The David Burke Kitchen just opened last week, but New York's food bloggers are already in a tizzy. The "modern locavore joint" is located in The James Hotel's basement-- radically transformed with rustic exposed beams and glass walls framing the kitchen and wine cave. The New York Times Diner's Journal describes the signatures found on the American menu (think dry-aged ribeye steak) and the chef's innovative touches: "like using a duck press to extract the juices from the heads of giant prawns for the sauce for his bucatini with prawns, or combining veal skirt steak and sweetbreads with crab meat to redo the classic 'veal Oscar.'" The hearty cuisine uses locally sourced ingredients; portraits of the farmers who supply the kitchen are framed on the restaurant's walls. We also like the sound of the artisanal cocktails and homemade sweet and savory "pop tarts" at the Treehouse Bar.

Looking for a romantic escape for Valentine's Day? Book a stay at The James New York to enjoy this stellar new eatery, and get an unbeatable deal for the occasion: A three-night stay for the price of two at the newly introduced Penthouse Loft. Renowned international designer Piet Boon curated the interiors, featuring a wet bar, freestanding tub and double shower, and a sprawling living room with river-to-river Manhattan views.