Dream On

The LA singles scene is like a smorgasbord of stereotypes straight out of central casting. From the aspiring actor awaiting his big break to the Hollywood hotshot holding court at Katana, Los Angeles is like a pu-pu platter of personalities, preferences and professions.

So, what do all these disparate daters have in common? Well, to put it bluntly, they’re all just a little bit crazy. You have to be to live here. Nobody would willingly put down roots in a place where it takes twenty minutes to drive two miles unless they had a little bit of the Don Quixote dreamer in them. Of course, instead of fighting windmills, we flip off film crews when they block our boulevards. And our heroic quests tend to be more about making it through lunch without eating any carbs.

But, no matter how you slice it, it’s impossible to deny the fact that you have to be a little bit batty to be an Angeleno. After all, in a place where your neighbor makes movies, your waiter wants to be in them and your trainer is probably moonlighting on Mark Burnett’s latest mega-hit, you’d be crazy if you didn’t have a little bit of the dreamer in you.

The trick, when you’re dating in LA, is to find someone whose craziness complements yours. And what better way to do that than to take your date to a museum devoted to dreamers?

That’s right, Culver City-ians, I’m talking about your very own Museum of Jurassic Technology. The museum itself defies easy characterization, with current exhibits ranging from a collection of artifacts from local mobile home parks to x-ray photos of flowers. According to its website, “the Museum preserves something of the flavor of its roots in the early days of the natural history museum - a flavor which has been described as ‘incongruity born of the overzealous spirit in the face of unfathomable phenomena.’ ”

All in all, The Museum of Jurassic Technology is a lot like crawling into David Lynch’s head, “Being John Malkovich” style. It’s a little bit crazy and a little bit kitsch – the kind of place where creaking staircases lead to musty, moth-eaten rooms, and musty, moth-eaten rooms lead to dark, damp corners. If the exhibits don’t get you, the atmosphere will.

So why does this musty maze of madness make for the perfect date? Well, it’s like I said before. Dating in LA is all about finding the one, the one person in this sprawling city whose craziness complements your own. Someone you can laugh with, and adventure with and – dare I say it - dream with. Someone who will still want to hang out with you after you wax poetic about the magical modernism of that mobile home exhibit. The Museum of Jurassic Technology is like the ultimate litmus test for looking at all of these things in your date.

And, admission is free. And so are the cookies and tea at the top of that creaking staircase. Plus, if you park in the public lots off of Culver City’s main street, you get free parking for two hours too. And, as any Angeleno knows, free parking within walking distance of your dating destination is truly the stuff that dreams are made of.

Museum of Jurassic Technology - Culver City

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Lovely-Jubley Under the Stars...

Warm night? Check. Stars twinkling in the sky? Check. Scantily clad warm weather girl? All right, steady on. How about a casually chic hot spot in the valley with a patio out front that is sure to add romance to any date. I offer you, Cafe Bizou in Sherman Oaks. With an array of candles, perfectly set lights and the warm air abounding, it is the perfect date spot for that perfect date.

A California - French menu and full-bar allow for a cozy drink before dinner before heading outside and trying their specials. If you're extra lucky, you might be offered their out of this world Lobster Tail layered over Fettuccine. Divine and as with everything at CafeBizou, reasonably priced. Stretch the dollar a bit farther at this fine dining spot with casual dining prices. Other treats to impress the date with recommending are the Lobster Ravioli, the Chicken Breast done to perfection set over mash potatoes and the Steak Au Poivre - Ask for medium-rare like any good aristocrat.

Should you wish to name drop, ask for Ryan, their astute manager or Neal, their personable Chef-Owner who started it all.

Cafe Bizou - Sherman Oaks & Pasadena

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Child's Play

Let's face it, sometimes being an adult kind of sucks. We have bills to pay, careers to manage, obligations to keep. Sure, being an adult has its upside too -- legal drinking anyone? But, at the end of the day, it's hard to deny that little voice buried deep under the layers of your power suit that's still quietly singing 'I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys 'R Us kid...'

