February 11th, 2008
Are you sick of all the hooplah surrounding Valentine’s Day? Are you a fabulous party of one? I already told you how to get lovey and dovey on February 14, but then I remembered there are a plethora of folks in Manhattan that shun the national Hallmark Holiday. Thus, I bring you a variety of NYC activities for the people who are happy (or even those who aren’t so happy) to say they are single this Valentine’s Day.
Town Tavern
134 West 3rd Street bet 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street (212) 253-6955
Join in on the festivities at Town Tavern’s Cupid Is Stupid Party. There will be tarot card readings, snacks, special cocktails and a Cupid-shaped piñata in case you are feeling extra aggressive this Valentine’s day, you can really work it out.
Sugar Sweet Sunshine
126 Rivington Street bet Essex Street and Norfolk Street (212) 995-9960
Grab your friends and head downtown to feed on custom cupcakes, alongside a whole bounty of other baked delights. Any woes you had about being dateless will disappear as you sink your teeth into these yummy masterpieces. There are little café tables to relax and enjoy all the sugar your heart could possibly desire.
Max Brenner
Multiple locations- See Website.
While we’re on the topic of indulging the sweet tooth, I’d like to steer your attention to the grand daddy of chocolate, Mr. Max Brenner. They say chocolate can substitute for a lover so why not let Max be your date? Chocolate pipes run across the ceiling, the cocoa is brewed to perfection and the selection of truffles, sundaes and fudge will satisfy any craving.
Love Actually: Short Films about Love, Sex and Romance
Millennium, 66 East 4th bet 2nd Avenue and Bowery
After party: White Rabbit, 145 East Houston at Eldrigde
Lazy Limabean Film Magazine and SCENEPR bring you a lineup of films about love, relationships and sex from some of NYC’s up and coming filmmakers. Following the showcase you can head to the after-party just steps from the theater at White Rabbit where specialty drinks and appetizers will be served.
Hiro Ballroom
371 West 16 Street at Ninth Avenue (212) 242-4300
Go dance it out to the infamous electronic music of Moby. With his new album about to be recorded this will be one of your last chances to see him perform for a while before he gets busy in the studio. Brazil’s Mixhell and Danny LeNimh (from The Ruff Club a weekly rave party at the Annex) are also on the roster for this event. Thus, it will be a special brain thumping, body jolting night. At the very least, I can promise you Valentine’s Day will be the furthest thought from your mind. Did I mention tickets are only $5 in advance?
The Cutting Room
19 West 24 Street bet Broadway and Sixth Avenue (212) 691-1900
Now here’s an evening for the books. It all begins with Le Scandal’s old-time Burlesque gig followed by sword swallowing, showgirls and a contortionist. Look out for fun giveaways such as tickets to the Museum of Sex. And if you’re hungry there is an optional prix fixe meal accompanied by a live performance from the NYC Blue Devils Band. Food, music and burlesque all rolled into one.
Galapagos Art Space
70 North 6th Street bet Wythe and Kent Avenues (718) 782-5188
A national organization dedicated to ending violence against women and girls brings you Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.†This one-night only special showing of the world-famous play comes to Williamsburg especially for Valentine’s Day. And don’t think it’s just for the ladies. Any person can benefit from a viewing of this socially important production.
Arlene’s Grocery
95 Stanton Street bet Ludlow and Orchard Streets (212) 358-1633
The notable rock music venue is giving you a chance to get up and give your own performance with an all-night karaoke blow out. Is there anything more fun than sucking back some drinks and singing classic rock onstage with your friends? Ummmm, it’s doubtful.
Casa La Femme
1076 First Avenue at 59 Street (212) 505-0005
Dine on Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare and sip on exotic cocktails in plush private tents that will keep you separate from the couples committing unsightly public displays of affection. Bejeweled belly dancers will also help keep your focus, or lose it.
The Museum of Sex
Okay okay, so you won’t be getting any. So go learn about it! The museum will be extending it’s hours this Valentine’s Day from 11am to 9pm. This will be your last chance to catch their latest exhibit, Kink: Geography of the Erotic Imagination. Who knows? You may meet a potential date for next year while perusing the gift shop.
Sarah Polonsky is a native New Yorker and journalist who has contributed to The New York Post, The National Enquirer, Life & Style and OK! Magazine. She happily shares her savoir faire and joie de vivre as an editor of My Urban Sherpa.
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