Saturday, February 27, 2010

Date Night Eats (for the Gentlemen)


I've often heard both men and women complain that dinner dates are repetitive and boring. I disagree. Eating at its core is a social activity and should always be fun. I think the problem is that alot of times men have go-to restaurants that become standard fare for date nights and that is boring. Food is an adventure that should always be exciting and new, take dates as an opportunity to explore new cuisines and broaden both your and her culinary horizons. Veer away from large chain restaurants that we’ve all been to before. Choose interactive dates that allow for intimate conversation and adventure, it may seem like something trivial but trying new foods with your date and showing her that you're open minded and willing to try different things is attractive and she will note and appreciate it. If you're unsure how to find good new restuarants simply ask around, look online or in any Atlanta based publication. Both Creative Loafing and the AJC have food sections that feature reviews and commentary on a plethora of Atlanta’s best restaurants. Remember to pay attention to ratings,Zagat rating etc. (they are there for a reason and if you’re going into completely new territory (i.e. trying a new type of food) you will be more likely to get the best of that type of cuisine at a highly rated restaurants (I’ve posted links to both Creative Loafing and the AJC site below). If you’re nervous about trying something new or you want to be prepared so you’re able to take the lead and make menu suggestions on your date do keep in mind most restaurants have websites where they post their menu’s complete with a description of each dish. If you get to a restaurant and find yourself completely unfamiliar with anything on the menu, just ask your waiter. Most restaurants, especially upscale ones require that their waiters have an extensive knowledge of both the food and drink menu, the waiters will know what will best compliment your choices so that you can create the best possible menu for yourself and your date. Also keep in mind that you do not have to spend an arm and a leg to get a interesting, delicious meal. If you’re short on money suggest visiting an area with a large concentration of any ethncity and picking a restaurant there, in any area that attracts one cultural group you’ll find the most authentic foods for the best prices. Buford Highway has a lot of authentic Mexican and Vietnamese resaurants that have delicious food for veerrry cheap prices. Don’t judge these places by their appearance, they do tend to be hole-in-the-wall’s but the food speaks for itself. After following my tasty advice, you’ll not only be on your way to becoming a gentleman, but a restaurant connoisseur when it comes to the ladies.



For some decently restaurant ideas see some of my suggestions below.

Twist: It’s a good choice for first encounters because it’s a tapas restaurant it puts you in the position to share food and try the dishes together thereby providing conversation (I think tapas is great for dates because the point of that style of eating is sharing and interacting) It can be moderately priced to expensive depending on what you order.

Flip Burger Boutique: A fun environment with a modern interior, it is the brainchild of an ex competitor on Top Chef and its greatest attraction remains its liquid nitrogen milkshakes—namely the Krispy Kreme donut flavord one. In addition they have a whole list of unique gourmet burgers made with anything from kobe beef to chorizo sausage and they offer fun alchoholic beverages like root beer float martinis. It’s moderately priced.

Nancy’s Chicago Style Pizzeria: Great pizza and finger foods with a lot of topping choices a stocked bar and kareoke and/or live music, this is good for a laid back fun sort of date or just for a change of pace. A favorite of Akon (random I know) and you won’t spend a terrible amount of money if you and your date share a pizza.

Ru-San’s: If you like Sushi and in the evenings rambunctious environment go here—and if you say it’s your birthday they will give you a sake bomb and let you dance on the table just sayin’. Try the fried ice cream it’s yummy and remember that you aren’t limited to Sushi there are plenty of other food choices on the menu. The pricing can be anywhere from cheap to bordering on expensive here depending on your order.

Bricktop: I have a thing for their macaroni and cheese and the salads but really I go for their desserts, namely their skillet cookie. Just trust me on this one. That skillet cookie is awesome and their bread pudding is a close second. Save room for dessert if you eat here.



Creative Loafing Food & Drink Page: http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Food

AJC Food Page: http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-restaurants-food/

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