Personally, I've always found that the best relationships tend to be with guys whose proverbial inner child plays well with mine. After all, if the guy won't play a little footsie with you under that fancy white tablecloth, do you really want to sign yourself up for a lifetime of stuffy dinners with him? That's why I love taking dates to Castle Park in Sherman Oaks. What better way to test your long term compatibility than to challenge your man to a game of air hockey and see how he reacts when you score on him?

Of course, Castle Park is way more than just air hockey. There's an arcade full of favorites from the mid-nineties, everything from Street Fighter to skee ball, with token prices also taking a recession friendly trip back to a time when $5 actually bought you a few hours of fun. Cozy up to your date in the photo booth, win some prizes for your paramour and snack on a slice of greasy pizza -- all for less than the cost of the gas it took to get there.

There's also medieval-themed miniature golf, complete with water features, drawbridges and plenty of cute, kitschy places to steal a mid-put kiss. Or, rent a helmet and take your best shot in the batting cages. For just $3, the castle staff will set you up with everything you need to live out 30 pitches worth of all your world series fantasy moments -- or just remind your man that you know how to handle a bat and balls.

Castle Park - Sherman Oaks

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Italian and Oozing With Charm

Introducing the 'Trattoria Amici’, inside the Beverly Terrace Hotel, on Doheny at Santa Monica Boulevard. This well kept secret has quickly become one of Beverly Hills' best restaurants for traditional Italian cuisine. Enjoy the casual chic atmosphere, excellent wine list and gourmet dishes either indoors or out on the private patio. We would recommend the latter. Request a table tucked under the canopy for maximum romance and be sure to book early for those warm summer nights.

Taking into consideration the coziness a quaint Italian restaurant brings, the dreamy food and the locale, this menu is the deal of the century. A few items which are not to be missed is the PastaFagiolisoup cooked to perfection, when in season the prosciutto wrapped in melon is a delight and the Lamb Chops are simply divine. Wine prices can tend to be a bit on the high side so if your trying to save a few, you might want to inquire about their corkage fee - it tends to vary from night to night.Lastly, and this is not be missed, is the sinful homemade tart. The raspberry and chocolate versions are simply heaven. Show your date you know all the secret spots, tuck in under the canopy and let the Italians do what they do best.

Trattoria Amici - Beverly Hills

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Cheeky Cooking!

Have that special someone you've been dating for awhile? Looking for a little fun with food? I found a website that specializes in all things "Gourmet Food and Cooking" related. Within this treasure trove of information, I found a page dedicated to 'Aphrodisiac Foods'. A bit of history, why certain foods are considered 'aphrodisiac', food list and of course, recipe list. From Almonds to figs, to mustard...some will definitely surprise you. Try not to fancy yourself a Gordon Ramsey while using all the ingredients and suggested recipes on the first date. It's a lovely bit of fun for that lovely in your life.

www.gourmetsleuth.com/aphrodis_foods.htm

After you have feverishly copied the food list and recipes do try to stop by the main site where one can educate themselves, Gourmet Style. Their goal is to help inform and educate people interested in food, cooking and eating. They have a wide assortment of culinary articles on various foods and cooking topics and publish recipes that take a "how to" approach. They also answer culinary related questions and do so eagerly.

In addition to their own content, "Gourmet Sleuth" maintains a huge database of food, beverage (wine, beer, alcohol) related sites. So if you are looking for recipes, looking to add to your culinary database or to act like you know what you are talking about, this is a great place to start.

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Gondola Style!

Recently a client of SpeedLA recommended I mention a wonderfully romantic treasure in Long Beach... I offer you, The Gondola Getaway. Established in 1982, The Gondola Getaway brings old world charm and a thousand year old tradition to Long Beach. Authentic Venetian gondolas gently cruise the enchanting canals and waterways of Naples Island near the resort area of Belmont Shores in Long Beach.

