Dream Date? There's an App For That

So, you're tooling around town with that special someone when suddenly, hunger strikes. You need food, and you need it fast. You also need it to work for your low-carb, low-fat, macrobiotic vegan diet. Or however it is you happen to be eating this month. Hey, nobody's judging. It is LA after all.

Fortunately, in this land of Mozza and Matsuhisa, Oki Dog and Kogi BBQ, there are as many options for satisfying your stomach as there are surgeries for stapling it up afterward. Which begs the question - when you're standing on the sidewalk in a strange part of the city, trying to impress your date with that perfect palate pleasing pick, how do you figure out which restaurant is the right one?

Lucky for you, there just so happens to be an app for that -- and no, I'm not just talking about the drool-worthy biscuits at Animal on Fairfax. I'm talking about the kind of app that accessorizes your phone and makes your life a whole lot easier in the process. And, in fact, there are multiple applications that can turn your favorite iPhone, iPod, Droid, Hero, Blackberry, Palm or carrier pigeon into your very own, personalized Zagat Guide. Okay, so you're probably not going to find an app for your favorite carrier pigeon. But, I guarantee you, any of these apps will help you find a place that'll serve that sucker up on a silver platter.

Everyone knows about Yelp. Even my mother - who thinks Twitter is something you do when you're stifling laughter - knows about Yelp. But, did you know that Yelp has a secret, special feature? It's what's called an "Easter egg" in the web business, and basically, itturns your iPhone 3GS into a 3D experience. Using technology known as augmented reality, the Yelp app will literally layer Yelp's listings over the real, live world. So you can literally see what's near you, and what other people think of the place -- sort of like google street view for your cell phone. Don't have an iPhone? Don't worry. The Layar app will do the same 3D thing with even more features -- you can set favorites, see stories about what you're looking at and more. And, it works on any Android phone, as well as on the iPhone.

Augmented reality is awesome and all, but what if you just want to find a place that fits your picky preferences? Enter UrbanSpoon. This fun little app lets you set up a search by location, cuisine and cost. You can also set separate filters like popularity, no chains, distance, etc. Or, for a really fun experience, just turn it on, and shake it up. It makes a sound like a slot machine and serves up a random mix of results -- perfect for picking out an appetizing adventure. You can get it for the iPhone and Blackberry, and you can also get it on any phone via text.

So, you've shaken your phone, seen the wonderful world of augmented reality and finally picked the perfect place to take your date. Now what? Well, if you're smart, you'll bust out yourOpenTable app and start setting up some reservations. Don't have an app-friendly phone? No problem. Just hit the mobile version of the site from any phone's browser. Don't have internet on your phone? Well, what are you doing going out to eat anyway? You should be saving your money up to join the rest of us in the 21st century. I'll see when you get here -- just look for the girl who can't stop playing with her augmented reality app. I'll be at that two-dollar-sign Indian place in Hollywood UrbanSpoon keeps sending me to.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

"Dating on a Dime: Driving Range Edition"

Dating on a dime (or nickel…or penny…or half cent) has never been more in…or necessary. Sure, your savings account, job outlook and 2009 BMW car loan may all be dreadful, but that doesn’t mean your golf swing has to be. Invite Sporty Spice (or Sir Sporty Spice) to hit up Los Angeles’s best kept driving range secret (well, nearly best kept secret – its monster size green mesh nets practically wave at you while sitting in traffic on the 101 North), the Majestic Golf Land (4301 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles).

The Golf Land offers a variety of deals, for instance you can rent or purchase a club for the same price of $5. Yes, allow me to repeat that you can rent or purchase a club for the same price of $5. Break me off a piece of that fuzzy math. Their golf packages start off at $6 for 80 balls before 3pm. How’s that for majestic? From 3pm – 11pm, you get 63 balls for $6. Their other specials include $12 for 160 balls, $18 for 240 and $24 for 320, however, if you’re new to the golf scene then teeing up to 80 balls for the uno time is highly recommended. How highly? Any more than 80 swings will put your hands smack dab into blister territory and there’s no scarier enemy than an angry blister. Except one thing…multiple angry blisters.

