Singles Event Pick: Valentine's Week At Havana Central

NYC’s Havana Central is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a Week of Love. Two of the Cuban restaurant’s three locations are hosting fun events for singles.

On Tuesday February 9th from 7-9pm at Havana Central Times Square, kick off Valentine’s Week with the Love Potion Cocktail Challenge.

Cocktail lovers are invited to create a unique “Love Potion” cocktail using Bacardi rum. The winner will receive a $250 prize, credit on menus and a plaque commemorating this first-ever Cocktail Challenge at Havana Central.

Havana Central: The Cuban restaurant chain is hosting a series of Valentine’s-themed events

Entries should be emailed to lovepotion@havanacentral.com and click here for full contest rules and regulations.

On Thursday February 11th, join relationship experts Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus for an evening of dating do’s and don’ts, featuring a panel of three men-about-town on hand to answer questions. Tickets are $15 and include one “Love Potion” cocktail. For reservations, email ylanfranco@havanacentral.com.

Finally, start off Valentine’s weekend with Spice It Up Speed Dating at Havana Central’s uptown location on Friday February 12th.

Geared toward singles ages 25-45, the event runs from 7:45 to 9:45pm. Ticket price of $59.95 includes tax, hors d’oeuvres and one Havana Central classic cocktail. To purchase, call 1-800-406-0832 or visit the following links:
Women (ages: 22-32) and men (ages: 24-34) , women (ages: 25- 35) and men (ages: 27-37) and
women (ages: 30 – 38) and men (ages: 34- 44) .

An Exciting Second Date

Friday night, I enjoyed an exciting second date with adorable 37-year-old PR executive E.

Bond 45: Great food and service in a bustling Theater District landmark
(photo courtesy: Shanna Ravindra, New York Magazine)

We met up at historic steak and seafood restaurant Bond 45. E took my face in his hand and greeted me with a quick kiss.

“You look great,” he said as he sat down. I smiled, grateful for the good hair day that I was having thanks to a quick blowout at lunchtime.

Over a delicious dinner (skirt steak cooked to perfection), E and I talked about our shared appreciation for architectural history and “NYPD Blue,” and our fondness for the good music and fun to be experienced at weddings.

Upon mentioning that I’ll be attending a friend’s nuptials in Boston next month, E asked if he could be my plus one. If only I had been invited with a guest.

After dinner, while walking through Times Square, E kissed me. I could feel every part of me ignite at his touch and, for a moment, I literally forgot where I was. Heaven.

E treated us to one of the most entertaining Broadway shows I’ve ever seen, “Burn The Floor.”

The high-energy two-hour ballroom dance extravaganza features stunning choreography, fantastic music and couples that truly sizzle. Anya and Pasha of “So You Think You Can Dance” were among the show’s talented troupe, which also boasts dancers from as far away as Russia and Australia.

Next, we headed downtown to E’s office on Hudson Street, where we took in sweeping city views from the roof deck -- and shared a few kisses in the moonlight.

Over drinks at a nearby Irish pub, E leaned forward and pulled at the ribbon on my top, clearly not realizing it was purely decorative.

“You need level 3 clearance for that kind of access,” I teased, “Right now, you’re only at level 1.”

“That’s okay,” he responded with a smile. “I have a lot of patience and I’m not going anywhere.”

Our last stop of the night was a tiny eatery designed like an old ship, where we shared a few appetizers and talked about favorite TV shows and portable gadgets.

Later, E walked me to a cab and pulled me into another knee-weakening, lingering kiss.

When it comes to second dates, it simply doesn’t get any better than this.

Girls Night Out: Midtown West

Last Thursday, after the Lauren Luke/Sephora event, I met up with my good friend and colleague Caroline for a girls night out.

Our first stop, Haru in Times Square, where we were well tended to by a solicitous waiter and charmed by the Japanese eatery’s twinkling lights. Over some hot sake and delicious sushi, we talked about old flames that can’t be rekindled, the healing power of friends when coping with loss and making progress toward big dreams.

