Yachting Around on Valentine’s Day

Just blocks away from the luxury rentals at 555TEN sits Pier 81, one of NYC’s newest entertainment destinations. This fleet of floating venues docked on the Hudson River offers a unique vantage point from which to enjoy the city. Reminiscent of many of your favorite rooftop hotspots, this waterfront social scene promises something out of the ordinary, and is sure to make your Valentine’s night one that you will not soon forget. Take in the views of Lower Manhattan, indulge in a four-course sit-down dinner, and elevate your basic Valentine’s “dinner and drinks” to a whole new level.

With Pier 81 so close to the Midtown West apartments at 555TEN, you’ll eventually want to take in all it has to offer. Head over for a casual afternoon excursion aboard the North River Lobster Company to crack lobsters and have a few beers on Manhattan’s only floating lobster shack. Or bring the entire firm, or even a few dozen friends, for a chartered event aboard the World Yacht Duchess: a blank canvas upon which to plan the ultimate luxury party on the water. However, for the sweetest day of the year, you’ll want to book a cruise for yourself and that someone special aboard Hudson’s.

The newest edition to the Pier 81 fleet, Hudson’s is a 161-foot, three-story floating seafood lounge and rooftop bar. Commissioned in the summer of 2017, this 10,000-square-foot yacht boasts 360 degree views and offers a decidedly “out of city” experience. It all begins with your 5:45 pm boarding. Enjoy sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres as you await your departure at 7. Or, indulge in one of Hudson’s creative cocktails, like the Rye of the Storm, made from Hudson Manhattan rye, oleo saccharum, grapes, strawberries, Royal Ginger KomBrewCha*, and mint.

Once out on the water, you’ll enjoy Hudson’s fabulous “Harvest-to-Harbor”menu: a four-course meal made from local, seasonal Hudson Valley ingredients. The appetizer, entrée, and dessert are your choice. Winter offerings include a starter course of selections such as pan-seared baby lamb chops with fire-roasted tomato and salsa verde, or grilled delicata squash with maple lime vinaigrette, chili flakes, and pomegranate. For your main, we recommend the braised short rib with celeriac puree, baby carrots, and asparagus, or the delectable wild mushroom pappardelle and roasted tomatoes, wild mushroom ragout, baby kale, parmesan, aleppo pepper, and tomato oil. And while dessert offers three choices, for us, on Valentine’s Day, there’s no competing with the chocolate ganache of double chocolate, raspberry sauce, and fresh berries.

Take an after-dinner drink up to the open deck. The bracing February air will quickly be calmed to a breeze as you sip a Hull of a Mulled Wine (steamed red wine, pama liqueur, agave, lemon, cinnamon, clove, and orange) or a Campfire, made with espresso, Kahlua, Bailey’s, Praline, mole bitters, topped with just the right amount of whipped cream. At around 8 pm, be sure to catch the ultimate view of Lady Liberty as the captain slows the vessel for your viewing pleasure before you move to the lounge for a final round and the sounds of a live DJ. Linger for a while after you dock to stroll along the waterfront and take in one more glimpse of city lights glimmering on the water.

For an unforgettably romantic Valentine’s Day, there’s no better choice than an evening at Pier 81.