Valentine’s Day is rolling into town, on a Saturday no less, when most restaurants will be converted into a sea of two-top tables and serving overpriced tasting menus. It’s a night when a lot of single folks would be tempted to stay in, eat a burrito in bed, watch a movie, and call it a day (I know some couples who feel the same way). But I say if you’re single and like to mingle, here are some ways to make it a fun night out, sans red roses.
Host a banquet dinner with your friends
For many years, I have hosted a banquet dinner with my fellow single friends on Valentine’s Day at a Chinese restaurant (we jokingly called it "The Lonely Hearts Club"). There’s nothing better than sitting around a round table with your friends, feasting Peking duck, and drinking some quality Champagne. And Chinese New Year is almost here, so start celebrating early. For ideas on where to go, check out my previous piece on 7x7.com.
Go watch some drag queens be all bitter over love
On Valentine’s night, Heklina’s new drag party, Mother (previously Trannyshack) at the new Oasis in SoMa is dedicating the night (Mother: Broken Hearts Club) to Putanesca’s birthday. Heklia had this to say: “And being the bitter old queen that she is, Puta demanded that it be dedicated to broken hearts, being dumped, seeking revenge against your ex, and taking pride in being single... so basically an episode of Cheaters as a drag show.” [insert nails emoji here] 10pm. Tickets: $10. Oasis, 298 11th Street (at Folsom)
Surround yourself with art at Modern Romantics at Lost Art
Every year, Lost Art Salon hosts a quirky-cute art show and reception on Valentine’s Day. This year you can enjoy some chocolates from Sixth Course and boozy punch, have an old-time paper silhoutte made, meet cool people, and, of course, check out more fabulous vintage 20th century art than you can shake a paintbrush at. This year is a bit more special since they will unveil their most exciting find in 12 years: a rare and never-before-seen double-sided drawing by Gustav Klimt! Free. 6:30pm–9pm. Lost Art, 245 South Van Ness, Suite 303 (at Division)
Dine with strangers
This is a perfect night to check out one of those many "dine in people's homes" services since they are usually a gathering of people who don’t know each other around a table, like this Italian offal dinner on EatWith.com, a Filipino feast in Berkeley on Feastly, or skip dinner and learn how to make chocolate desserts on Cozymeal.
Feel the beat at SoundBox
This weekend (Friday and Saturday February 13–14), head backstage of Davies Symphony Hall to experience SoundBox, the SF Symphony’s new nightclub-like experimental performance space. This weekend will be a live, all-percussion event performed by the Symphony’s percussion section (although you'll be invited to join in at the end), plus you can order cocktails and gourmet snacks. $25. Tickets at SFSoundBox.com and 415-503-5299. Doors 8pm, music beginning at 9pm. 300 Franklin (at Hayes)
Go drink
So, back on that “if you’re single and you like to mingle” thought: Valentine’s night is a perfect time to grab a fellow single wingman/wingwoman and go hit the bars. Odds are good most fellow drinkers don’t have a significant other or they would be on a date that night (unless they happen to be dating someone who works in the restaurant industry). Go ahead and flirt shamelessly. Maybe even buy someone a drink. You are such a catch. Really.
Marcia Gagliardi is the founder of the weekly tablehopper e-column; subscribe and get more food news and gossip at tablehopper.com. Follow her on Twitter: @tablehopper.