Caroline is one of my favorite people. She’s irresistibly fun to be around, has a huge heart and an infectious laugh that makes me smile every time I hear it. We were both smiling when we stumbled upon a new eatery that shares her name.

Sweet Caroline: A beloved Neil Diamond ditty and now, a lively new NYC eatery in Midtown

Our last stop of the night was Hudson Terrace for a swanky party sponsored by Take A Chance TV for the upcoming “GI Joe” movie. Caroline and I enjoyed a few cocktails (mojito for her, vodka and cranberry for me) and took in the crowd of pretty people. Though we didn’t spot any celebs, we did encounter plenty of boldfaced name wannabes. I think we almost got knocked over by one partygoer’s enhanced cleavage.

Coming up…a look at the art of courtship and SGITC takes off.

Friday Night Out With An Old Flame

Friday, my old flame Steve and I braved the downpour to enjoy a night out in Times Square.

Our first stop was The Perfect Pint, a lively pub with charming bartenders who know how to mix a great cosmo. Steve filled me in about potential work-related travels in his future (Europe, the Middle East), which got us to talking about our mutual affinity for Sydney. I admitted that if Sydney was situated a little closer to home, it would be hard to resist the urge I felt back in January to move there again.

Saju Bistro: One of my favorite French restaurants in NYC. Delicieux!

Next, we walked over to French bistro Saju, where we shared a sublime plate of escargots in garlic and butter sauce and I enjoyed skirt steak cooked to perfection with pomme frites. Saju never disappoints, serving with panache French provencal fare so authentic that I wasn’t surprised to hear the couple next to us speaking en Français.

Over dinner, we talked about the enduring appeal of “Sex And The City,” and Steve laughed when I told him I only started watching the show during its sanitized TBS run. We agreed that, of the fabulous four, Samantha was the most over the top and the one we’d be least likely to share a cocktail with. After all, there’s only so much risqué talk you can take.

Up next…Tony Award winner Geoffrey Rush dazzles in “Exit The King,” and a friend makes the case for Botox.

Catching Up With My Brother

Last Friday, I headed over to the Crowne Plaza hotel in Times Square for drinks and dinner with my brother Andrew, visiting from Houston.

Andrew and me at my Women Rule party, November 2005

A 40-year-old entrepreneur (and former New Yorker) who often schmoozes with movers and shakers from all walks of life, Andrew is a man with many great stories. Over cocktails, he recalled the time he found himself sharing a car with Fergie and Maroon 5 because he’s good friends with Fergie’s driver.

Awhile back, a random night out with actor Jim Carrey and his bodyguard landed all of them in the New York Post’s infamous Page Six gossip column. Andrew and I laughed about the time he refuted my skepticism about his acquaintanceship with Carrey – by having the actor show up to wish me a happy birthday over drink’s at Merchant’s on NYC’s Upper East Side.

Like Carrey, Andrew has had a longstanding penchant for blonde starlet types. Which is why I was pleased to hear that his new ladyfriend is career-minded (she works for an architectural firm) and seems to have a good head on her shoulders.

Equally impressive, that he’s only been back in the Big Apple a few weeks and has already managed to find a semi-significant other. Then again, he’s quite the charmer. After only one night at the hotel, he was on a first name basis with the waitstaff.

Andrew and I have always had lots of fun together. We share a passion for this great city and for making the impossible happen. I’m hoping he sticks around for awhile – and, of course, that he introduces me to some of his single friends.

Catching Up With An Old Flame

On Thursday, after attending Global Traveler’s anniversary bash in Times Square, I caught up with my old flame Steve.

Steve and I first met back in 2001, at the tail end of my stint as a reporter in Southern Illinois. We quickly fell into a love affair so passionate that it led me to change my flight back to New York three times -- and so intense that both of us were inspired to write poems to each other.

