The great San Francisco drag queen Juanita MORE! knows a thing or five about surviving and thriving while single amidst the mythology of the potentially repressive Hallmark card holiday.
Here are her insights…
1. Plan yourself a spa day
I prefer a CBD bath in my clawfoot tub and am absolutely hooked on Whoopi & Maya’s Amber Moon Soak for a deep bit of relaxation. Pour yourself a cocktail (it’s grapefruit season so why not make a Paloma) and light a scented candle. Turn your phone off and turn on some of your favorite music – I’m a huge jazz fan and my playlist currently includes: ‘You’re Mine You’ by Betty Carter Live at Lincoln Jazz Center – it’s hypnotic and I wish I could have been there to fall under the spell of the instrument that is her voice. ‘Why Did She Chose You’ by Gato Barbieri is from the soundtrack Last Tango In Paris – a story about two lovers who have an anonymous sexual relationship in which they do not even tell each other their names – a story I could have written. I got to hear Shirley Horn perform ‘Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars’ at the Herbst Theater some years ago. She walked onto the stage and sat down at the grand piano and opened the show with 12 minutes of sheer piano magic. Play your soundtrack and soak.
2. Buy yourself a one-pound box of See’s Candy
I like to do this at least once a week – all nuts and chews – even when it’s not Valentine’s. I don’t even let the sales associate wrap the box. I love Polar Bear Paws, Scotchmallows, Toffee-ettes, and chewy Caramels – let me know if you want to get me a box and I will give you the full list of my choices. Other than being a drag queen, I’d love to work at one of these candy stores. How sweet would it be to work there?
3. Open that special bottle of champagne
A friend left a fabulous bottle at your place for a “special occasion,” but then that occasion doesn’t roll around and it’s still in the frig a year later. I host a lot of people in my apartment for dinner and appreciate when a guest brings a gift – especially a bottle of their favorite libation. I’ve said this before but I’m not someone that likes the gift of flowers. I have a limited number of vases in this small space and a lady can be allergic to certain blossoms. Anyhow, don’t let it sit there any longer, waiting for a date. Toast yourself because you are a special occasion!
4. Spread the love
Call, write or visit someone you have no romantic interest in and tell them how much you love and appreciate their role in their life. I got a call the other night from a friend I haven’t heard from in years. I closed my eyes for a second and really listened to his voice, remembering the love and kindness he always showed me. It brought a warm smile to my face and then he said, “I miss you,” and for a moment my day completely disappeared and I was reminded again of how sweet life can be.
5. Let me be your Valentine
Come and eat spaghetti and meatballs the way Lady and the Tramp did–at my restaurant on Valentine’s eve.
Juanita MORE! Valentine Day Dinner Thursday Feb. 14
Three-course Prix Fixe Menu $35
Arugula salad with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese; Spaghetti and meatballs; Garlic confit baguette; Chocolate love cake
620 Jones Street, San Francisco
Photos courtesy of Juanita MORE!
