Just re-booked the bus from D.C. to NYC -- originally a day-trip, but got an e-mail from the Stanford Hotel for $99/nt. and decided to return the next day. (Bus was only $32.50 rt for the 2 of us and the change added only $40 for change in return date.) So Sweetie and I will be overnighting in the City for Valentine's Day and I'm looking for suggestions. We're very much into wine and food -- thinking a good Italian restaurant for dinner and maybe just noshing our way through lunch. Any can't-miss wine stores? (The Stanford is near ESB, but I am thinking we'll head down towards the Village and Bleeker St. as soon as we get checked-in.) Thanks!

Wine

Moore Bros
http://www.wineaccess.com/store/moorebrothersny

Astor Place

Crossroads

I've learned that it's much better to celebrate Valentine's Day, if your planning to dine in a restaurant, the night before or after.

For dinner on Valentine's Day - reserve early - or you'll end up eating at 6 in the afternoon or 11 at night.

Any place "romantic" will be a mob scene.

I would reverse your plan and go for a romantic wonderful lunch and a nosh dinner.

Valentine's Day like NYE is amateur night out at restaurants. The menus are often different and staff is hurried and service is off.

Forgot to add, I'd have that lunch in the tavern of Gramercy Tavern.