So make like Tiger and tee up on one of the three tiered levels, all offering sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills. The balls are automatically dispensed (again, oh so majestic) so there is no opportunity to “bend and snap” a la Elle Woods. Instead if you’re sans suitor and swinging solo, chat up the golfer next to you. Chances are he will probably chat you up first as unsolicited golf tips are generously offered – especially for those that can’t distinguish a seven iron from a straightening iron. Guilty! Most of the customers are men, and by “most” I mean all, so come prepared in your favorite argyle skirt (where else besides a driving range can you get away with argyle? Besides Connecticut?).

Also, what’s particularly enchanting about the Golf Land is that most of the customers are not only men but Korean men. Korean men who not only like to hit a golf ball, but to hit a golf ball while listening to Korean pop and rap music, as each tiered level has radios buzzing with Korea’s hottest hits. If that’s not simply majestic then I don’t know what is. So add some majesticness to your summer date night or strike it solo and see you at the Golf Land.

Majestic Golf Land - Wilshire Center

Written by: Meredith McKenna - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

It's just what we do...

We at SpeedLA Dating are tickled pink to be so sought after by the press and media. Thousands are finding themselves getting cheeky at an alarming rate! Recently, VH1 stopped by to see what all the fuss is about. Cheers to the production and producers for choosing SpeedLA Dating.

VH1 - SpeedLA Dating Promo

Find out if NBC/Oxygen's "Bad Girls Club" found love or just got plain cheeky!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubgkKy-3LNU&feature=channel_page

To view more of SpeedLA Dating's Videos -

http://www.youtube.com/user/SpeedLAdating1

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Not Too Sure? Send Teuscher!

Teuscher truffles; so good they should be the 8th sin. The most divine chocolates on the planet, hands down!

Guys, if you don't feel up to sending flowers yet, I defy you to find a woman who wouldn't love a small box of Teusher's Truffles. Zagat declares Teusher's Champagne Truffles to be "the best on the planet". If you are not feeling entirely confident on that selection, the boxes of assorted truffles are simply decadent and the signature champagne truffle is always included in the box.

Dolf Teuscher began his journey for the perfect chocolate over 70 years ago in the Swiss Alps. Their kitchen headquarters in Zurich today makes more than 100 varieties of gourmet chocolates using original recipes that have now been passed down from father to son. There are Teuscher stores all over the world and we are very happy there is one right here on our doorstep inBeverly Hills.

If you don't have time to stop in, ordering online is easy and the delivery makes it extra special. I know I would love it. So go ahead guys, order up something sweet for your sweetie.

Teuscher - 9548 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills.

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

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

Fancy a Banger?

We British are rather fond of you Yanks. If that feeling is mutual, than you might enjoy some flavour from back home. In Los Angeles there are two English restaurants well worth a mention. For you in the valley there is the Piccadilly British Shop & Restaurant on Burbank Boulevard near Victory. Although the locale isn't exactly UK posh, it does have all the charm of the pubs back home. Some of my favourite's on the menu are the Banger's & Mash (Sausage and Mash Potato), Shepard's Pie (Mince meat covered in Mash Potato) and the Sunday Roast (Roast Beef) is always good.

For those by the water, Ye Olde King's Head in Santa Monica is the spot for all things British in the city. On Santa Monica Boulevard, about a block from the Ocean, is this UK oasis. A must try is the Traditional English Breakfast. With variations ranging from Queen size to King size, this breakfast sizzled in perfection has all the necessary British ingredients. Choice of fried bread or toast, 2 eggs, 2 lovely slices of bacon, 1 banger (sausage for you yanks), sauteed mushrooms, English Baked Beans, Grilled Tomatoes and Breakfast potato's - all for a very reasonable, $10.95. After the meal, both restaurants have their 'must stop by' shops next door.

If you are a sweets lover, there is no substitute for British Sweets. Reasonably priced, considering the boat ride over, are delicious treats from Cadbury's and Rowntree. From melt in the mouth chocolate's, wine gums and fruit pastilles - you cannot leave without at least one of these English goodies. Show your date your worldly, have a pint and whatever you do, don't cry out 'Cheerio!'. We don't really say that.