The Gondola Gateway offers relaxing and romantic cruises around the canals of Naples from 11:00 a.m to 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Each cruise is approximately one hour. Receptionists accept reservations from 9am - 5pm. It is recommended that reservations be made 2 to 3 weeks in advance. The cost of a one hour cruise for two people is $75.

I haven't had a moment to experience The Gondola Getaway personally. Between opening in new cities, televised events and of course... looking after my SpeedLA Daters, I don't know when I'll get a chance! But it's definitely on my Must-Do list. I thought it was a lovely suggestion and thought you might too. Anoush x

The Gondola Getaway - Long Beach

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

POP - Licious

Few things are as fabulous as a lovely bit of champagne and the most decadent desserts, paired to perfection. No where does this better, than the sinfully delightful, Pop Champagne & Dessert Bar in Pasadena.

Join SpeedLA Dating and Pop Champagne & Dessert Bar for a night quite unlike any other. Nibble on treats from the Chef's menu, mingle with our British Hosts, pamper yourself with tips and touch ups from our certified make-up artist or find Marley, our resident bear, and win $50. All with our compliments.

"With all that champagne and all those desserts on the menu, it's unsurprising that Pop's clientele is mostly women. The atmosphere is a mix of modern wine bar and vintage speak-easy." Los Angeles Times

"Every week, the house chef whips up three different specials to serve in addition to the savory soups and salads that are always available." Metromix.com

"This sweet little spot on Union Street attracts a fun crowd. To sweeten the deal further, desserts range from roasted lavender strawberries and Meyer lemon tart to profiteroles and churros with spiced warm chocolate." CitySearch 2009

"Even as I stepped out from this session of bites and sips, I'm already looking forward to my return visit here." Urbanspoon.com

POP Champagne & Dessert Bar - Pasadena

SpeedLA Dating & Matchmaking - Los Angeles

Cutting Off the Past...

Every girl knows, your first bikini wax after a breakup is a big deal. It's the moment when you literally rip off the band-aid and prepare to plunge back into the dating pool. It's much more than just mane maintenance, it's a symbolic act. With each rip of the wax, you're stripping off the layers of that lonely moping period post-breakup, and preparing to put yourself out there again. Trust me, I know. I'm out there again now, and it still burns a little bit.

It's not just your first post-breakup bikini wax. When it comes to us girls, our tresses tend to tell a lot about us. We shave our legs before a hot date, and don't bother when we know it's a sweats and Sex & The City night. We'll chop our hair off when things change in our lives, dye it something dramatic to declare our independence and go at out brows when we're not feeling beautiful. Of course, not all girls are like this, but for many of us girls, our tresses reflect our 'tudes. And this is even more true when it comes to our love lives.So, without further a'do, here are my picks for the best local places to get your tresses tamed in LA during the three stages of singledom -- before a date, during a dating rough patch and when you're gearing up to go out and meet that next man. Sorry guys, this article is mostly for the ladies. Although if I see you in the blowdryer next to me at Anguna, I won't judge you, I promise.

Alright ladies, let's face it. Sometimes you need a quick pick me up to get you jazzed before a juicy date. Sure, you can slather on that mint masque or pump up your pedicure, but we all know nothing gives you that extra bounce in your step like hair that bounces with you. And the quickest, most painless way to hype up your hair is to go in for a trim. It's fast, it's simple and the risk of ruination is as minimal as it can be when someone is wielding scissors next to your head. That's why my pre-date do for your do is definitely the wash, trim and dry at Fantastic Sam's on Sunset & La Brea (7111 W. Sunset Blvd). Now I know you probably weren't expecting me to recommend a chain salon better known for its budget buzz cuts, but this particular location happens to house some seriously sweet stylists who know how to work their scissors and bust out their blowdryers. Sure, it's not a high end salon experience, but this particular Sam's is like that killer designer dress you got for five bucks at the local thrift store -- the store might not have had the fanciest furniture, but the dress is still a stylish steal that makes you feel like a million bucks. Which is exactly the kind of cost-benefit relationship you want when you're just looking to quickly kickstart your confidence by livening up your locks.

