Gentleman: Valentine's Day is Here Again!

Valentines Day: Some love it; others loathe it. When you really think about it, the controversy is understandable. If you are in a relationship, you look forward to it; if not, you dread it because it comes as a blatant reminder that you're not. And what about the folks who are in new relationships that have not yet been defined? Can they have an expectation to be acknowledged (or a responsibility to acknowledge someone) on this day for lovers if they've only been seeing each other for a month? Honestly, guys don't care one way or the other because let's face it; V-Day is an Estrogen soaked, female oriented holiday that represents nothing more than pressure to most guys. Pressure to spend money on gifts, plan a romantic evening, and profess their LOVE....or LIKE for the woman (or women) they're involved with. And fellas, make no mistake about it, no matter how slight the involvement, if you want to continue to have a relationship with her, you better not make the critical mistake of not adequately acknowledging her on Valentine's Day. I know......it's all so confusing, but that's why I'm going to help you figure out the perfect thing to do for her to ensure that you don't suffer a dry spell from February 15th to St. Patrick's Day.

NEW RELATIONSHIP: Do not just call or send a text if this is a girl that you want to continue to see after V-Day. If you don't feel like it's at the level that you need or want to take her out, here is an acceptable option.

1. Send her an Edible Arrangement to work. Women love to receive outward signs of affection in front of their friends an co-workers. That little bit of effort will pay off for you big time. Trust me. http://www.ediblearrangements.com/


ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP: You have a clearly defined relationship that leaves no question about whether you're expected to spend the evening together. Here are my picks; you make the final cut based on budget and preference.

1. Tantra: I bet you didn't know that Tantra is the name of a Goddess; A Goddess of Love, no less. So it almost seems preordained that you would spend your Valentine's Day at this upscale, Mediterranean restaurant so aptly named. And if that's not enough, they have a romantic V-Day event planned which includes a 3 course dinner for 2.  You can choose from a wide array of appetizers, entrees and desserts and you also get a glass  
                                                                of champagne! The cost is $55.00 per person.
                                                                2285 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta 30309
                                                                404-228-7963 (Call for reservations or details)
                                                                http://www.tantraatlanta.com/

2. Imperial Fez:  This is an exotic Moroccan restaurant that offers traditional South African food at its best. Their Valentine's Day special includes a 5 course dinner, a welcome drink, AND a glass of champagne. In true Moroccan style, you leave your shoes at the door, dine on pillows and eat food with your hands. In case you can't celebrate on February 14th, the special extends through the 15th and 16th as well. This is a great choice if you want to combine dinner with entertainment because the nightly belly dancing begins at 7:30 PM. The cost is  $75.00 per person but the menu is truly divine. The main course choices are Stuffed Quail, Marinated & Grilled Baby Lamb Chops or Rosemary Lemon Butter Lobster Tail with the Chef's signature Moroccan Shrimp Lasagna. And remember you get 5 courses so it's well worth it.
2285 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta 30309
(Right beside Tantra)
404-351-0870
http://www.imperialfez.com/

3. Chico DeBarge will perform live at Red Ultra Lounge (formerly Mingles) at 8:00 PM. This sexy, sultry crooner is sure to create an atmosphere of passion for you and your #1. The best part of all is the amazingly low price! Ladies can get in  free before 9:00 and general Admission is only $10.00. If you want to make it extra special, VIP and Platinum packages are priced from $100 to $150. Go to Eventbrite for details on what these packages include.
182 Courtland Street NE Atlanta 30303
404-525-5151  
http://chicoatred.eventbrite.com/ (To purchase tickets through Eventbrite)
                                 http://www.redultraloungeatl.com/

4. Valentines Laffs and Love presented by Comedy under the Stairs at The Basement Theater is another option if you want to keep it light and celebrate V-Day by doing something unique. Who doesn't like to laugh. Joel Byars headlines and other comics join him to recount their special escapades with love both lost and found. The admission cost is $5 - $10 so it's different and affordable.
175 West Wieuca Road Suite B3 Atlanta, GA 30342
404-277-3071
http://www.thebasementtheatre.com/

5. Movies: Catching a movie is always a great date idea, especially if your lady love is movie buff, like me. The key is to know her well enough to know if she'll think this is a fun and refreshing way to spend V-Day or if she'll feel it was a cheesy and cheap way to get out of doing something more appropriate. If this is the case, you can "fancy" it up by going to an upscale theater like Cinebistro where you can also have dinner. There are several movies scheduled to be released on V-Day. The most obvious choice; Nicholas Sparks Safe Haven because it's a couple movie. But if you're not a romantic, or don't need a movie to set the mood, here are the other releases for this date: Escape From Planet Earth, A Good Day to Die Hard, and Beautiful Creatures.

                     
FOR SINGLES: Of course, I wouldn't leave out my single followers. Whether happily or miserably single, Valentine's Day should be all inclusive and non-discriminatory. I found 2 spots where you can celebrate your independence, try to forget it, or look for someone to change it.

1. Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro is having what they are calling "Love on the Rocks;"a party for those who are single and/or bitter. This party will feature "Love Bites" food specials, as well as "Love Sucks" $5 shots and beer specials.  Best pf all, there is absolutely no cover charge all night.  In fact, the specials start 7:00 on Thursday and extend through Friday at Midnight.
268 East Paces Ferry Road Atlanta 30305
                                                 404-474-9892
                                                 http://buckheadbottlebarandbistro.com/

2. Havana Club: "If you're SINGLE and you LOVE it CLAP YOUR HANDS....and head over to Havana Club Thursday, Friday or Saturday because they are doing something to commemorate Valentine's Day all 3 days! They are proclaiming 2 of these parties to be the biggest Singles Mixer in "The A." Friday February 15th: is the "Singles Fall in Love Party." They'll have a live Kiss Cam and free Martinis for the ladies before 11 PM with RSVP.  All 3 rooms will be open with DJ's keeping the party lively. It starts at 8:00 PM and sounds like FUN! Cover charge: $10.00. Saturday February 16th is the "Love Bites" Party which gives the finger to heartbreak. So if you are recently single and pissed, join others who feel the same way....I guess. Sounds kind of morbid and twisted, but hey..... On a positive note, they will have $5 specialty cocktails before 11 PM and that makes everything better. So get there early and by midnight, you won't remember who you broke up with or why.
3112 Piedmont Road NE
404-869-8484
http://www.havanaclubatl.com/