The Savored Blog

Off the main drag of Times Square, Pigalle sits quietly on 8^th Avenue, beckoning diners with elegant plates that are whisked past its large windows. We entered its doors on Valentine’s Day for the Savored Signatures event, “Twin Aphrodisiacs, Oysters and Absinthe.”

The low lighting of the private room spotlighted tables heaped with glistening oysters and their fixings, and poised waiters skirted every which way, bringing cocktails and fresh bread to the guests of the event. There was something suspect in the green glimmer of the absinthe cocktail pushed toward me along the bar. The bartender called it a “Green Goblin” and assured me I would love it.

Absinthe has a long and tumultuous history, finally earning its place among legal alcohols in the United Sates in 2007.  Thanks to our friends at Liquor.com, we got the inside scoop from Lucid Absinthe on the fascinating legalization of Absinthe in the United States, and their anecdotes on launching the iconic brand. The liquid (in its pure form) is transparent, but when the bartender demonstrated the traditional method of drinking the alcohol, he combined a sugar cube and ice water, and the water turned a mystifying cloudy green color in front of our eyes.

Meanwhile, the oysters were free flowing from the kitchen in bountiful buckets, provided by New York Oyster Company, well known for providing sustainable and fresh oysters to local events.  Meaty and clean shucked, the oysters were a salty joy that cut through the sweet taste of the Absinthe concoctions.  With Valentine’s Day now more than a week gone, I’m still happy to know that Oysters and Absinthe make a great (aphrodisiac) pairing.   So whether you’re an experienced Absinthe pro or you’re still quite green, pick up a bottle of Lucid Absinthe and celebrate on the half shell!

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and for most New Yorkers, plans have yet to be made. In this season of romancing, we gals can’t seem to take our mind off everything from the food on our plate to the man on our arm for this special holiday, so we want to share some of our  best ideas with you. Take a look at these exclusive Savored offers, from Savored Signatures to our regular 30% off deals, and start planning the perfect Valentine’s Day. We’re practically handing you cupid’s arrow – you can thank us later.

Did you know oysters were an aphrodisiac?

Renowned institutions Lucid Absinthe and New York Oyster Company sure are setting the mood this year, offering you the ‘twin aphrodisiacs’ this Valentine’s Day at the Upper West Side’s Pigalle. Mee-ow.

Trattoria Cinque's ultra-chic dining room

 Wine and dine your loved one all the one downtown to TriBeCa and feast on Italian specialties at Trattoria Cinque, an OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award Winner in both 2009 and 2011.

Need we say more?

       Wine and Chocolate tasting. Valentine’s Day. Enough said.

A savory feast at La Palapa

Make your Valentine’s Day a fiesta this year at La Palapa, a charming East Village spot serving up authentic Mexican specialties.

Richard and his girls

 Just because you’re single this Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t romanticize. Book this private consultation with famed matchmaker Richard Easton and turn your dating game up a notch.

A sweet ending to an intimate evening at Inside Park

What’s more romantic than famed St. Bartholomew’s Church and decadent American Nouveau cuisine? Close to nothing…and that’s why Inside Park at St. Bart’s is an ideal destination for a night of swooning.

Celsius' swanky dining room

Impress your date with a mouthwatering three-course Valentine’s Day menu at Bryant Park’s Celsius, and finish up with a lovely skate around the rink.