Friday the 13th evokes many themes and emotions: blood, ghosts, murder…and romance? The horror flick “Captivity,” releasing this weekend, is about the kidnapping of a fashion model by an obsessed madman. During her weeks-long struggle, the model teams up with a fellow male prisoner and — while deflecting bouts of sadism — they fall in love. Dinner and a Movie takes a look at some ways couples can avoid their own stereotypical nightmares this horrifying weekend, through romantic dinners and a less-than-scary movie, “My Best Friend.”

DINNER

There’s excitement in the air whenever a chef with a pastry background opens a new restaurant. Maybe it’s the thrill of versatile virtuosity, or the hope that everything on the menu will be as completely satisfying as a good dessert. P*ong, the new restaurant of Pichet Ong, has garnered its share of excitement. Mr. Ong’s Asian-inspired desserts were reliably remarkable at Spice Market and Perry Street, and I was among the anticipating throng at his new casual West Village spot. To nobody’s surprise, desserts are the best thing at P*ong. The same creativity that in the earlier courses gives rise to confusing, unsatisfying combinations is more successful when the unifying power of sugar is involved. It makes delicious sense of a cylindrical Kaffir lime meringue wrapped around lemongrassscented yogurt, rhubarb ice, and coconut gel ($10). And it makes stars of unlikely ice creams, among them a sweet basil-arugula one that accompanies the flat, though gloriously fragrant, walnut-crusted Stilton soufflé ($14). (150 W. 10th St., between Waverly Street and Greenwich Avenue, 212-929-0898) — Paul Adams (reviewed on June 20)

The Sun also selects:

Alta — On the edge of the West Village, this trendy restaurant serves tapas influenced by Mediterranean flavors, including bacon-wrapped dates and olives stuffed with marcona almonds, fried balls of goat cheese with lavender honey, and caramelized cauliflower with clams, chorizo, and raisins. The restaurant also offers a large number of vegetarian dishes, and a sweet chocolate fondue. (64 W. 10th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 212-505-7777)

Paradou — The best aspect to this Meatpacking restaurant is its outdoor garden seating; go during brunch to enjoy the sunshine. Merguez is served with wine-braised onions and blueberry spread on a baguette to create a salty-spicy sweet sandwich. Try the “really big burger” with goat cheese as an unusual take on a cheeseburger—the goat cheese is lighter than cheddar or Swiss, but its tangy kick highlights the juiciness of the burger. (8 Little West 12th St. at NinthAvenue, 212-463-8345)

Tournesol — This little French bistro, opened in 2002 by a former maître d’ at the Midtown restaurant Artisanal, Pascal Escriout, put Vernon Jackson Boulevard in Long Island City on New York’s culinary map. The restaurant offers deftly made French classics and unexpected delights, such as an appetizer portion of tartiflette, a potato gratin served with lardoons and layers of creamy Reblochon cheese. (50-12 Vernon Blvd. at 50th Avenue, 718-472-4355)

MOVIES

Patrice Leconte’s “My Best Friend” (“Mon Meilleur Ami”) is centered on the frantic struggle one man must undertake in order to find his own best friend. François is a sophisticated antiques dealer in Paris who discovers that none of his “friends” actually like him. After purchasing an expensive vase on the company tab, his business partner makes a bet: If he can find a social companion who actually likes him, he can keep the vase. If not, the partner gets to take it home. François soon teams up with Bruno, a friendly cabbie who shows François how to be friendly without indulging in his simpering behavior. The dealer finds out quickly whether or not his newfound tactics will actually stick in making true friendships. (Friday, 7:30, 8:25, and 9:45, IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave. at 3rd Street, 212-924-7771, $11 general, $8 members, $7.50 children and seniors)

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