choice of aphrodisiac punches – one for him, one for her, and one for those who are a little of both!  Single and looking to mingle?  One of the Summit Bar’s punches will definitely lift your spirits and perhaps a little something extra…

The Summit Bar
133 Avenue C (bet 8^th and 9^th Streets)
www.thesummitbar.net

~Sam