Ah, St. Valentine's Day - a day of love and lovers, chocolates and red roses, champagne and lobster dinners, red lingerie, teddy bears, balloons, frilly cards, and of chalky candy hearts that once simply said “Be Mine”, and now say “Text Me”. And, if you believe the jeweler's ads, you'd better get her some diamonds or you'll be in the doghouse.
Disgusted? Then mayhap you subscribe to Anti-Valentine-ism. Do you view the day as a “Hallmark Holiday”, taking issue with the crass consumerism and the forced, clichéd gestures? Or do you dub February 14th “SAD” (Singles Awareness Day)? In either case, there's a whole industry out there waiting to outfit you for your rebellion: handbooks (on how to cope or how to throw an anti party), cards, favors, tee shirts and buttons that bear your anti-VD sentiments.
Romance is a concept not easily defined, and of course it is highly personal. If you are a traditional sort with deep pockets, not willing to give up flowers and chocolates and plates paint-brushed with sauce, a visit from the sommelier, and towering displays of chocolate and pastry technique, then simply go to this Opentable link for a look at what's on offer from area restaurants that promise to provide the food and the mood.
Perhaps, instead, you are weary of the fancy dinner with the hefty bill where conversation across the white tablecloth stays in the kids and work zone. Perhaps you are young and short on dough and not so keen on the red rose routine. For singles or couples, for younger or older, I've compiled a list of things to do in Baltimore this weekend or on the very day, that are a bit different, unexpected maybe, generally less expensive, and most importantly I hope, stimulating.
The unexpected can be romantic, no? And, what is more conducive to connecting than an experience shared, followed by the conversation it generates, helped along the way with some food and drink? Here's my list, which in the end is actually very Baltimore in spirit– rough around the edges, quirky, urban, gritty and even classic.
In the Station North Arts & Entertainment District:
-
Winter Festival of Wonders, Friday-Sunday, February 10, 11, 12. This three day event of art, music and performance at Area 405 is a kind of arty circus/freak show including vendors, workshops and all sorts of things you cannot find anywhere else. It will, at the very least, encourage discussion.
-
Rogue Waves, An Evening of Shorts, Friday & Saturday, February 10-11, 8:00 pm. Presented by the DIY theatre company The Acme Corporation, Rogue Waves is four acts of aberrant theatre, in some cases interactive, and in all cases intimate (seating is very limited).
-
The Artist, at The Charles Theatre, at present through February 16. With ten Oscar nominations, this mostly silent, black and white film is an utterly charming confection. Beyond the charm, it invites analysis of its narrative technique, style and structure. The Artist is a must-see for film buffs.
While Station North is brimming with galleries, studios and theaters, and will be the new home of the Baltimore Design School, restaurateurs have been slow to move in, so dining options near and after one of the above activities are limited. Fortunately, one of those few options is Tapas Teatro, one of my favorite haunts, where the food is consistently good/great and the sharing of lots of little plates promotes communion. There's also Joe Squared nearby, where I've only been for drinks, but their pizza, etc. is getting good press. Expect this joint to be jumping, as they have live music on tap for later in the evening. Both places serve late.
In Charles Village/Remington
-
Mobtown Modern presents: John Cage's Sonatas and Interludes, performed by Adam Tendler, 2064 St. Paul Street, Tuesday, February 14, 7:30 pm. This “cooperative events venue” at St. John's United Methodist Church in Charles Village is a joint venture with Red Emma's Bookstore and Mobtown Modern Music Series. In celebration of the composer's centenary, New York pianist Adam Tendler will perform Cage's breakthrough percussion via piano composition.
-
Trixie & Monkey present: Tainted Love, Otto Bar, February 14, 9:00 pm. Trixie and Monkey, "pioneers in the art of shenanigans", are an “award-winning acrobatic burlesque super duo that have been flipping and stripping for audiences since 2002”. If an acrobatic, burlesque, cabaret, strip-tease variety show cannot spark you and your valentine, then I don't know what will.
Whether you go for an evening of John Cage or for the “shamelessly eccentric” Trixie and Monkey, afterwards head to the hip Rocket to Venus, home of the deep-fried PB&J and Baltimore's Best Veggie - Brussels sprouts roasted with balsamic vinegar and olive oil - among other things. Or try the less hip, but very neighborly The Dizz, touted for its decadent burgers, friendly atmosphere and flickering fireplace. Both bars serve food late.
Elsewhere
-
Garden of Joys and Sorrows, Chamber Music at the Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall at the Peabody Institute, Tuesday February 14, 8:00 pm. Tickets for this six-part program of Debussy and others are a mere $15 dollars ($10 for students). So, do hasten to one of Baltimore's most illustrious institutions on the 14th or on some other night for entertainment of stature for not too many greenbacks. Next, sharpen your appetite with a walk up Charles Street to another Baltimore Institution. The historic Owl Bar's speakeasy vibe with a wood fire glow will take away any and all chills.
-
Paul Wingo Jazz Trio, Bertha's, February 14, 9:30 pm. Bertha's steady stream of local jazz music is a real asset to Baltimore’s nightlife. Get there early and grab a mini-booth, then play footsie under the table to a jazz beat. Since Bertha's does not charge a cover, you'll have a little extra cash to spend at Henninger's Tavern before the show. The eclectic, low key, intimate Fells Point mainstay has been dishing out some great food for years, and if you dine at the bar you'll not only save a few bucks, but you'll feel like a regular.
-
Love is a Battlefield: The Anti-Valentine's Video Party, Creative Alliance at the Patterson Theater, February 14, 7:30 pm. First grab a drink at the Alliance bar and, depending on your status, either bask in your contented coupledom or indulge in memory's pang of broken hearts. Follow it all up with a trip across the street to Matthew's, the 40+ year old hole-in-the-wall where crazy good pizzas are slipped out of the oven onto paper plates. Be sure to share a pitcher of Miller when you're dissecting or remembering love's battlefield.
As you ponder which happening to favor, I leave you with a Valentine's nursery rhyme from Gammer Gurton's Garland (1784):
The Lady's Song in Leap Year
ROSES are red, diddle, diddle,
Lavender's blue:
If you will have me, diddle, diddle,
I will have you.
Lilies are white, diddle, diddle,
Rosemary's green ;
When you are king, diddle, diddle,
I will be queen.
Call up your men, diddle, diddle,
Set them to work ;
Some to the plough, diddle, diddle,
Some to the cart.
Some to make hay, diddle, diddle,
Some to cut corn ;
Whilst you and I, diddle, diddle,
Keep the bed warm.
Comments