“You’re what love songs are made for,” Steve told me just before I left Illinois for good.

I was smiling at Steve when this picture was taken during his first-ever visit to NYC, April 2002

Geography was our nemesis, as I quickly bounced from New York to a five-month stint in Sydney, calling it quits with Steve just before I went Down Under. New Year’s Eve 2002 saw us reconnecting back in the Big Apple, and so began the next chapter in our long-distance romance. Steve visited me more than once in my new TV news-dictated hometown of Dover, Delaware, proving each time that the fire between us hadn’t gone away.

Still, we continued to find ourselves in very different places and so, we made the transition to being friends.

Now married and living in Kansas City (not too far from my best friend there, oddly enough), Steve is the only ex I remain friendly with. The other night, he reminded me why he’s the exception.

Over a delicious dinner at Times Square bistro Trattoria Dopo Teatro (Caprese salad, risotto with porcini mushrooms), we found plenty to talk about. Steve told me the latest about his globetrotting gig as a computer database engineer – a job that has taken him to Dubai and Sydney, and will put him in Seattle next month. I filled him in on both work and family news. As always, Steve listened with sensitivity and understanding.

Steve also snapped this picture of me during dinner at Trattoria Dopo Teatro

We somehow got onto the topic of music, and songs that have special meaning for us. The Calling’s “Wherever You Will Go” was at the top of the list.

Our nostalgic tangent continued as we recalled some of the more memorable meals we enjoyed way back when – a heavenly breakfast in Rehoboth Beach, a five-star dinner in St. Louis and a dreadful meal at a family friend’s in the Bronx that included rancid wine.

Steve pointed out that he was wearing the same shirt he had on when I returned to Illinois to help him move back in ’02. We both smiled – that was one of our more memorable encounters.

As we reminisced, I couldn’t help thinking how happy I am that Steve and I are still connected. I know he feels the same way.

“I want us to be friends forever,” he told me, “I always want to have you in my life.”

With a tender embrace, we said goodbye. I felt a surge of gratitude. Being with Steve again reminded me that even when romance is no longer in the cards, some old flames will always be a part of you.

Global Traveler's Fifth Anniversary Bash

Thursday night, I joined a handful of my Quinn & Co. colleagues as guests at Global Traveler’s swanky fifth anniversary party.

Held at the Renaissance Hotel in Times Square, the event had everyone enraptured with stunning 360 degree views. All the single ladies in the house agreed that, if your guest list is on the smaller side, there could be no better spot for a quintessentially Gotham wedding.

What A View: Times Square is what you see in 360 at NYC’s Renaissance Hotel

Equally enchanting -- the sounds of a keyboard player and cellist and a tasty selection of hors d’oeuvres including quail with fried egg, mini fish and chips and even cookies and milk (shots).

I had the chance to catch up with GT Editor in Chief Lisa Matte, and was happy to hear her upcoming visit to Q&C client Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris will coincide with her 50th birthday.

In the small world department, I found myself standing next to Daryl, a charming event planner from Toronto, my hometown for four years as a teenager. We gushed about the city’s recent exponential growth, and Darryl promised me a night on the town next time I’m up north.

Fellow travel PR maven Andrea and I shared our excitement about scoring tickets to U2’s one night only show at Giants Stadium in September. Andrea was double booked, heading from the GT soiree to a season finale party for “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

She invited me to join her, but I too had another commitment -- a date with an old flame who, despite geography, still has a special place in my heart.

Encounter With A Magician: Take Two

For a city of 8 million people, New York can feel like a very small place sometimes. It’s easier than you might think to run into a familiar face -- a fact of which I was reminded yesterday.

I was crossing 42nd Street and Broadway when I looked up and spotted none other than Daniel, the adorable magician I happened to meet during a Times Square stroll on Friday.

