How to spend a perfect mid-30s birthday in NYC

The scene: You’re turning 37. You want to go out to celebrate, maybe with a partner, bestie, or small group of good friends, but you’re not trying to dance on a table until 1 in the morning. Here’s your perfect plan!

Step 1: Some solo time for reflection is a necessity at these moments of transition, so take a break from work to take yourself to a beautiful omakase at Omakase Sushi Dairo. The lunch omakase is only $85, the fish is standout, and the seasoning has just the right - but not excessive - touch of creativity.

Omakase Sushi Dairo, 280 3rd Ave. Open for lunch weekdays 12-2:30 p.m.

Step 2: Pick yourself up a beautiful bouquet of flowers - my gf got me these gorgeous ones from the Bouqs, but I’ve never turned up my nose at a TJ’s arrangement, either.

Step 3: After work, meet whoever you’re spending the evening with at Astor Wines & Spirits to taste whatever they’re sampling that evening. Bonus if it’s the day they sample all 12 wines in their monthly mixed case! Pick up a bottle of your favorite, or perhaps a bone-dry bubbly, as a birthday gift to yourself.

Astor Wines & Spirits, 399 Lafayette St. Tastings most days 5:00-8:00 p.m. - check website for details!

Step 4: Head over to Temperance, the best wine bar in NYC. Every wine on their list is available by the half-glass, glass, or in a flight, so just tell the expert staff your preferences and watch them design the perfect tasting experience for you! If you’re feeling peckish, get a plate of their deviled eggs or arancini to nibble alongside.

Temperance Wine Bar, 40 Carmine St. Opens 4 p.m. weekdays, 1 p.m. weekends, closed Mondays.

Step 5: For dinner, walk just a couple of minutes over to Da Toscano. (Res are a must here!) It’s the perfect balance of trendy and actually worth the hype. Don’t miss the focaccia with taleggio butter to start, and trust the server’s guidance for your mains - they didn’t steer us wrong once.

Da Toscano, 24 Minetta Ln. Opens for dinner at 5 p.m., closed Mondays. Reserve on Resy.

Step 6: Head home smiling, sated, and thoroughly content. Cheers!