BlackBook

No stranger to controversial subject matter and evocative filmmaking, Canadian writer, director, and actor Xavier Dolan's work is always fierce and distinguished. And with his new music video for Indochine's "College Boy" he's causing a stir in France. 

Who says New York is cold and heartless? Every February 14, at least, we stop staring at our smartphones for a few hours and instead look adoringly into each others eyes. Here are some of our favorite places to share those looks of love.

Mina Soliman is a woman of many talents. She once served as the general manager of the legendary New York restaurant Indochine, she helped launch the Top of the Standard nightclub, and she has supported herself as a fit model for various fashion companies. "I have worked in fashion, nightlife, and hospitality for the last 20 years, and the best way to describe what I do now would be as an independent creative consultant," she says. 

Once upon another time, in a very different South Beach, there existed a singularly swinging spot called the Strand. Put into play by an incredibly well-connected Gary Farmer, former manager of New York's iconic Indochine, the Strand was see-and-be-seen before there even was much of scene. Consequently, it's since become something of a legend. So if the folks behind Kane Steakhouse have their way -- and their wish -- that certain something that made the Strand what it once was will grace South Beach all over again -- and we'll be better off for it.

Fashion Week has descended upon New York City, anointing new and yet-to-be-opened venues with its holy presence. Fashion houses and fashionable rags have shouldered their way into seen-and-be-seen restaurants and night spots, and have sold off their first born in order to offer their party guests a first look at some unopened places, like The Mondrian and the Darby's buzzy basement. The perennial question: Whether to elect tried-and-true spots (or, in the case of Alexander Wang, gas stations and bounce houses) over what could be just a flash-in-the-pan hotspot. Herewith, a rumor-mongering and totally useless look at where all the week's parties shall take place.

Is it me or is there a Thai restaurant on every corner in Manhattan? The latter seems right: they're as ubiquitous as ATM machines. And they're not all that special, either (you have to go to Queens for that). Thankfully, New York City recently received one of the best Thai imports in the city's culinary history. Ty Bellingham—who worked at the famed Sailors Thai in Sydney, Australia—has taken over Kittichai at 60 Thompson, giving it that Thai magic makeover. It also doesn't hurt that he's regarded as one of the world's top Thai chefs. It took Ty a couple months to get acclimated, so we gave him some time to get down and dirty before getting the dish on his new adventure.

● Mena Suvari at the Zac Posen for Target shopping party: "Sushi at Nobu." ● Ginnifer Goodwin: "Candle 79 here. Madeleine Bistro in L.A." ● Selma Blair: "I love the Savoy and I love Minetta Tavern." ● Zac Posen: "My favorite restaurant Kai, just closed in New York. And I'm very saddened about Takashimaya. I love Casa Lever has the best steak and great pasta. It's really good Italian."

Raven O, former host at outré burlesque haunt, The Box, moved from his hometown in Hawaii to New York after winning airfare at a dance competition. He calls his childhood in the tropics that of a “country boy.” Raven’s life in New York has had its ups and downs, but recently, things have started coming together for the eccentric performer. He’s in the recording process for his first solo album and his one-man show at the Bleecker Street Theater, "One Night With You" was such met with rave reviews. More on the superstar's crazy past after the jump.

At David Barton Gym annual toy drive: ● MARC JACOBS - "In Paris, there's a small club called Montana, and there's a restaurant called Thiou. Bars I really don't hang out in. Oh, there's this great club that happens once a month in Paris called Club Sandwich. And it's at the Espace Cardin. And everyone gets super dressed-up, so it's really, really fun. I try to go whenever I'm in Paris, if it's going on. And we stay out all night and just dance like crazy. And in New York, my favorite restaurants have always been the same. I love to eat at Pastis. I love the Standard. I love Da Silvano. I eat in the lobby of the Mercer a lot, the hotel. I usually go to Pastis for lunch, and there's a sandwich that was on the menu, but they don't make it anymore, but I always insist that they make it for me. And it's really fattening, so I shouldn't eat it, but it's chicken paillard and gruyere cheese and bacon. And it's so delicious. It's really good. And it's my weakness. It's just like the most perfect sandwich."

Here at BlackBook, we pay a lot of attention to where cool customers go out -- bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, hotels, you name it. So why not flip the frame and let you see where we go out? Here's a periodically updated, exhaustive list of hotspots currently favored by everyone at BlackBook, from the mighty bosses down to the humble interns, from the charming local lounges around the corner to the jet-setting temples of luxe living. ● Creative Director - Jason Daniels, The Odeon (NYC) -American Psychos down salmon and steak frites, but the real scene's on the sidewalk. ● Vice President, Content - Chris Mohney, Agua Dulce (NYC) - Festive outpost feels like Miami, F-L-A.