Love is in the air, and there’s no better place to celebrate romance than in New York City. Whether you’re planning a grand Valentine’s Day date or simply looking for a special evening out, the city offers countless opportunities to create unforgettable moments. From candlelit dinners and live jazz to art-filled explorations, there’s a perfect spot for every couple, no matter your style.

At Great Performances, we believe that love is best expressed through food, ambiance, and shared experiences. Our curated list of date night destinations ensures that you and your special someone can savor every moment with a menu crafted from the heart.

Dizzy's Club: A Symphony of Jazz and Fine Dining

If your idea of romance includes smooth jazz and an exquisite meal, then Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center is the perfect setting. On Valentine’s Day, the club welcomes Kim Nalley, a vocalist known for her incredible range and emotionally rich interpretations of jazz classics. Paired with a decadent three-course prix fixe menu, this intimate experience is a feast for both the ears and the palate. Indulge in dishes like butter-poached lobster, filet mignon with truffle mash, and a rich chocolate soufflé to end the evening on a sweet note.

Preview the Menu

For couples who appreciate creativity and culture, Poster House offers a unique date night surrounded by striking visuals. As the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to poster art, it provides a fascinating look at the power of design and storytelling. Open late on Fridays with free admission, Valentine’s Day visitors can enjoy chocolate-dipped strawberries, specialty drinks like a raspberry champagne spritz, and an inspiring collection of exhibits that set the perfect mood for a romantic evening.

Explore the current exhibitions Just Frame It: How Nike Turned Sports Starts into Superheroes; Lester Beall & A New American Identity; and Fantastical Streets: The Theatrical Poster of Boris Bućan. This beautifully designed museum has something for everyone and is sure to impress your date!

For those who find love in the beauty of nature, Wave Hill offers an enchanting escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This lush public garden and cultural center in the Bronx provides stunning views of the Hudson River, perfect for a dreamy date. Celebrate love with their special Valentine’s Tea, featuring an elegant selection of teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and sweet treats like heart-shaped scones and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Whether you’re exploring the gardens or indulging in this intimate tea experience, Wave Hill is a hidden gem for couples seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

For an evening of music, wine, and artisanal delights, Wave Hill also presents Valentine’s Evening with Ellisha Marie: An Evening of Jazz, Wine, and Artisanal Delights. Set in the grand Wave Hill House and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, this unforgettable night features The David Fletcher Trio, with a repertoire spanning love songs from the Great American Songbook to modern favorites by Sting, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and more. The evening includes welcome drinks, a conservatory photography session, a wine and cheese tasting with a sommelier, and an indulgent tapas and dessert bar. With a breathtaking setting and live music, this experience is a perfect blend of romance and refinement.

No matter your idea of romance—be it music, art, or a beautifully crafted meal—New York City has a date night destination that speaks to your heart. So go ahead, indulge in the magic of the city, and celebrate love in the most memorable way possible.

Watermelon Cucumber Tonic

Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM

cucumber watermelon tonic

Pro Tip:

Taste your watermelon. A pinch of salt can help bring out the flavors and, if it’s not sweet enough, feel free to add a pinch of sugar, especially if you’re going to combine it with soda water.

Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.

Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!

WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC

Although this Watermelon Cucumber Tonic is a bit more complicated than some other cocktails, we think it’s worth it to prepare the juice from scratch. As a shortcut, you can purchase watermelon juice and use Hendricks Gin to get some of the cucumber flavors. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the cocktail together nicely.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided

  • 1/4 cup mint leaves, divided

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided

  • 1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)

  • 2 1/2 cups tonic water, chilled

  • 1 1/4 cups of gin

Garnish

  • Mint leaves
  • Cucumber slices
  • Watermelon wedges

Procedure

  1. Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
  2. Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water and gin, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.

ZERO PROOF WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC

If you’ve already prepared the watermelon cucumber juice for the above version, you can use any remaining here. Alternatively, you could purchase watermelon juice from the grocery store. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the drink together nicely.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided

  • 1/4 cup mint leaves, divided

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided

  • 1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)

  • 2 1/2 cups tonic water or soda water, chilled

Garnish

  • Mint leaves
  • Cucumber slices
  • Watermelon wedges

Procedure

  1. Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
  2. Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water or soda water, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.

Rosemary Salty Dog

Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM

Salty Dog Cocktail

Pro Tip:

Rosemary can be a potent herb and we enjoy it’s distinctive woodsy/piney scent which compliments the grapefruit in this cocktail. We don’t want to overpower the cocktail, which is why we’re not muddling it as we typically do with other herbs in cocktails.

Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.

Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!