Of course, the equation changes when you're dealing with dating downfalls. Whether it's a breakup or a bad date, sometimes a girl whose looking for love just needs to give it to herself first. And that's where the cost benefit equation gets flipped on its frugal head. That's because the best way I know to break out of feeling bad is to treat yourself to something that makes you look and feel good. It may sound shallow, but hey, I grew up in LA, where pampering is a panacea. That's why god invented the high end salon. And thank god, Darin Birchler brought it back down to us mere mortals on budgets. For about $100, you can get a women's haircut at his Chop Chop salon with all the accoutrement us Angelenos are accustomed to in our high end hair palaces. Plus, there's art on the walls, friendly people behind the chairs and parking on the streets nearby. And if parking ain't pampering in LA, I don't know what is.

Once you beat that broken heart, it's time to get back into the boy-finding flow. Of course, you're gonna need a whole new 'do for that. That's where Anguna Salon on Robertson comes in. Antonio, the owner, does killer hair at a cutthroat price ($20 for a cut and blowdry last time I went), that's guaranteed to not only leave you ready to rock and roll but also leave you with plenty of paper to do it with. His salon might be small, but it's cozy, and Antonio wields that blowdryer like a sensai with his sword. Seriously, the man is like the hair whisperer. He turned my crazy, curly jewfro into a sleek, shiny straight 'do with more bounce than a Pantene commercial. I haven't had hair like that before or since. Which is exactly what you want your hair to be doing when you're getting your head geared up to get back into the game. Well, that and a good bikini wax.

Fantastic Sam's - La Brea / Sunset

Chop Chop Salon - Hollywood

Anguna Salon On Robertson - Los Angeles

No Waffling

Congratulations, you've managed to make it to breakfast with the boy or girl of your choice. Time to wipe the sleep out of your eyes, banish that bad morning breath and impress that certain someone with your ability to procure post-slumber-party sustenance. Of course, that's easier said than done when your slumber party happens on the hot streets of Hollywood, where the tourists run thick and the best brunch places are usually packed by the time you get your butt out of bed.

Lucky for you, there is one place where the food is fantastic, the bottomless bloody marys are strong and the wait is rarely more than a minute or two. Just put on your loosest jeans, grab your guy or gal and head on over to The Waffle. Located in an otherwise innocuous looking building off the corner of Sunset and Vine, The Waffle is what happens when you combine classic American diner food, modern culinary sensibilities and the Hollywood hipster scene. It's a delicious, deceptively simple combination that hits the spot every single time - whether you're hitting it up for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks.

From the ooey gooey crunchiness of the cheese curds to the spicy, savory and sweet sensations of sandwiches served between two hearty slices of waffle, the food is stick-to-your-ribs good, both in terms of quantity and quality. If you're not afraid to stuff your face in front of your significant other, then you have to try the cornmeal jalapeno waffle - a spicy and sweet concoction that combines a jalapeno waffle, fried chicken, collard greens and rich, creamy gravy into a plate full of palate-pleasing, passion-inducing perfection. Throw in a basket of waffle fries and one of their classic cocktails, and you've got a brunch that's guaranteed to give you the kind of gastronomic good vibes that you can only get when your gut is busting with bacon-flecked, gravy-topped goodness. You can even get a plate of 'woofles' for your four-legged friends, who are welcome to join you on the patio while you clear your plate.

And trust me, at The Waffle, you will clear your plate.

The Waffle - 6255 Sunset Blvd.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Love & Romance...LA Style!

