This Valentine’s Day, Suzanne Kirkland plans to frock up in a 1920s-inspired ensemble and take in a screening of “The Artist.” Wendy Rutherford is headed to Alma Cocina, the new restaurant in the 191 Peachtree building downtown. Both will share the night with groups of friends.
“We’re going to have a good time,” said Rutherford, who noted that Alma Cocina is donating 20 percent of Tuesday’s lunch and dinner receipts to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Her boyfriend, Jeffrey Gardner, is the restaurant’s sous chef, so they may be able to exchange smoldering glances. And the singles in her group are welcome to proffer their best come-hither looks. “Valentine’s can be so annoying,” Rutherford said. “You’re not going to be inundated with this lovey-dovey atmosphere if you don’t want it.”
Indeed, Valentine’s falls rather non-romantically mid-week, so instead of aiming for a smoochy couples’ night, how about getting your friends together for a special outing?”
Enough with all the lovey-dovey stuff. Valentine’s plans for some include getting together with their buddies.
Free to be me
Cypress Street Pint and Plate plans a Blackout Valentine’s Day evening. Imagine sipping a $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon by candlelight and you get the idea. Other specials include half-price bottles of wine and beer and doughnut pairings. 817 W. Peachtree St. 404-815-9243, www.cypressbar.com.
Splurge a little
If you and your chums have lots to celebrate and the means to do so extravagantly, the St. Regis Atlanta hotel in Buckhead plans a Joie de Vivre Rare Rosé Champagne Tasting in the Wine Room, billed as “the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and celebrate the joys of life, no sweetheart required.” The sumptuous event, hosted by Harry Constantinescu, the hotel’s sommelier and wine director, includes tastings of NV Roederer Estate Brut Rosé, NV Feuillatte Brut Rosé, 2002 Veuve Clicquot Rosé, Krug Grand Cuvée Rose and Cristal Rosé. It’s $250 per person, including hors d’oeuvres, tax and gratuity. 88 W. Paces Ferry Road. 404-563-7900, www.stregis.com /Atlanta.
Book lovers
If your book club is looking for a post-Valentine’s Day get-together, Georgia Gwinnett College and the Gwinnett County Public Library system are teaming up to host “Pink Carnation” series author Lauren Willig on Wednesday. A reception starts at 6 p.m., followed by a talk and signing at 7 p.m. Books will be available for purchase. The event will be held in the Student Center LVIS room at the college and is free and open to the public. 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville. 678-407-5000, www.ggc.edu.
Free ice skating
If you’re the outdoorsy kind, Park Tavern offers free ice skating on Valentine’s Day with the purchase of a $15 voucher for any food and drink item. The voucher is good for that night or some other time, if a torrid Valentine’s Day dinner isn’t your thing. 500 10th St. 404-249-0001, www.parktavern.com.
The anti-valentine
And if “Love Hurts” is your theme song, Publik Draft House is hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day party starting at 7 p.m. today with a number of themed drink specials (It’s Not Me It’s You cocktail, anyone?) They’ll also have a shredder at the ready for therapeutic discarding of your ex-honey’s photos. Participants receive a free shot of a Cupid’s Revenge concoction for reducing their former flames to ribbons. 654 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-885-7505, www.publikatl.com.
Tea time, more at Ritz
If you’re looking to go all “Downton Abbey” this Valentine’s Day season, consider taking tea at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. Today through Sunday, try afternoon tea takes on a choc-tacular spirit with delicacies such as chocolate chip cherry scones, flourless chocolate brandy cherry cake and milk chocolate hazelnut tortes. It’s $34 per person.
Linger in the Ritz’s bar and mixologist Christa Sladky will whip up one of her seasonal creations, such as a martini made with cherry brandy, white chocolate Godiva liqueur and vanilla Stoli. Available through Tuesday for $14.
The Haute Chocolate bar, featuring spicy dark chocolate, milk chocolate caramel or red berry dark chocolate, along with a host of signature toppings like house-made whipped cream and marshmallows, is also open for business Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 26. It’s $10 per person. 3434 Peachtree Road N.E. Call 404-237-2700 or visit ritzcarlton.com.
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