One of them, alas, is restricted to those of you who live in (or are planning to visit) NYC.
1. Read Michael Faber’s The Crimson Petal and The White.
Doesn’t that title make it sound like just about the most boring book you’ve ever heard of? Well, it’s about prostitutes in Victorian England, so there goes that theory.
Can you tell I’ve read it a few times? It’s just so good – it’s one of those fall-into-the-world-and-don’t-want-to-leave books. I promise: once you’ve started, you won’t be able to put it down.
2. Go to Italianissimo, on East 84th Street. Kendrick and I went last night, and it’s just the sweetest, most romantic little Italian restaurant. The waiters are incredibly nice, the food is great, and the atmosphere is perfect for a date (not a first date, though – it’s a bit too quiet and intimate for that).
This photo is from the website (believe it or not, I do sometimes go out without my camera), but it doesn’t quite capture just how adorable the interior is.
Recommended dish: Pappardelle Alla Boscaiola (homemade flat pasta with sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, basil, marsala wine, garlic sauce, and pecorino cheese).
And FYI, they have three seatings on Valentine’s Day, and are serving the regular menu.