Sensing love on the horizon... Well, no need to look farther than the horizon from the breaktaking Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach. In a relationship or tying to turn a lovely time into a relationship, then it might be time to seal the deal with a weekend away. Set the navigation for the sea and watch your 'Impress' factor soar off the charts as you pull into the Surf & Sand. Stroll in the wonderfully chic lobby and ask for the Corner Rooms in the Original Building or if you have the means, The Penthouse Corner. This building literally hangs over the water with the surf crashing below. Reserve ahead for spectacular deals on this slice of heaven or try your luck same day when the resort is out of season. Rated by Travel & Leisure as one of the World's Best Hotels - this gem is sure to set any relationship on the right course. Luxurious amenities, a private balcony and a view that never ends... is the Surf & Sand Resort.

For that special night in on the balcony a phone call to room service is the perfect start. A lovely bit of bubbly, candles set to perfection and a menu that is sure to satisfy all cravings. While we usually suggest certain dishes, we can't begin to pick our favorites. From fresh sea food to meats you can slice with a butter knife, they are all dreamy and all fabulously fabulous. So go on.. Surf's up.

Surf and Sand Resort - Laguna Beach

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Dutch @ Dom's

Deciding to go Dutch is a tricky thing. And, I’m not talking about making the choice to use two jump ropes instead of one. I am, of course, talking about the practice of sharing the tab on a date. According to wikipedia, the phrase actually comes from the Netherlands, where going out in a group often means paying with separate tabs. Interestingly enough, wikipedia goes on to say that even in the Netherlands, men traditionally pay full freight on a one-on-one date.

Unfortunately, the etymological irony of the phrase isn’t even the trickiest part about the whole going Dutch thing. What’s even trickier is knowing when, and how, to employ this particular exercise in egalitarian economics. Of course, this becomes even more important when dating in a recession, where economics are everything.

Why is deciding to go Dutch so difficult? Simple. Because it involves some of the most fragile topics you should never bring up on a date – money and your mate’s ego. Two topics where the stakes seem to get even higher here in Hollywood.

When you introduce recession economics, the whole equation gets even trickier. If someone has recently lost their job, do you offer to pay their share of the bill, or do you let them cover it for fear of treading on an already downtrodden ego? If you find yourself flush with some extra cash, is it rude to expect that your down-on-his-luck date will fork out fifties for a nice night out with you? If your disposable income has, well, found itself indisposed, how do you suggest sacrificing sushi at Sasabune for sandwiches at Subway without also sacrificing your self-respect in front of your significant other? It’s enough to make a recessionista reach her breaking point.

Thankfully, one local restaurant has us down-market daters covered. Dominick’s at 8715 Beverly Blvd. in West Hollywood normally charges anywhere from $15-$50 for an entrée, making it one of those delicious dinner destinations that’s probably likely to cause some Dutch dilemmas in this day and age. Fortunately for the financially frustrated, on Sunday nights, Dominick’s does Dutch dating right with its Sunday Supper. For $15 a person you get a full and fabulous prix fixe menu, perfect for pleasing your palate without putting a damper on your dollar situation. The portions are somewhat smaller than your average American eatery, but with an appetizer, entrée and dessert, you’ll still leave fully satiated. And, isn’t it much more romantic to gaze lovingly into your date’s eyes without worrying he’ll notice that you secretly unbuttoned your pants under the table so you could fit in that final mouthful?

The restaurant has a gorgeous patio lit by lovely little lights that give everything a romantic glow. Add in a $10 bottle of their surprisingly satisfying house wine and you have a dinner that’s delicious and Dutch-friendly. Split it directly down the middle, and you’re still only paying $20 a person to enjoy an evening at an upscale eatery.

To see the Sunday supper menu and make reservations – which I highly recommend since they book up fast – visitwww.dominicksrestaurant.com. And try to go when they have the blood orange and fennel salad on the menu – trust me, it’ll be love at first bite.

Dominicks Restaurant - Beverly Hills Adj. / Beverly Blvd.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger