Valentine's Day was marked throughout the Massapequas last Wednesday evening, as residents celebrated the amorous holiday in their homes and local restaurants.

One hotspot for the festivities was Cafe Butera, located in the Southgate Shopping Center in Massapequa Park. Scores of local folk came out for not only the popular cuisine, but also the appearance of a magician, Christopher David.

Massapequans poured into the busy establishment during the dinner hours, as David moved from table to table, performing for both families and couples. As residents relaxed, and enjoyed food and drink, they were treated to a unique type of entertainment - the art of close-up magic. David was enthused by the receptiveness of the patrons, and said his magic seemed to appeal to people of all ages. "It's nice to have a strong reaction. It's a great venue, because it gets me out there, meeting people," said the local artist, who hails from Seaford.

David was particularly impressed by a young coin collector who was enthralled with his coin magic. Coin magic is David's specialty, and through it, he made coins disappear and reappear, jump from one hand to another, and change form.

Another piece of magic was geared to couples, with a romantic theme for Valentine's Day. In this original piece, the magician joined the signatures of a couple on a playing card, and gave the card to them as a souvenir. David found this holiday-themed piece to be quite successful. "If you can link the magic to the event, then it makes it that much more potent," he said.

Other tricks featured disappearing, and reappearing, olives and corks, which added a light, humorous element to the show.

Local residents who missed the Valentine's Day magic show will have another opportunity to see David in Massapequa next month. He will be at Cafe Butera again on Saturday, March 3, from to 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.