Déjà vu all over again: Daniel and I ended up crossing paths twice in as many days

We both laughed, as he predicted that we’ll continue to bump into each other until we have no choice but to go on a date. Though I gave Daniel my number, he quipped that I’m more likely to date Donald Trump than a spirited street artist.

Daniel’s self-deprecating charm is a welcome contrast to the last magician I went out with, an overconfident Aussie whom I met during my days as a Sydney resident six years ago.

He showed up wearing an electric blue silk shirt, unbuttoned enough to reveal more of his chest than I wanted to see, along with a magic charms pendant and a belt buckle adorned with a deck of cards.

Over the course of our evening together, the Aussie made more than a few double entendres about how he would like to make our clothes disappear. After drinks at a bar near Sydney’s famed Opera House, I opted to disappear (fully clothed) myself.

Thankfully, Daniel appears to have a more artful approach to affairs of the heart. Yesterday, holding up his coins and cards, he suddenly shouted to the throngs of passersby--

“This girl will go on a date with me if I make a million dollars! And I’m going to earn it $100,000 at a time!”

Only in New York would such a bold declaration fail to elicit any response. It did not, though, go unnoticed by me. A man has to dream after all, and I’m more than a little curious to find out where Daniel lands in his bid for Harry Potter-sized stardom.

Meanwhile, it’s good to know that serendipity is alive and well in my hometown -- and it appears that Cupid is too.

Friday Night On Broadway

On Friday, my friend Cindy and I got the weekend off to a fun start with dinner and a Broadway show.

Our cozy table upstairs at Osteria al Doge in Times Square offered a perfect view of the bistro’s festive holiday decorations and bustling pre-theater crowd.

Cindy and I made it easy for our waiter, both ordering a tasty spinach salad with orange dressing and pan roasted Italian sea bass with celery root, sweet roasted garlic & manilla clams. For dessert, we indulged our respective sweet tooths with chocolate mousse and cinnamon ice cream. Delicious.

After dinner, it was a short, brisk stroll to the American Airlines Theater, where we had twelfth row seats for “A Man For All Seasons” starring Frank Langella.

The Martyrdom of Sir Thomas: Frank Langella pulls out all the stops in "A Man For Seasons"

(photo courtesy: Sara Krulwich/The New York Times)

The 1960 play by Robert Bolt takes place between 1529 and 1532 and tells the gripping story of Sir Thomas More‘s martyrdom. One of the British monarchy’s most loyal subjects, More fell out of favor when he refused to sanction King Henry’s divorce and England’s subsequent split from the Catholic church.

“A Man For All Seasons” examines what it means to be true to yourself no matter what the cost -- and raises the question of how far a man will go to honor his own moral code.

As Sir Thomas, 70-year-old Langella turns in a heroic, powerful performance, offering a revealing glimpse into the psyche of a great historical figure. By the play’s end, you definitely feel like you’ve been on an existential journey. Though act two drags on a bit -- mostly because of the show’s three-hour running time -- Langella never falters. He delivers every line with searing intensity, particularly during the climactic court scene when Sir Thomas is sentenced to death.

This isn’t the only historical figure in Langella’s current repertoire. He’s generating Oscar buzz for his portrayal of Richard Nixon in “Frost/Nixon.” With his amazing turn in “A Man For All Seasons,” it's a good bet the veteran actor can also look forward to adding another Tony Award to the three he’s already got on his shelf.

Special Sendoff For A Best Friend

Yesterday marked the end of an era at Quinn & Co. with the departure of my adored colleague and very dear friend Morty. Tonight, my co-workers and I surprised him with an intimate dinner at Lazzarra's, a cozy bistro in NYC’s Garment District that serves up delicious thin crust pizza.

BFF: Morty and me at his farewell dinner, photographed by fabulous fellow Quinnling, Danielle

Morty is leaving to get his phD in psychology, a field that is a perfect match for his intelligent, analytical mind and compassionate, insightful understanding of how people think and feel.

