Tuna Brochette from Le Bernardin. (Courtesy of Le Bernardin)

Valentine’s greetings date back to the Middle Ages. The history behind this holiday is still a mystery, yet it has transformed the month of February into a time of romance, gifts, and special dinners.

New York City has more exceptional restaurants than one could mention, but the focus here will be on its seven three-star Michelin establishments. Last year, New York boasted five with this ranking, and two more joined in 2012.

A three-star Michelin rating is considered the highest, most respected global recognition in the culinary world. Having met numerous three-star chefs worldwide, and having enjoyed their cuisine, I know they are in a class by themselves and provide an exceptional experience.

Three-Star Seven

Chef César Ramirez at Chef’s Table, Brooklyn Fare; chef Daniel Boulud at Daniel; chef Daniel Humm at Eleven Madison Park; chef Jean Georges Vongerichtenat at Jean Georges; chef Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin; chef Masa Takayama at Masa; and chef Thomas Keller at Per Se.

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is an 18-seat space at the kitchen counter, where your unique experience will be a dinner that includes over 20 small-plate courses. This prix fixe dinner is $225 per person and wines start at $50 per bottle.

Daniel offers luxury traditional fine dining with contemporary, seasonal French cuisine. Having met chef Boulud several times at Bocuse d’Or, I know many chefs who consider this to be one of their finest dining experiences ever. As a result, it is high on my personal list. A pre-theater prix fixe three-course menu is $125, with wine pairing is $168. The six-course tasting menu is $195, wine pairing $105 additional.

Oyster Vichyssoise from Eleven Madison Park. (Courtesy of Francesco Tonelli)

Eleven Madison Park provides fine dining, featuring American cuisine in an art deco building boasting 35-foot ceilings and a view of Madison Square Park. Intimate bar and private dining rooms are both local favorites. It offers an eight-course tasting menu for $195, wine pairing option an additional $145.

Jean Georges’ cuisine represents fine dining that blends French, American, and Asian influences. The atmosphere offers views of Central Park. It offers a three-course $98 prix-fixe menu and a $148 six-course tasting menu. Wine pairing is $65 and $120, respectively. I deeply value his autographed gift of his book.

Le Bernardin provides casual elegance with French cuisine and specializes in seafood. It provides an eight-course tasting menu for $190, with wine pairing $330; and a seven-course tasting menu for $145, with wine pairing $235. However, for those on a budget, Le Bernardin still wants you to have a fine dining experience. Tuna Brochette will be available in its more casual and intimate lounge during February. In reviewing this lounge menu, appetizers start around $14 and go up. This allows everyone to enjoy the romance of Le Bernardin.

Seki Aji from Masa. (Courtesy of Masa)

Masa has simple design; with dim lighting and a sleek Hinoki wood sushi counter and eight tables. Chef Masa’s focal point is food, not décor, and his menu changes daily. Desserts change seasonally, but the Truffle Ice Cream is always a favorite. Masa offers an Omakase prix fixe menu at $450, with 20 to 25 courses.

Per Se is traditional fine dining from famed Thomas Keller of the French Laundry. Located in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle, guests enjoy clear views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. Its cuisine is American with classic French influence. Per Se said it would feature Oysters and Pearls in February. It offers two nine-course tasting menus every evening for $295. One is the Chef’s Tasting Menu and the other is comprised of seasonable vegetables. Wine pairings to accompany these menus starts at $195, depending on tastes. I was fortunate to meet chef Keller at Bocuse d’Or.

A common dominator with all of these talented chefs is their passion and commitment to fresh ingredients, with much of what they use, seasonably and locally sourced. Most menus change daily, except for some appetizers in various lounges.

Black Truffle and Chocolate from Eleven Madison Park. (Courtesy of Francesco Tonelli)

All will provide memorable gastronomic experiences.

If the tasting menus are above budget, I’d encourage trying an appetizer and cocktail or glass of wine in their lounges. More Americans have started to take fine dining experiences seriously. Many enjoy these often, others possibly once a year. Either way, they are lasting and memorable events.

I know Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller actively work toward raising U.S. skills globally, with their involvement in Bocuse d’Or. Very likely, these other chefs contribute in their own manner as well.

Make reservations early, as these seven places book fast—but they are worth the wait. Six of them can be booked online through Open Table; Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare must be booked directly. You may wish to check out menus on websites. Most of the websites feature great photos of dishes and of the restaurants themselves.

NY Michelin Stars

New York has received seven three-star, nine two-star, and 46 one-star rankings. Worldwide for 2012, only 93 restaurants hold Michelin three stars. If you enjoy experiencing this type of establishment, I’d encourage purchasing the Michelin Guide to New York City 2012 which is already available. There are two other U.S. cities that boast an annual guide, Chicago (due Oct. 25) and San Francisco (due Nov. 15).

While I’ve experienced all levels of Michelin star dining, I’ve equally enjoyed many of the one-star places. They are not all fancy, but the total dining experience is what counts.

I welcome your inquiries and feedback.

Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is a freelance writer and president of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association. www.ifwtwa.org