Ye Old King's Head - Santa Monica

Piccadilly British Shop & Restaurant - Burbank - (818) 842 - 2324

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Date My Space

Alright ladies, it's date 4 and you've decided that the guy you're seeing isn't a serial killer.

It's time to stop meeting in crowded public places, and let the dude pick you up from your apartment. If things go well, you might even invite him back up for a nightcap -- or a SportsCenter recap, either way. But, before you start planning your whole 'would you like to come up' line, there are a few things you need to make sure you've got handy in that humble abode. Think of it like the dating version of baby-proofing -- instead of covering outlets, you're making sure you're covered when it comes to the necessary apartment accoutrement required to maintain that whole sassy, successful single lady thing you've been selling since date one.

First of all, there are few truisms that are...well, truer, than that whole way-to-a-man's-heart thing. We all know there are certain organs that guys tend to defer to in times of need, and one of them really is their stomach. So, a well stocked fridge is a must. I'm not saying you need to have homemade cookies and pot roast chilling on your shelves. Hell, you don't even need a real kitchen. But, you do need to have cold water, cold beer and a decent bottle of wine on hand. Depending on the type of guy you're going after, a nice bottle of whiskey couldn't hurt either. I've found that you can get a lot of bang for your buck out of Firestone Double Barrel Ale on the beer front, Barefoot Pinot Noir in the wine rack and Maker's Mark on the liquor shelf -- most guys love all three brands, and none of them will cost you more than a twenty. Have some chips and salsa in your cabinets -- if unopened, they keep forever -- and you're all set for a lovely post-date rendezvous on your couch.

While we're on the topic of booze, nothing is worse than pulling off the perfect wine purchase only to find yourself struggling with the cork while trying to maintain that whole smooth seductress vibe. So, make sure you invest in a decent wine opener and a bottle opener to boot. If you've got $30 to blow, check out The Rabbit (http://www.amazon.com/Metrokane-6004-Rabbit-Corkscrew-Black/dp/B00004SQ0K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1254602887&sr=8-2). Like the famous fun-time toy that shares its name, it's the Cadillac of its class of gadgets. But, if you'd rather save your cash for the wine, you can do just as well with a model like this onehttp://www.amazon.com/Pedrini-Wine-Pocket-Waiters-Corkscrew/dp/B0002AKKYO/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1254602860&sr=8-12, which basically relies on leverage to get the job done. It's what I have, and let me tell you, it's a boon for babes who don't want to spend the whole night fighting with a stubborn cork when they could be spending the time with a good syrah.

Of course, once you've got the food and booze covered, what else could a guy possibly want? Well, depending on how much wine you've downed, or how late your little post-date party went, there's a very good chance he'll want a cup of coffee. You know how that old book goes. If you give a mouse a cookie, he'll want a glass of milk. If you give a guy enough booze, he'll probably need a cup of coffee. The easy solution to becoming your own barrista, impressing your date and saving the seven bucks you'd spend at Starbucks? My new favorite toy -- the Melitta one cup coffee brewer, which has all the cool science experiment appeal of a french press without any of the expense. In fact, I got mine for less than $10 at the Ralphs on Sunset. You can also buy them for $8 and change on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Coffee-Maker-Ready-Black/dp/B001OBY37U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1254603163&sr=8-5). It's also a great single girl accessory that saves you the counter space, expense and cleaning of a real coffee maker and actually makes a better cup of joe than any electric coffee maker I've ever had.

So, now you've got the food, the booze and the caffeine all taken care of. All you have left to do now is hide those stuffed animals on your bed (save 'em for the fifth date), change the channel to ESPN and make sure you've got your shoe pyramid tucked away in a closet (save all hints of potential high maintenance-ness for the fifth date too). Then, it's time to find the last and possibly most important apartment accessory for us gals dating in LA -- a parking space for your man. Because nothing says 'I'm committed to seeing where this relationship goes' quite like 'I just fought that angry guy in the convertible so you would have a convenient place to put your Prius.'

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Simply the Best...