ROSEMARY SALTY DOG

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz gin

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • 2 oz red grapefruit juice

  • ½ inch rosemary sprig

Garnish

  • Sprig of rosemary
  • Salt

Procedure

Rim a martini glass with salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and rosemary sprig. Shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary

ZERO PROOF ROSEMARY SALTY DOG

Ingredients

  • ½ inch sprig rosemary

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • 2 oz red grapefruit juice

  • Club soda

Garnish

  • Sprig of rosemary
  • Salt

Procedure

Rim a highball glass with salt and fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine rosemary, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice and shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Strawberry Mint Caipirinha

Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM

Strawberry Mint Caipirinha cocktail

Pro Tip:

When you’re muddling ingredients, make sure you press down and twist to extract maximum essential oils and juices. Adding granulated sugar can also help break down the ingredients.

Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.

Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!

STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 oz. Leblon Cachaça
  • 4 Fresh strawberries
  • 5 Mint leaves – torn
  • 2 dashes simple syrup

Garnish

  • Sprig of mint

Procedure

Place the strawberries and mint leaves in a shaker and muddle well. Add Leblon Cachaça, simple syrup and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a highball glass.

ZERO PROOF STRAWBERRY MINT CAIPIRINHA

Ingredients

  • 4 fresh strawberries
  • 5 mint leaves – torn
  • 2 dashes simple syrup
  • Strawberry Perrier

Garnish

  • Sprig of mint

Procedure

Place the strawberries, mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a high ball glass and muddle well. Top with Strawberry Perrier, stir gently to combine, and garnis with a sprig of mint.

Green Tea Mojito

Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM

Green Tea Mojito

Pro Tip:

Before you add your sprig of mint as a garnish, place it in one hand, cup both hands, and clap your hands together to gently bruise the mint to release some of the essential oils. This will give you a whiff of mint each time you take a sip.

Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.

Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!

GREEN TEA MOJITO

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon of lime juice

  • 4 large mint leaves

  • 2 teaspoons of sugar

  • 1/3 cup of brewed organic green tea

  • 2 Tablespoons of White Rum

Garnish

  • Lime wheel

  • Sprig of mint

Procedure

Pour lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar into a glass.  Muddle mixture.  Fill glass with ice and add organic green tea and white rum.  Stir well and serve.

ZERO PROOF GREEN TEA MOJITO

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon of lime juice

  • 4 large mint leaves

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1/3 cup of brewed organic green tea

  • 2 Tablespoons of white grape juice

Garnish

  • Lime wheel

  • Sprig of mint

Procedure

Pour lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar into a glass.  Muddle mixture.  Fill glass with ice and add organic green tea and white grape juice.  Stir well and serve. 

We love this mocktail because it is the perfect way to make everyone (those who are pregnant, avoiding alcohol, on medication, or just don’t feel like having a drink) feel welcome at your special event. 

By Sarah Prawl

Stepping outside the box and creating unforgettable experiences was a consistent theme throughout May. Brooklyn Academy of Music and the World Science Festival wowed their guests with unique performances, experiential décor and delicious food, all while supporting a great cause.

BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC

BAM Gala 2019 At The Brooklyn Expo Center

May 15, 2019

BAM took us back to the 80’s for their 2019 Gala at the Brooklyn Expo Center. Neon strobe lights, disco balls and electronic music set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke and best-selling author Walter Mosley were honored for their work in the arts and contributions towards BAM’s programming. The gala raised $1.8 million towards BAM’s education and artistic programs.

The gala’s 500 guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, while simultaneously enjoying a galactic strobe light show and up-beat electronic music. The meal featured Roast Filet of Beef with Kohlrabi Boulangere, Chanterelles and Red-Wine Shallot Puree; Crispy Cauliflower Wedges with a Warm Fingerling Potato Salad, Baby Kale and Afila Cress; and a Blackout Cake Redux with Chocolate Crémeux and Malted Milk Chocolate Custard for dessert. During dessert, guests enjoyed an artistic performance by the Feather Theory dancers and live music by Neneh Cherry.

THE WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL

World Science Festival Gala 2019 At Jazz At Lincoln Center

May 22, 2019

The World Science Festival Gala was an out-of-this-world experience celebrating the 100th anniversary of astronomic observations that confirmed Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. To celebrate this pivotal milestone, guests gathered in the Rose Theater for Light Falls: Space, Time, and an Obsession of Einstein, which featured an original orchestral score and performance capturing the journey.

After the performance, the gala’s 250 guests enjoyed a “stellar” dinner featuring a Goat Cheese and Asparagus Tart with Pea Tendrils, Sugar Snaps and Truffle Vinaigrette; Beef Short Rib with Spring Vegetables; and a custom hand-crafted “Newton’s Apple” with Green Apple Mousse, Cinnamon Crumble and Vanilla Bourbon Jelly for dessert.