THE NIGHT STUFF
For the love of ... a low-key Valentine's checklist
By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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Do the day of romance a bit differently with beer, a prom or improv
I wouldn't call myself anti-Valentine's Day. But I'm certainly no fan of some of the stuff one must accept as one-half of a couple on this day honoring love.
Three big beefs:
So how about we just drink some beers, go dancing or laugh out loud?
Here's a Night Stuff guide to a relatively low-pressure postsunset Val-Day week in our town.
HOPS & GRINDS: STRAWBERRIES, CHOCOLATES & REDS
Where: The Willows, 901 Hausten St.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. today
Money love: $25 advance (952-9200), $30 door
Why go? The beer menu at the monthly beer- and food-tasting fest takes a turn toward the aphrodisiacal with a two-dozen-strong sampling collection including chocolate stouts, mocha porters, strawberry ales, honey wheats and a rose beer.
Extra love: "The chef surprised me when he asked, 'How do you feel about a chocolate beer chili?' " organizer Andy Baker said of this month's grinds menu. The result? Chef Jay Matsukawa's chocolate beer chili will boast Rogue Ale's Chocolate Stout, beef, roasted garlic and caramelized onion. Breath mints, anyone?
Chocolates? Yes. Chocolate-covered strawberries and lots of chocolate-infused beer.
For lovers only? Of beer, certainly.
FOREPLAY
Where: Indigo Eurasian Cuisine, 1121 Nu'uanu Ave.
When: 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday
Money love: $7
Why go? Because doesn't a promised "evening of erotic sounds, visuals and sexual education" sound darn interesting? On hand, IONA dancers in leather wear, a table of for-sale erotic toys and attire, and Planned Parenthood, Healthy Mothers For Healthy Babies and the Life Foundation offering condoms and some knowledge to go with them.
Extra love: "We're gonna be playing some old '50s black-and-white sex-education videos once showed in high schools," Indigo promotions /marketing director Jason Silingo said about the evening's erotic visuals and sounds. "And I told all my DJs that I want them to play tracks that have sexual lyrics in them to go along with the theme." Some Marvin Gaye is most assured.
Chocolates? Yes. Gratis chocolate aphrodisiacs and a chocolate fondue fountain with strawberries.
For lovers only? Nah. Let's get it on!
ACID WASH'S AWESOME '80S PROM
Where: NextDoor, 43 N/ Hotel St.
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday
Money love: Free with '80s prom attire, $15 without
Why go? 'Cause don't you want to see Duckie get Andie this time? Even if it's just a couple of "Pretty in Pink" fanatics dressed like the so '80s boho-cool duo? The Acid Wash prom committee will deck the usually irony-free weekly with balloons, flowers, a photo booth and other minutiae screaming '80s prom night. Dress the part and get in free.
Extra love: As usual, '80s tunes and only '80s tunes rule. "But it's gonna be geared to prom, so you'll hear more couples songs," said NextDoor's Mike "Vegas Mike" Licata. Such as? "When the prom king and queen are crowned, you'll probably hear Alphaville's 'Forever Young.' " What, no love theme from "Oxford Blues"?
Chocolates? Promised.
For lovers only? No. But having a date ensures you'll have someone to dance with when O.M.D.'s "If You Leave" finally spins.
HONOLULU: A LOVE AFFAIR
Where: Hanohano Room, Sheraton Waikiki hotel
When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday
Money love: $15
Why go? Valentine's Day without the excess, courtesy of the folks at Hono-lulu magazine. Fashionable pink or red attire is requested but not required. Guests coughing up for VIP tables (at www.skylinetwo.com) get a complimentary champagne split for each person. Singer/guitarist Sender plays "acoustic/indie/crunk" till 10 p.m. After that, dancing and sweet city views in a chill setting till 2 a.m.
Extra love: It's Flash Hansen and Matty-Boy Hazelgrove approved.
Chocolates? What, and ruin the "V-Day without the excess" part?
For lovers only? You might actually want to be single.
LOOSE SCREWS & THEIR IMPROV LOVERS
Where: Kumu Kahua Theatre
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Money love: $10
Why go? The Honolulu improv comedy vets will be playing off the romantic relationships of audience members. Recent fight with the significant other got you down? Let the Screws work it out for you.
Extra love: None. But you might be able to get a nice comforting hug from a Screw.
Chocolates? B.Y.O.C.
For lovers only? Nah. Singles could actually find this very educational.
Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.
