Marissa Lippert, Nourish Kitchen Table
I have a go-to favorite in my dreams (hopefully I’ll get to go there with someone awesome – and worthy – very soon). I recently discovered Bar Goto on the LES and it’s pretty damn special. The most incredible, sexy lighting and an intimate vibe; cocktails so perfectly mixed you could easily slip into more than 1 (or 4); and should your date be going extraordinarily well, there are small plates of thoughtful and delicious Japanese fare. A sake-gin martini + Japanese-style celery and wings + killer customer service…your date would have to work really hard to screw something that good up.