KRISTEN ENGLERT
Staff writer
Although Valentine’s Day is designed for those with loved ones to show their appreciation for that person, there are some people who do not have a significant other. While some singles may take this day to mope around and complain about their shortage of chocolate and roses, others will use this day to celebrate the good life of being single. So transfer the anxiety and depression that Valentine’s Day can bring and celebrate Singles Awareness Day at some of Los Angeles’ great new hot spots.
Students often get caught in the Malibu “bubble” that is our 21-mile-long town, and forget that there is life outside Zuma Beach and Moonshawdows. Especially for Valentine’s Day, it is time for singles to break free and explore what Southern California has to offer.
For those still soaking in the local waves, Casa Escobar Thursdays might be just what is needed. Located conveniently next to Hollywood Theaters on Cross Creek Road, Casa Escobar serves the best Mexican food Malibu has to offer. With its swanky feel and great bar full of plasma TVs, Casa is just the place to go when feeling a little under the Valentine’s Day weather. When it comes to authentic Mexican food, Casa hits the nail on the head. Free chips and salsa are key, and with an array of food, ranging from taco salads to seafood paellas, the only thing needed is a group of your closest friends to enjoy the quaint dance floor in the back. For those who are 21 and older, Casa has a great selection of signature cocktails, their most famous being their enormous flavored margarita. So, if looking for a great place to get lost, head to Casa Escobar and enjoy a night of good food and dancing. Mexican food is not for everybody, so if going for something a little trendy, try Club Chloe in Santa Monica. Chloe is an intimate French bar located on 2nd Street. Although the outside of Chloe is nothing to brag about, an east coast feel immediately hits when stepping into the bar. With its dark wood and red lighting Chloe is a great place for friends to enjoy great people, service and drinks. It is a small joint, so large parties have to squeeze in, but it is great for that “girls over bros” mentality. Once inside it is easy to sink away into the red booths, so sit and enjoy the great music this bar has to offer.
For those who would rather pamper themselves on V-Day, facials, manicures and pedicures are things that every girl (and some guys) can enjoy from time to time. Burke Williams is one of the most renowned spas in the Los Angeles area. From steam rooms and saunas, to massages and skin care, Burke Williams might be what every girl needs this Valentine’s Day. Located on 4th Street in Santa Monica, Burke Williams isn’t far away. While reservations may be hard to come by, the extra hassle is worth trouble to squeeze into this lavish environment. Girls, be ready to be pampered in the life of luxury. An afternoon massage is the perfect way to relax and forget about the pangs of single hood.
Women are not the only people that get a little lonely on the most romantic day of the year. Sometimes guys get lonely, too. Yankee Doodle is a huge sports bar on 3rd street promenade. It comes with 49 TVs, 28 pool tables, an arcade, an outside patio and good food to go around. Yankee Doodle has a great atmosphere, and will do its job in distracting men lacking of a love life.
The kitchen serves a large, moderately priced American/Italian menu complete with wings and a cheeseburger. For students 21 years and older, a draft beer can also be enjoyed in a frosty mug. So, if girls have you down this Valentine’s Day, head over to Yankee Doodle where it is all man stuff all the time.
So ladies and gentlemen, even though Valentine’s Day is another way for Hallmark to remind singles of being alone, there are many places to explore that will distract the mind from love, at least for one night.
02-14-2008
