Raphael Owner Sees Need for 45s-Plus Mixer

Arnon Raphael noticed that a group of women were coming in from Valley Village to his restaurant to eat, parking in Studio City and carpooling to the Martini Bar in Agoura Hills.

"They were going to where there were more people their age," Raphael said. "I thought maybe I should make it so that they don't have to go so far."

And so, Raphael Restaurant kicked off a successful 45s-plus night on Wednesdays. The first night had 60 people there, the second night more than 40 showed up.

People were dancing to '70s music. Free appetizers were passed around from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. There were Cocktail Specials; 10 percent off all food giveaways; and an ice breaker game to get the crowd mingling. There's no cover and $5 valet parking available. 

It's still tougher to get men in, but word seems to be spreading.

"They were feeling comfortable," Raphael said. "I heard one of them say that they hoped that some couple in their 20s would walk in and feel like a minority." 

For more on the new night, read:

* Spring Fling Yourself to Splendor

* The Over Forty Fivers Singles Mixer