Valentine’s Day sucks. Everything is suddenly pink and red. Singles are scrambling for something to do so they don’t feel pathetic and couples are overcompensating with expensive dinners, cheesy greeting cards and marriage proposals. Not to say that I don’t like celebrating it. But my boyfriend definitely doesn’t want anything to do with it. However, I came up with a list of fun ways couples (ahem, me and bf) and singles can enjoy the day without having to spend too much money. BTW, if you’re looking for Valentine dinner specials (yawn), you won’t find them here.
Big Bar’s Valentine’s Day Prom — Free
I don’t care what you say, even though we’re all adults, prom is still fun. Especially when the theme is “Enchantment Under the Sea” and it involves spiked punch ($9) and a dance floor. But just make sure you don’t get wasted as there will be a prom photographer, too. And I’ll be there…going stag and judging the contenders for the Prom King and Queen of Los Feliz 2011! If you feel that should be you, enter the running by emailing sevilla.jc [at] gmail.com your fave prom song, whether you’re coming as a couple (include your date’s name) or stag, and why you should be King or Queen. Whoever wins will be sent off to enjoy their kingdom of Los Feliz in a horsedrawn carriage. So dress up in your best nautical-inspired prom wear!
Cocktail menu ($11 each):
Sleepless in Los Feliz Punch: Landy Cognac, Apple Brandy, Peach Brandy, Lemon, Soda
Officer and a Gentleman: Luksusowa Vodka, Ginger Liquer, Lemon, Honey, Angostura Bitters
Romantical 75: Luksusowa Vodka, Hibiscus Syrup, Lemon, Sparkling Wine
The Bitter Break Up: Villa Massa Limoncello, Campari, Sparkling Wine
Carrie’s Prom Bucket: Moonshine Clear Corn Whiskey, Genever, Lemon, Creme de Mure
- 6pm-12am. Free admission. Big Bar, 1927 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz (map).
Scoops Westside’s Valentine Flavors — $7 a pint; $13 for two (V Day special)
Matt Kang, proprietor of the Scoops Westside outpost, came up with special Valentine’s Day flavors so you can celebrate with your sweetie or break out the pints for your anti-Valentine party. Here are the flavors:
Raspberry white chocolate
Chocolate port wine
Strawberry balsamic
Blueberry pomegranate
Brown bread with strawberries
- 3400 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 405-7055.
All You Can Eat at Mas Malo — $20
This would be a fun group date. Mas Malo’s “X+O Ladies+Bros” Valentine’s Day party features an all-you-can-eat special for just $20! Plus there will be a cash bar so you can indulge in the specialty cocktail menu and 260-tequila bar. Regarding where to grab a seat, upstairs in the mezzanine if you want to people watch the dining room below or in the basement bar if you want to actually hear each other speak.
- $20. Mas Malo, 515 W 7th Street, Downtown (map).
The Edison’s Queen of Hearts Ball — $25
Downtown’s basement bar, The Edison, is throwing a Queen of Hearts Valentine’s Ball complete with a Queen of Hearts Band and dancers as well as DJ Daisy O’Dell. Lovers and singletons can toast to themselves over the Queen’s Punch, made with Perrier Jouet, Beefeater’s Gin, strawberry and a secret ingredient (aphrodisiac?). Tickets are $25 and include a cup of punch.
- 7pm. $25. The Edison, 108 W. 2nd Street, Downtown (map).
Compartes Chocolatier’s Macallan Scotch and Chocolate Truffles — $30
OK, this isn’t an event but if I had a box of these, I’d make it one. Gah! I’ve never wanted a box of chocolates as much as I want this! Dark chocolate ganache truffle infused with Macallan 18 and covered with single-origin dark chocolate. So luxurious. This, I wouldn’t share with ANYone, not even bf. There are only 10 pieces after all. Sorry. (Not really.)
- 912 South Barrington Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (310) 826-3380.
Not Cheap, but Fun Options
Viceroy Santa Monica: Tour of the Senses — $95
Indulge in a four-course menu (lobster with risotto, mmm) while lounging in a poolside cabana at Viceroy in Santa Monica. Swank. There will be Scent Tents where you can sample aromatherapy oils and create your own body scrub which will be packaged for you to take home. And finish off the night by toasting each other with a champagne and sparkling wine tasting.
- 6-10pm, February 14. $95. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (map). (310) 260-7511.
Malibu Cafe’s Picnic Lunch Basket — $100
Sure, this picnic lunch basket sounds pricey for $100 but not only does it contain an appetizer, a couple of entrees and dessert but a champagne split, wine from Saddlerock Vineyards and a large blanket to sit on. Guests can take the basket to enjoy anywhere on Calamigos Ranch and return the basket and blanket before the end of the evening. So romantical!
- Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch, 327 South Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu (map). (818) 540-2400.