For the past seven years, the Ritz-Carlton at Battery Park has transformed its 14th floor lounge into a chocolate paradise during the month of February. This year's theme is a Chocolate Carnival, featuring myriad mouth-watering confections from award-winning pastry chef Laurent Richard. With commanding views of the harbor, the lounge is an ideal spot to pass a winter's evening gorging on the unlimited chocolate buffet, while downing bottomless Champagne and chocolate-themed cocktails, until you at last dissolve into a blissful, diabetic coma.
It costs $75 per person, but that includes an open bar, plus as much chocolate as you can eat and sneak out in your coat. The carnival comes to town Friday and Saturday nights through the end of the month; reservations, which are required, can be made by calling (917) 790-2600. And if you're made of money and really want to impress your chocoholic date, the hotel is offering a Chocolate Lovers' package, which includes one-night luxury accommodations and an hour-long couples massage, for $695 per couple. (Without the massage, the package is a mere $475.)
For our exhaustive index of Valentine's Day dining recommendations, go here.
