Friday, January 27th, 2006

From The Absurd To The Equally Absurd

Yesterday the Daily News reported about the $150,000 Valentine’s Day extravaganza. Today, they highlight the White Castle Valentine’s Day special:

White Castle wants couples who love little burgers as much as each other to share Valentine’s Day romance over a bag of belly bombs. They’re even taking reservations.

“Some people come for a laugh, but most have a story to tell about their first date at a White Castle, or maybe they went there after the prom,” said Kelly Collins, a marketing supervisor for the chain, who said in other cities some dates arrive blindfolded or in limos.

Next month, the fast-food chain famous for its bite-size burgers will offer a Valentine’s Day experience - a far cry from the $150,000 extravaganza offered by the Buckingham Hotel in midtown that was profiled in yesterday’s Daily News.

That romantic getaway featured a private jet, penthouse suite, Nobu dinner, champagne and a Fifth Avenue shopping spree. But V-Day at White Castle means 49-cent hamburgers you can buy by the sack.

Canoodling couples will arrive at the franchise of their choosing - 48 in the New York area are participating in the promotion - and be greeted at the door by a hostess dressed to the nines, instead of in the usual White Castle uniform.

The lovers will then be escorted to their cloth-covered, candlelit table as romantic music is piped in.

“People love this,” said Collins.

Well, maybe not everyone.

“I wouldn’t dump him but I would laugh and say, ‘Let’s leave,’” said Edie Sherman, 26, who has been with her boyfriend for seven years.

“I wouldn’t dare for Valentine’s Day. Any other day, I would, but not Valentine’s Day,” said Mike Mazzeo, 20, who has been dating for five months. “What would she tell her girlfriends?”