Bid Valentine's Day good riddance with activities for a party of one

Bid Valentine’s Day good riddance with activities for a party of one

Heart-shaped candies made from advocaat sit in their mold at the chocolate factory in Heidenau, Germany.

By Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times

Feb. 14, 2013 12 AM PT

Valentine’s Day has come and gone — and good riddance. You spent Thursday night blasting “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor while swigging from a bottle of Canadian Mist and looking at Facebook pictures of your ex and his new squeeze. Romantic love may feel more like a curse than a blessing, but cheer up. Being alone may not always feel great but it can still be something to celebrate, even savor.

Ice Skating! Nothing says “I don’t need you” like awkwardly gliding over ice for a good cause. On Saturday, Woodland Hills Ice will be open all night long to collect funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Every mile you skate earns money for the organization, which fulfills dreams for terminally ill children. Also, if you show up in your PJs (the flannel ones you wore while by yourself on V-Day) between 9 a.m. and noon — and purchase a $5 pancake breakfast — you get free skate rentals. Then from 3:30 to 6 p.m. there will be a karaoke party. You plan to sing “You’re Crazy” by Guns N’ Roses. Woodland Hills Ice at Westfield Promenade, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 232-9123; https://www.woodlandhillsice.com.

Chocolate! It’s not just for cloying lovers and tacky heart-shaped boxes. Take chocolate back by indulging in a decadent Chocolate Lover’s Tea at Montage Beverly Hills. Some research has shown that chemicals found in chocolate can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps decrease anxiety and depression. Chocolate also contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which some scientists believe is released when you canoodle with the one you love. So by eating chocolate you’re just cutting out that messy intermediary (otherwise known as a boyfriend or girlfriend). Chocolate Lover’s Tea, $55 per person, through Sun. Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. (888) 860-0788; https://www.montagebeverlyhills.com.

Flirting! Tables for two are for saps who only want to talk to each other. You want to talk to everyone, and you want to flirt while you do it. So attend a special non-Valentine’s Day dinner at chef Kevin Meehan’s pop-up restaurant, Kali Dining. Meehan promises, “There will be no roses, pink Champagne or passion fruit creme brulee offered for two; if you want that please go to every other restaurant a stone’s throw away.” (Oh, tell us more Kevin!) The dinner will be held in a private location at a communal table that seats only 20, so act fast and reserve your table for one diner — and two wandering eyes — now. Kali Dining non V-Day Dinner. 7:30 p.m. Fri. $100. Location disclosed upon reservation confirmation. https://www.kalidining.com.