Free Singles Valentine's Dinner at the Garden Spot in Bakersfield, California

Singles often have nothing to do on Valentine's Day, leaving them feeling left out. But one restaurant in Bakersfield, California is changing all that. The Garden Spot on Truxtun and Oak is not only offering a full dinner for singles on Saturday evening, February 14^th, they are also offering live music, get-to-know-you activities and games, a raffle with prizes worth $500, and much more.

Now here's the best part about it - it's totally FREE! You heard me right, free! The only requirement (yup, there's a catch) is that you have to be totally single - no couples, no people in a serious relationship, no people in any relationship, period. This is great for attendees, however, because they know that whomever they meet is totally single and available.

Anyone who has eaten at the Garden Spot before knows they have absolutely delicious, healthy food. I have eaten there a number of times myself and can say that every time I have gone, everyone in my party including myself has been very happy with the food and friendliness of the staff. Frankly, I've never met anyone in Bakersfield that has anything but good things to say about the Garden Spot.

The Garden Spot's breads are baked on site, and include bread sticks, muffins, and corn bread. They have one of the best salad bars I've ever eaten, with a terrific variety of fresh greens, vegetables, beans, fruit, and other salads such as fresh tuna and hard-boiled eggs. The Garden Spot's soups are homemade with fresh ingredients; the ones I have tasted have all been excellent. Some of the more popular soups include Basque bean, chili, turkey chili, and vegetable.

During the week, the Garden Spot offers entrees, including Mexican food and pasta dishes. They usually serve baked potatoes or yams. The Garden Spot also offers desserts, some sugar-free desserts, and fruit. For a great dining experience, eat out on the patio for lunch or dinner when the weather is warm. Dress is nice casual.

Keith Barnes, owner of the Garden Spot, told me that the Valentine's Day dinner is served from 6 to 8 p.m. and includes chicken, roasted potatoes, bread and muffins, a variety of desserts, and champagne. Gary Huggins, a talented local musician, plays live music on the saxophone, something that is sure to put everyone into a mellow, romantic mood.

Mr. Barnes went on to say that, "We are expecting about 250 people and have planned a great dinner for Bakersfield singles with lots of fun and activities. We did this last year, and everyone had a lot of fun."

At around 7 p.m. the fun begins! Get-to-know-you activities include speed dating and other fun games and activities. There will be time to simply mingle on your own as well. Rest assured that the atmosphere will be fun, casual, and comfortable for all.

The raffle starts shortly after, and the Garden Spot has some great prizes lined up. All total, they amount to a value of about $500. The biggest prize is worth $120 for 4 tickets to see the hockey team the L.A. Kings at the Staples Arena in Los Angeles. The next biggest prize is a $100 shopping spree at a local women's fashion boutique. Other prizes include an $80 shopping spree, 4 tickets to see the Bakersfield Condors, a $50 gift certificate to the Protégé, a local hair salon, 2 passes to the L.A. zoo, and a number of free brunches, lunches, and dinners at the Garden Spot.

The Valentine's Day dinner at the Garden Spot ends around 10 p.m., so you will have plenty of time to go get coffee afterwards should you meet someone special. The Garden Spot is located at 3320 Truxtun Ave., Suite 150. Look for the big sign on the northwest corner of Truxtun and Oak. You need to have a free ticket to get in. Space is limited. For more information, call 323-3236.