Well it’s Valentine’s Day…I listed several options earlier in the week and see below for more ideas…plus you can check out my Westside Today article about Valentine’s Day Dining on the Westside.

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Mama’s got a jazz gig….but there are a couple of fun art events too…so head out with some friends and enjoy your love of art.

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Listen up men in relationships!! You better be sure to treat your ladies right…or it’s gonna be a bad night for you (or maybe a year)….no matter what she says….listen to Mama on this one. Check out LA Art Party’s Restaurants/Bars Page for more ideas on where to take your honey…I can’t promise you that you’ll be able to get a reservation…but you better start trying. See below for a couple of fab bakeries to win her over with sweets when all else fails!

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Stop by Ten Women Gallery on Montana….for some original art gift ideas. Also in Santa Monica, artist Brooke Harker will is offering 50% off on her sketches – Click Here for info. In Culver City….you’ll be able to snatch up some great gifts at the Word is Art Gallery.  Basically ….you should just check our our Artists/Exhibitions Page and see all the wonderful art that you can buy…to surprise your honey. You can always give him or her a gift certificate. Just email us back, at laartparty@gmail.com for your gift certificate for the work of our incredible artists….better late than never!

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Los Angeles’ First International LGBT Photography Show Opens With A Two-Day DOUBLE LOVE VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY. World of Wonder, the production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, presents “Art With A Manifesto: ROUND HOLE, SQUARE PEG.”

The group show is curated by Phil Tarley at ARTISTS CORNER GALLERY & BOOKMAKING. 

See image: THE ANATOMICAL MAN Photo By Richard Sawdon Smith (UK)

Inspired by Los Angeles’ Musuem of Contemporary Art, Bob Mizer- Tom of Finland exhibition , ROUND HOLE, SQUARE PEG is an effort to find a new visual esthetic for the diverse LGBT community. The show consists of two different exhibits.

The first presents the 30 winners of a juried competition of emerging and mid-career artists from 8 different countries. The second is an invitational with some of the best LGBT-themed photography of our times including work by such renowned artists as Arthur Tress, Rick Castro, Tom of Finland, Duane Cramer, The Good Wife costar Alan Cumming, Austin Young and more.

The Love Parties will offer the show’s catalog of the entire exhibit at half price $35.

Refreshments, parking and entrance are free. DON’T forget to RSVP…mention LA Art Party to ensure entry.

On view: February 14th – March

What: Opening reception
Where: Artists Corner Gallery, 6585 Santa Monica Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90038
When: Two night opening TONIGHT Feb 14th & Sat Feb 15th 6-9pm

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Also close by…Steve Turner Contemporary (6026 Wilshire Blvd., LA) hosts an opening from 8-10 pm. http://steveturnercontemporary.com/

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In Santa Monica…bG Gallery invites you to a very special evening of cupcakes and art. Celebrating art from its “Orgone Accumulators” exhibit, and love in all its forms, couples and singles are welcome to enjoy a fun evening with delicious cupcakes and wine. A wonderful way to spend Valentines night, hosted by Alexis Robertson.

Curated by Daniel Rolnik,”The Orgone Accumulators” is loosley based on Wilhelm’s theory of an energy that “is blue, visible to the naked eye, and responsible for weather patterns, gravity, the birth of galaxies, emotion and sexuality.”

Artists include: Airom, Austin Irving, Christine Wu, Chris Rexroad, Courtney Reid, Daniel Rolnik, Frank, Gay Summer Rick, Ghost Ghost Teeth, Isabelle Alford-Lago, John Knuth, Kate Jackson, Mark Hanauer, Poppy Lawman, Ryan McIntosh, Shaun Berke, and Thomas Wittaker Kidd.

On view: February 7th – February 19th

What: Opening Reception
Where: bG Gallery, 1431 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, Ca 90401
When: 8:00 pm-10:30 pm
Phone: 310.451.9983
Website: http://www.BGartGalleries.com

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Or in Venice…Joe’s Restaurant will also entice your true love with an $95.00 per person 4-course meal.

