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I admit, I am a watcher of reality dating shows. Like most of us during the pandemic with little to do, I dove head first into reality TV, watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette for the very first time, sprinkled with a little bit of Married at First Sight. But I know it was Love is Blind that really opened the door. It’s a well-produced show that follows a simple-but-ridiculous formula: contestants “date” each other in a futuristic pod where they can only hear each other’s voices. After a long courtship of 10 whole days, a handful of couples will come out engaged and ready to marry within a month’s time.

So, like the contestants, if you are ready to find “your person,” this Love is Blind-themed pop-up dining experience is for you. 

RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants for Valentine’s Day dinner in NYC

On February 16, you can live your reality show fantasy at the Love is a Blind Dinner: A Dining Experience. Hosted by the immersive dining experience, Dine with Dez and the modern dating membership app, Beyond, the dating event will be held at Dear Strangers in the West Village. Marissa George from the latest season of Love is Blind will be taking the reins from Nick Lachey and host the gig. 

So, how will you find a guaranteed match? To sort out those who are serious about looking for love and those who are looking for clout, guests will need to fill out an application that gauges dating interests, from hidden talents to your dating no-nos. If selected, potential suitors will be invited to buy a ticket to the dinner, priced at $150, proceeds of which will be donated to victims of the L.A. wildfires through the organization, Walk Good LA.

The evening will start with a welcome cocktail reception (fingers crossed for gold cups). After schmoozing with fellow love-seekers, guests will be led to their table, blindfolded and seated across their perfect match. As you dine on a three-course meal, you can fall in love, sight unseen, or make nice while you try your hardest to not spill your drink.

To get started, download the Beyond app. You can also fill out this Google form, but keep in mind, priority will be given to applicants who download the app. Applications must be submitted before February 11.

* This article was originally published here

Love is in the air, and this Brooklyn house fully decked out with the most over-the-top Valentine’s Day decorations proves it! And if you haven’t yet bought your Valentine a sweet gift–like this LEGO Botanical Bouquet (which is actually free this weekend)–planned a fun experience for you to enjoy together, or made your Valentine’s Day dinner reservations, you’re running out of time!

Thankfully, Amtrak is stepping in to save the day for all you uninspired, last-minute gift buyers with their Roomette Free Companion Flash Sale!

Amtrak’s Roomette Free Companion Flash Sale makes it more affordable for guests to enjoy a cozy excursion aboard Amtrak’s iconic Long Distance trains. And in honor of Valentine’s Day they’re making the deal a bit sweeter–you won’t be sitting side-by-side in coach. Rather, you’ll have your own Roomette!

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For couples, friends, or family members seeking additional space, privacy, and relaxation while on board, a Roomette checks all the boxes. Each Roomette comes equipped with the following:

• Two comfortable seats that transform into upper and lower beds
• Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, and linens
• A large picture window for taking in scenic views
• Access to a restroom and shower in your car
• A dedicated First Class attendant

Amtrak Roomette customers also receive complimentary lounge access at major stations, priority boarding, turndown service, complimentary meals, and luggage assistance. And as if the deal couldn’t get any better, only one passenger has to pay–your companion is complimentary!

Sample one-way fares for two include a trip from New York to Atlanta for as low as $499 and New York to Chicago for as low as $568. Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch stated:

Whether it’s a romantic getaway or quality time with a close friend or family member, Amtrak customers who travel in our Roomettes will experience fine dining and personalized care…all while moving through some of the country’s most spectacular natural settings. The limited-time Roomette Free Companion Flash Sale offers a better way to get there for two – free from the stress of flying or driving.

The Amtrak Roomette Flash Sale is only running for a few more days, so book your trip today!

Sale Runs: January 28th through February 6th, 2025

Travel Dates: Between January 29th and April 17th, 2025

The post Travel With Your Lover For The Price Of One With Amtrak’s Valentine’s Day Roomette Sale appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

In a city filled with delicious Chinese restaurants, it’s hard to stand out. Upon The Palace, a new eatery by the multimillion-dollar Mogao Hospitality that opened in Tribeca at the end of 2024, has managed to do so in more ways than one.

Specializing in contemporary Chinese dishes, the restaurant takes over two floors of the massive 7,000-square-foot space at 317 Greenwich Street. The interior feels like an ode to Chinese culture: expect gold leaf copper columns, quilted red leather chairs and handcrafted wood paneling, among other details, to define the 90-seat dining room and the subterranean speakeasy-like lounge, where guests will be treated to occasional live jazz performances while sipping on craft cocktails, rare sakes, wines and premium spirits, like the colorless Chinese liquor baijiu.

