Heart-shaped pizzas, at-home sushi-making kits, red velvet cakes, sake and chocolate pairings–these are just some of the takeout offerings and treats that you can order this Valentine’s Day. Since most of us will be staying home, we’ve put together a list of local restaurants with special to-go menus, as well as shops that have yummy holiday treats and edible gifts and even some virtual cooking classes. Ahead, check out all the options and start planning your romantic day (or weekend!).
Events
Events, History, holidays
“Alphas Hold the Line.” Photo by Michael Young.
During the month of February, the nation observes Black History Month as a way to celebrate and honor African American history and culture. While this year’s commemoration will be different because of the pandemic, many New York City organizations and institutions are hosting virtual events, lectures, and exhibitions. Learn about the achievements and influence of Black Americans with an online walking tour featuring Black artists of Greenwich Village, a concert honoring composers of the Harlem Renaissance, a class on Black archaeology in New York City, and much more.
Art, Events
Photo: Marshall LaCount/Swoon Studio
A roving public art installation that explores the American experience has hit the streets of New York City. As part of the “American Portrait” initiative from PBS, Brooklyn-based artist Caledonia Curry, also known as Swoon, has designed a diorama-inspired sculpture on top of a 14-foot box truck. The installation, titled The House Our Families Built, features paintings and cutouts portraying domestic life. The sculpture debuted at Brooklyn Bridge Park last weekend and will travel to Prospect Park on February 6-7, Flushing Meadows Corona Park on February 13-14, and Union Square on February 21.
Events, Greenpoint, holidays
Photo via NYC Water/Flickr
What’s more romantic that that?? It may seem odd, but every year, when the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and Open House New York host a Valentine’s Day tour of the Newtown Creek Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility and its famous Digester Eggs, it sells out almost immediately. But thanks to our new virtual world, more New Yorkers will get a chance to experience this quirky event this year, and it also allows us to see parts of the facility that the public wouldn’t normally have access to.
Art, Bronx, Events
Kusama with Pumpkin, 2010 © YAYOI KUSAMA. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo / Singapore / Shanghai; Victoria Miro, London; David Zwirner, New York
The New York Botanical Garden was scheduled to hold a blockbuster exhibition dedicated to Yayoi Kusama last spring, but sadly had to postpone the event when the pandemic hit. But they’ve now announced new 2021 dates for KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature–the show will run from Saturday, April 10 to Sunday, October 31, 2021 with tickets going on sale to the general public on March 16. The exhibition will immerse us in the Japanese artist’s visionary world through a career-spanning survey, the debut of four new works, and a variety of complementary horticultural installations created by the Garden’s team.
Events, Features, holidays, Restaurants
Photo by Rhododendrites via Wikimedia
Next Friday, February 12th, begins the Year of the Ox, an animal whose attributes are hardworking and honest. The Lunar New Year is a 16-day celebration, often marked by lantern festivals, parades, and fireworks. But since we aren’t able to enjoy a lot of these gatherings this year, we’ve rounded up some of the best safe celebratory events in New York City, including virtual dumpling-making classes, papercutting workshops, a small business crawl in Chinatown, and traditional Chinese dance and music performances.
Art, Events, Meatpacking District
Photo of Little Island under construction in October 2020; Photo: © CityRealty
Developers of the new public park under construction in the Hudson River announced on Wednesday the participants of its first-ever artists-in-residence program. Artists Ayodele Casel, Tina Landeau, Michael McElroy, and PigPen Theatre Co., will perform, direct, and/or curate cultural events for Little Island, the two-acre offshore park at Hudson River Park’s Pier 55 expected to open this spring.
Events, holidays, hudson yards
Photo courtesy of Related-Oxford
New York City’s highest outdoor observation deck has a special treat for lovebirds this Valentine’s Day. For that one day, Edge will be opening at 6am, allowing visitors the rare opportunity to watch the sunrise from 1,131 feet in the air. In addition, from February 12th-21st, the Hudson Yards attraction will extend its daily hours from 8am to 10pm (perhaps to accommodate an expected rush of proposals?).
Events, Features, Restaurants
Most of us are looking forward to special televised events this year more than ever, and Super Bowl LV is sure to be a welcome distraction from the pandemic. Even if you’re not so into football (or you’re like us and are toggling back and forth to the Puppy Bowl), the commercials, half-time show, and, most importantly, food make it a fun Sunday night. And when it comes to nosh, it’s also a great opportunity to support one of your favorite local restaurants, many of which are offering up special game day packages.
Events, Restaurants
Photo by Samantha Box, courtesy of NYC & Company
New York City Restaurant Week is now Restaurant Month. Due to popular demand, NYC Restaurant Week To Go, which launched on Monday, will run through February 28 instead of on Sunday as originally planned. During the month, diners can buy one bargain meal for delivery or takeout for $20.21, which includes an entree and at least one side, from each restaurant. According to NYC & Company, the city’s tourism agency behind the program, a record 570 restaurants in over 100 neighborhoods are participating this year.
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