Seducing her with entrees such as prime rib of beef, lamb sirloin, African pheasant or Fish for two, (snapper, sole, black bass and more), Joe’s is the quintessential place to dine.

The eclectic menu also offers a nice selection of starters such as Oyster and asparagus, scallop fettuccine with honey mussels….just to name a few. Be sure to call quick to make a reservation 310 399-5811; Joe’s Restaurant, 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd., in Venice.

Update: Joe’s has closed….boo hoo – what a great restaurant

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In Westwood…

NINETHIRTY will host a four-course Valentine’s dinner for $60 per person. The menu includes a Porcini Budino, followed by a New York Steak served with short rib and tamarind agnolotti and more.

Wine pairing is also available through LXV wines. NINETHIRTY will be available for seatings between 5 and 10 pm.

Valentines Menu available Prix Fixe for $60 (++$40 for recommended wine pairings)  For reservations call 310.443.8211. NINETHIRTY is located in the W Hotel at 930 Hilgard Ave., LA, 90024.

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In Beverly Hills, impress your date with an eight-course Valentine’s dinner for $275 per person at Melisse. The first seating runs from 5:00pm – 6:30pm, with the second seating taking place from 8:15pm – 9:30pm.

Chef Josiah Citrin has created options for diners to enjoy his Valentine’s Day menu on Thursday, Friday or Saturday (Price is $150 per person for Thursday & Saturday’s dinner). The eight-course menu includes dishes such as his famous Egg Caviar, a soft poached egg with lemon crème fraiche and American Caviar; Perigord Truffle Risotto with mascarpone and shaved black truffles; and Crispy Atlantic Bass with Swiss chard, onions and sweet clover broth. Melisse 1104 Wilshire Boulevard, SM 90404; 310.395.0887. http://melisse.com/

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Or celebrate the big day with a casual vibe at the relaxed and retro Melody Bar and Grill in Westchester. DJ Creepy will be spinning tunes to get you in the mood.

Half price martinis will add to the flavor of the special day…BTW the food is really amazing here with great prices. The Melody Bar and Grill is located at 9132 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. (310) 670-1994; http://www.melodylax.com/

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Keep the romance going with a dinner the night after V-Day…February 15, Secret Supper invites you to a Valentine’s Soiree. I have attended and can tell you first hand the food is AMAZING….served on impeccable china with an artsy vibe. The dinner is held in a stunning private home in Venice.

The menu includes Lobster Bisque, Chicken in Champagne Sauce, Red Velvet Swirl Brownies and other delights…and as always there will be a lively group of foodie folks. The donation is $55 per person or $70 per person with a wine pairing. The location of the dinner will be revealed once you register. Only 4 seats left, so email us back at LAArtParty@gmail.com if you would like more info.

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Give the gift of treats to your honey….Essential Chocolate Desserts is open 7 Days a Week and ready for Valentine’s Day. They offer a “Happy Hour” Mon thru Thur 5pm – 7pm. Enjoy desserts, coffees, teas, ice cream, chocolates & more!

Give them a call at (310) 287 – 0699 to reserve some sweets for you special Valentine. Essential Chocolate Desserts is located at 10868 Washington Blvd.; Culver City, CA 90232. 

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One more idea for a tasty treat to bring home….pop by the Copenhagen Pastry in Culver City. Perhaps you are planning to cook, then arrange for a fantastic EASY dessert. Pick up some incredibly delicious deserts from this Danish bakery.

A little box with pastries or dessert cakes would be a great gift for that special person in your life. Copenhagen Pastry uses authentic Danish recipes, traditional baking methods creating light and flaky Danish pastries made on site.

See image: featuring Napoleon Hat, Romkugle, Almond Mazarin and Kranse Cake.

Copenhagen Pastry is located at 11113 Washington Blvd., in Culver City; 310 839-8900. http://www.copenhagenpastry.com