after dark

There's no better way to get rid of the cold weather blues than a bit of foot stomping to get body temperatures soaring.

The event: Solarside returns with AfriKanizM after a successful event in December, combining fresh house with tribal beats. DJs Stevie B from London and Vincent Chicha (right) from Paris take to the decks, supported by drums master Griffe and a bevy of go-go dancers to raise the mercury. Tomorrow, 10pm. Club Ing, 4/F, Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. $180 (including two drinks). Inquiries: 2838 3690.

Soul food: To get you in the mood for some good, old-fashioned boogieing, don't go past La Boheme, which not only serves heart-warming Moroccan food, but it also welcomes performers to take to the piano, maracas and microphone. The steaming tagines - lamb and vegetable ($165) and chicken with preserved lemon ($165) - are succulent and aromatic, while the homemade breads ($10) are superb. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too - you can't go wrong with the veggie couscous ($110). La Boheme, LG/F, Hollywood Commercial House, 3-5 Old Bailey St, Central. Tel: 2526 6099. Open: Monday-Saturday, 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-late.

Party starters: You'll need a little pick-me-up before you slip on the dancing shoes. A new Central lounge and brasserie, Metro, offers an exotic range of cocktails and light meals in what used to be fine-dining restaurant Blue. With a late-night opening, comfy banquettes and intimate tables, it looks set to garner a regular crowd. The green apple quickstep ($68) packs a velvet-gloved punch with its combination of fresh apple juice, Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon and a hint of slow-burning wasabi. Standard drinks are good value ($29) during the 5pm-7pm weekday happy hour, as is the $88 two-course weekday set lunch. Metro, G/F, 43-45 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2815 9880.