“I’m sorry that you’re leaving for a lot of reasons,” Quinn & Co. president Florence told Morty. “For your specialness, for your personality like no one else’s that makes everybody feel so good.”

With his infectious wit and effervescent charm – not to mention a knack for effusive, adjective-laden emails and a spot-on Tracy Chapman impersonation -- Morty brightened up everyone’s workday, mine especially.

All Smiles: Morty with the mug I gave him to eliminate the coffee cup pileup at his desk!

It’s no accident that I’ve affectionately called Morty my work husband. For the last three years, he has been my number one office confidante, the person whose sage advice and heartfelt hugs I’ve grown accustomed to enjoying on a daily basis.

After dinner tonight, Morty and I walked arm in arm through Times Square. As we hugged and talked about getting together next week, I could feel us beginning a new chapter in our friendship. Though it was a bittersweet one, I felt comforted. Because I know, even with all the wonderful memories we’ve shared already -- the best is yet to come.

Outrageous First Dates: Verse Three

When you’re single and living in New York, it’s easy to find yourself on a date with an eccentric character. One of my more outrageous, albeit brief, first dates happened after crossing paths with a guy at an arcade in Times Square.

Chevy's Restaurant in Times Square: Site of one of my more outrageous first dates

The mysterious stranger invited me for a drink at the neighboring Chevy’s Mexican restaurant. As soon as we sat at the bar, he mentioned that he was an aspiring actor. Then, after tilting his head down briefly, he looked at me with a menacing stare and burst into tears.

Deciding this was a little too much drama, rehearsed or otherwise, I excused myself to go to the bathroom and never came back.

For my good friend Lauren, a blind date with a family friend’s son turned out to be of equally short duration. Lauren was surprised to discover she had already met her blind date at a party a few weeks before -- when he was introduced as her friend’s boyfriend.

Geography became an issue when Philadelphia-based publicist Meredith was set up with a New Yorker just a few days before her birthday. Initially, Meredith’s date had agreed to drop her off at a mutual friend’s house after dinner. That night, he said it was too far to drive and suggested Meredith stay over at his parents’ house instead. He didn’t take it too well when she declined the invitation.

“He proceeded to open the trunk and throw a bunch of presents at me and angrily wished me a Happy Birthday,” she says. “It was awkward.”

On the plus side, Meredith enjoyed a nice meal and show prior to her date’s outburst. Which just proves that even on an outrageous first date, you’ll get something to show for your time

-- even if it’s just an amusing story.

Coming up…a TomKat sighting at one of NYC’s hottest restaurants and holiday romance By The Numbers.

Saturday Night Date

Last night, I my first date in two months with H. Over the past year, H and I have drifted in and out of each other’s lives, primarily because he’s my ex’s best friend. Fortunately, we were able to put that little wrinkle aside and have a delightful evening.

Our date began with a movie in Times Square, “Righteous Kill.” Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino rise above the occasionally weak script to deliver an entertaining, edgy thriller with a clever twist at the end. It’s worth the price of admission just to see these two acting powerhouses on the big screen together.

Huddled close under an umbrella, H and I ambled over to Hell’s Kitchen for dinner at Delta Grill, a laidback eatery that serves up a taste of New Orleans, with Big Easy staples like Po Boys, Chicken Gumbo and Beignets. While H indulged in shrimp creole, I opted for crab-stuffed tuna, saving room for an exhilarating dessert indulgence, bananas foster. Flaming bananas drenched in syrup topped with vanilla ice cream -- heaven on a plate and even better when shared.

Our last stop of the night was neighborhood bar Social, to watch USC’s football team crush Ohio State. Though I’m not exactly a gridiron girl, it was easy to get caught up in the fever of being surrounded by men cheering at the TV -- especially since one of them had his arm affectionately draped me the entire time.

Coming up…opening the vault to a week of romance in England’s capital and Celine Dion’s return to the Big Apple.