Do These: Valentine's Day Events

By Jacy Wojcik in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 9, 2009 10:10PM

Before you buy your significant other that heart-shaped necklace for $17.99 that you saw in Sunday's Target circular, consider one of the options below that range from free to really expensive and from hot date to family affair. Also, stay tuned for anti-Valentine's day options for the apathetic or the haters later in the week...

• For the music lovah, Flosstradamus and Gatekeeper are at the Abbey Pub at 9:00 PM, tickets are only five dollars, yipee!
• Watson Adventures' "Naked at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt" is this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Art Institute of Chicago. You’ll "scrutinize paintings, sculptures, miniature period rooms, sultry sirens, feckless lovers, Greek muscle men, peeping toms, bedlam in bedrooms and the half-naked Truth." Sexay. Tickets are $25.50 and you can purchase them here and click here for more info about the hunt. No word if there are any naked-themed prizes...
• The Lodge Tavern (21 W. Division) is hosting a "Speakeasy Valentines" from 6pm- 8pm on Saturday. Dress in a 1920's costume, party with 20s dancers, sip on Beefeater gin cocktails and champagne, and eat 20s themed food (burgers and sandwiches, apparently) for a mere $30. Tickets and can be purchased at The Lodge Tavern or by calling 312-664-6656.
• For the family: a French cooking class at Alliance Francaise de Chicago. Kids ages 4-8 and adults will learn about French food and culture and bring home samples of their creations. For reservation information call: (312) 337-1070.
• Marigold restaurant has a Kama Sutra Tasting Menu- $50 per couple or $70 per couple with a bottle of wine. Take home a complimentary Kama Sutra book to read in the cab and finish your night off all bendy-like. Reservations recommended, call Marigold at 773.293.4653.
• Whether its your first date or your five millionth date, Cupid Has A Heart On, a musical comedy about relationships, is a great bet. In it's fourth year, the show is every Saturday at iO Theater at 10:30pm. Go early and make it a double-header: Whirled News Tonight at 8pm is equally hilarious.
• Animal lovers and vegans alike! Mercy For Animals is hosting its 4th Annual Vegetarian Valentine's Party at Enclave this Friday 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. with complementary drinks, gift bags, music, dancing and a best dressed in red contest, vegan treats & sweets from Veggie Bite, Mana Food Bar, Chicago Diner, Whole Foods and more. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
• Letters X6 is in its 6th year of being a laugh-out-loud show featuring songs and monologues based on actual break-up letters, emails and text messages- selected from more than 100 submissions. And is recommended by our A&E writer, Ali Trachta. The show is this Saturday at 8 pm at the Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont Ave). Admission is free.
• Undecided on which dil makes the best gift? Sex Toys 101 here just in time. On Wednesday, February 11th from 8-10 PM, The Pleasure Chest is hosting a mini class to teach you about their condoms, lubricants, vibes for beginners or pro's, couple's toys, cleaning, & safety. Stick around afterwards for coffee, cakes, and convo. And bonus, if you attend you get a 15% discount. Class is on a first come first serve basis and is free.
• Chicago winters got your lover's face all dry? Put some chocolate all over it. Mitchell Dental Spa, is offering a special Chocolate Cherry Facial for the month of February featuring Eminence Organic's Chocolate Mousse Masque. For the month of February this facial will be 50% off.
• And because it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without a fancy dinner option: Tru is featuring their Chef’s Market Collection menu ($200 per person) as well as their Aphrodisiac Collection ($250 per person). Or...you can enjoy a three-course Dessert Tasting menu in the lounge ($40 per person). These Valentine’s Day specials will be offered Friday through Sunday. For the super crazy v-day fanatic: surprise your date with a box of homemade chocolates (for $36 extra) and/or a floral arrangement just for your table at the low, low price of 125 bills.