The name of the eatery itself conveys the kind of opulence that is sure to define your visit. “Drawing from the legacy of the First Empire, Upon The Palace takes its name and spirit from the Epang Palace in Xi’an, China—an architectural marvel symbolizing imperial power and prestige during the Qin Dynasty,” reads an official press release. 

But it’s a specific item on Upon The Palace’s menu, helmed by head chef Xueliang Yu, that really makes an impression. Among traditional Chinese offerings—think crab eggs tofu, stir-fried whole lobster and pan-seared foie gras—diners will notice the rare Shanghainese Tang Bao, a xiao long bao that is quite literally the size of your face and is meant to be slurped down with straws. According to the restaurant itself, Upon The Palace is the only spot in Manhattan serving the treat.

Often called a soup dumpling in English, the dish’s name translates to “small basket bun” from the Chinese and is a popular street food in the region.

Keep in mind that the dish weighs a whopping 6 pounds, so if you’re planning on heading down to Tribeca to try it you might want to bring some friends along for the experience.

* This article was originally published here

Get ready for an unmissable night out at Love Struck by AirOtic! In town for a limited time, the burlesque-style cirque cabaret show invites you to enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner, complimentary cocktails, and steamy burlesque-style circus acts. 

Plus, tickets to the premiere on Saturday, February 1, are now 30% off!

Whether you’re planning a date night or an outing with friends, Love Struck is a must-see this February. Get tickets here!

AirOtic Soireé has been hosting mesmerizing performances since 2021, wowing more than 43,000 visitors in cities like Miami, Chicago, and San Francisco. Now taking place at NYC’s HK Hall, Love Struck by AirOtic brings passion and desire to life through jaw-dropping stunts, lavish costumes, and captivating choreography. 

This year’s Valentine’s-themed shows in NYC are taking things up a notch with a decadent dinner menu. Guests can choose from entrees including wine-braised beef short ribs, slow-roasted chicken, Gemelli seafood pasta, and spinach and ricotta ravioli with brown butter and sage. Drinks are included, and bottle service is also available onsite.

Grab tickets here and prepare to watch in awe as top-tier circus artistry collides with tasteful burlesque tease!

Love Struck by AirOtic is an inclusive show celebrating all forms of love. The jaw-dropping performances are now taking place at HK Hall on select dates from February 1 to February 21. Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure your spot here!

Event details

Love Struck by AirOtic

Select dates and times available

HK Hall (605 W 48th St, NY 10036)

Ticket prices start at $67

More info
Buy tickets

The post NYC’s Hottest Valentine’s Event Is Here & It Features A Cast Of World-Class Acrobats appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

In a city filled with delicious Chinese restaurants, it’s hard to stand out. Upon The Palace, a new eatery by the multimillion-dollar Mogao Hospitality that opened in Tribeca at the end of 2024, has managed to do so in more ways than one.

Specializing in contemporary Chinese dishes, the restaurant takes over two floors of the massive 7,000-square-foot space at 317 Greenwich Street. The interior feels like an ode to Chinese culture: expect gold leaf copper columns, quilted red leather chairs and handcrafted wood paneling, among other details, to define the 90-seat dining room and the subterranean speakeasy-like lounge, where guests will be treated to occasional live jazz performances while sipping on craft cocktails, rare sakes, wines and premium spirits, like the colorless Chinese liquor baijiu.

The name of the eatery itself conveys the kind of opulence that is sure to define your visit. “Drawing from the legacy of the First Empire, Upon The Palace takes its name and spirit from the Epang Palace in Xi’an, China—an architectural marvel symbolizing imperial power and prestige during the Qin Dynasty,” reads an official press release. 

But it’s a specific item on Upon The Palace’s menu, helmed by head chef Xueliang Yu, that really makes an impression. Among traditional Chinese offerings—think crab eggs tofu, stir-fried whole lobster and pan-seared foie gras—diners will notice the rare Shanghainese Tang Bao, a xiao long bao that is quite literally the size of your face and is meant to be slurped down with straws. According to the restaurant itself, Upon The Palace is the only spot in Manhattan serving the treat.

Often called a soup dumpling in English, the dish’s name translates to “small basket bun” from the Chinese and is a popular street food in the region.

Keep in mind that the dish weighs a whopping 6 pounds, so if you’re planning on heading down to Tribeca to try it you might want to bring some friends along for the experience.

* This article was originally published here