Tired of thinking about love? Then come out to the Shannon Lounge on First Street in Hoboken the night before Valentine’s Day and enjoy entertainment and food geared toward those frustrated with Cupid.Coined the “Black Friday Valentine’s Dinner Party,” the event is designed for those both in and out of love and it will take place at the back room of the Shannon Lounge. Produced by Louie Zhelesnik, owner of the popular coffee shop Frozen Monkey Café in Hoboken, Black Friday will be held on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m., and it is filled with surprises and quality acts.
“Black Friday is a Valentine’s Day party for those who are in and out of love,” Zhelesnik said. “We are taking over the back room of the Shannon and turning it into a dinner club. Each person will have a seat at a candle-lit table.”
He added that couples will get their own table, while groups of friends can share larger tables, and singles will be grouped with other singles at larger tables.
The event will be hosted by Simpsinatra, a performer who sings Frank Sinatra songs, and entertainment includes a performance by the P.T. Puppet Show, an anti-Valentine’s Day reading of funny poems and essays by the Hoboken Writers’ Group including Hudson Reporter editor and author Caren Lissner, and a projected screening of the 1944 film Double Indemnity starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray.
“I’m not sure why anyone would love Valentine’s Day, unless you are in the business of selling roses or chocolate,” Zhelesnik said. “It’s easier to see why people might hate it. Perhaps the reminder of not having a partner, or the pressure of spending money to prove your love, maybe it’s all those red hearts,” Zhelesnik said.
After the film, people will enjoy music by the live Bosa Nova band Las Vandelas. Door prizes will be included.
In addition, Frozen Monkey will cater the event and provide tri-color salad with walnut crushed goat cheese and rice wine vinaigrette, soy ginger glazed salmon, rigatoni with roasted butternut squash in white wine sauce, grilled chicken with roasted peppers, caramelized onions and crispy potatoes in a merlot sauce, and grilled pork loin with a crème de cassis sauce. Dessert will include homemade chocolate pecan brownies with vanilla ice cream and coffee.
“We have also arranged to have a small selection of white and red wine for sale at the event,” he said.
Only 60 tickets are available at $40.00 per person. Tickets include all food and entertainment. Cocktails will not be included. Each ticket holder will get his/her own seat at a candle-lit table. Couples will have their own table. Singles and friends will be grouped.
Tickets will be sold in advance at the Frozen Monkey Cafe at 526 Washington St. in Hoboken. For information the event call (201) 222-1311 or visit www.frozenmonkeycafe.com.