For Valentine’s Day haters and lovers

To many, Valentine’s Day has become nothing but a parade of products. There are the old Valentine’s stand-bys — the obligatory boxes of chocolate; the frilly heart-laden greeting cards.

The broken-hearted and lonely are often downright bitter at the romantic tradition.

So for those who hold a bit of a grudge against Valentine’s Day, Fred’s Mexican Cantina will host a party to celebrate “Singles Awareness Day,” an alternative take on the Feb. 14 holiday.

Fred’s will have games, giveaways, a complimentary buffet as well as drink specials. It’s the cantina’s tongue-in-cheek way to serve the valentine-less crowd looking for a little.... well, tongue in cheek.

The anti-festivities begin at 8 p.m. at the cantina, 300 Pacific Coast Hwy. Call (714) 374-8226 for more information.

But for people who hold Valentine’s Day dear, there are plenty of other options for a romantic evening around Huntington Beach.

• Serenade special- Professional singer Janice Gerard will travel to Huntington Valentine’s Day delivering the gift of her voice.

She will visit residences and businesses to help put lovers’ feelings into song. Gerard’s Musicgrams are $40, and can be reserved by calling D. Brown at (714) 239-6035.

For more information and samples of Gerard’s vocal valentines, visit www.janicegerard.com.

• Romance of sushi- Couples more inclined to cook than eat out can take a class on preparing sushi.

Though this isn’t a Valentine’s Day-themed event, it does offer a fun and educational way to spend time with that special someone.

The 6 p.m. classes will begin with samplings of the dishes students will learn.

The class is $45 per person, plus a $10 materials fee. All materials will be provided and participants will receive sushi cookbooks and mats to take home.

The class is at the Murdy Community Center, 7000 Norma Drive. Call (714) 960-8895 to register or for more information.

• Love for all ages- Love can be found at any age, so Rodgers Seniors’ Center will host two Valentine’s Day luncheons for seniors.

A romantic 11:30 a.m. lunch will be served. The special menu includes stuffed salmon, rice pilaf, and Normandy vegetables.

The Huntington Beach Council on Aging will host another meal at 1 p.m. There will be entertainment and gift baskets.

Lunches range from $2.50 to $5 at Rodgers Seniors’ Center, 1706 Orange Ave. Call (714) 536-9387.

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All restaurants listed are in Huntington Beach.

• Flight Bistro & Social Lounge, 8082 Adams Ave., will prepare a special three-course meal. Cost: $65 per person. Information and reservations: (714) 374-8300; www.flightoc.com.

• The Longboard Pub, 217 Main St., will dim the lights and offer fare like beef medallions or stuffed lobster, as well as the usual sports on TV. The menu is available through Saturday. Prices vary. Information and reservations: (714) 960-1896; www.longboardpub.com.

• The Californian in the Hyatt Regency, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., will make the evening special with a one-night-only menu, a strolling violinist, and a rose for every woman. Prices vary. Information and reservations: (714) 845-4776; www.huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com.

• Chimayo, 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., will host a three-course Valentine’s dinner with roses for ladies. Cost: $65 Information and reservations: (714) 374-7273; www.culinaryadventures.com.

• SLOWfish, 16051 Bolsa Chica St., will offer health-conscious couples nutritious fare intended to be savored slowly. Prices vary. Information and reservations: (714) 846-6951; www.slowfishz.com.

• The Hilton Waterfront, 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., will add an air of romance to its fine dining experience. Guests will be entertained by a smooth jazz duo while sampling gourmet food. Cost: $95, $190 per couple including tax and tip. Information and reservations: (714) 845-8000; www.waterfrontbeachresort.hilton.com.