With a tag line of "Not Your Daddy's Steakhouse...", you know you're in for something a little sexier, a little more daring and a lot more fun, SpeedLA presents our cheekiest venue, STK on La Cienega in West Hollywood. Quickly becoming the epicenter of premiere L.A. dining, is this feast for the senses, the body and everything in between. It is sexy without trying to be, whimsy in spirit while being theatrical at heart. For a place so sought after by the Hollywood set, it is completely devoid of Hollywood attitude. The staff is excited to be in on the fun, the fellow patrons amongst friends and for a second, it can feel as tho' the TMZ cameras outside might just be there for you.The dimly lit walkway to the entrance is striking with its running water sculptures/fountains, along with a fire pit beckoning you to step inside. The elevated dining room is a study in black and white, with white brick walls, an art installation of tusks, and half moon booths. Step through the fringe into the atrium bar, where the music is pumping and the full dinner menu is also available. You might start with light novelties like foie gras French toast or shrimp rice krispies. There’s plenty of seafood, but the steaks pull rank here. Cuts range from 6 to 26 oz. and couple elegantly with sauces like blue butter or herb béarnaise and sides like sweet corn pudding and Parmesan truffle fries ($8), one of the restaurant's signature creations an absolute must.

For less carnivorous diners, there are also several non-steak main courses like the luscious big-eye tuna with porcini potato puree and a mushroom bordelaise. After dinner, don't forget to please your sweet tooth. Desserts are new twists on classics, like the PB&J Sundae whose ice cream scoops are, appropriately, peanut butter and jelly, topped withnutella, grape preserves and a caramelized banana.

With innovative twists that appear like clockwork but are never rushed, whether for dinner or devine drinks, your libido will be in over drive wondering what the next surprise is. Fantastic for a first date and better for the third date and beyond, you can feel welcome here for a drink or that unforgettable dinner.

Also well worth a mention is STK's 'Bite While It's Light' menu offering from 6pm to 8pm - Thursday and Friday. A lovely opportunity to sample the heavenly menu with 'Lighter Bites' of their Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Cocktail and Tuna Sashimi to name a few, at a price of $10, which allows for that extra signature cocktail. Speaking of Signature Cocktails, sip and sway like a rockstar, for $10. Looking for a full meal? Settle into their Petite Short Rib or Skirt Steak with Garden Salad for a very reasonable, $15.

We at SpeedLA are quite chuffed to be invited some of the very best L.A. has to offer. Bypass the velvet rope and let SpeedLA roll out the red carpet to the spot no one can get into - because everyone wants to.

Enter STK at checkout for a lovely discount to boot!

Ready for a bit of fun?

http://www.speedladating.com/

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

STK - West Hollywood

Getting Cheeky with FOX News!

SpeedLA Dating had the pleasure of hosting Fox News & Good Day LA. When it comes to cheeky - there is no substitute! We are chuffed to have such trendsetting singles and are thrilled to be bringing our unique brand to LA.

We have changed Speed Dating and brought a new way of Matchmaking to Los Angeles. Where we felt other companies lacked with have set out to redefine. For our events, we bring our charismatic British hosts, Complimentary Make Over's for the ladies, the absolute best venues, plate after plate of gorgeous nibbles and cash prizes - our SpeedLA standard. Spoil yourself in our popularity and let us be your Matchmaker. With an audience of thousands from our Dating, Networking and Televised events - we bring together a personalized, straightforward approach to Matchmaking in Los Angeles.

Fox News & Good Day LA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMhmpHLYBMU

SpeedLA Dating & Matchmaking

http://www.speedladating.com/

Fancy a go?

Veni, Vidi, Venice

Summer in the city (or even more dangerous, the Valley) can be brutal - both visually as it marks splotchy spray tan season and physically as temperatures skyrocket to the high 90s. Sweet salvation awaits you in two forms: 1.) 6 pack chocolate frozen éclair bars 2.) Night out in seaside Venice. Both involve a bit of stickiness but your gut has got to tell you if Venice works for Hank Moody then Venice works for you. Otherwise, please take it up with Hank.

Many Los Angeles proper residents dismiss Venice as one big Hot Topic store. However, the Lords of Dogtown have been replaced by the Kings of Leon (more specifically, their fans). Abbot Kinney Boulevard is still home to a bustling artist/skater/”dude” contingent yet it is surprising to note how many yuppies (mmm!) are invading Dogtown and upping its fancy schmancy rating.

A scrumptious bar that bridges both vintage Venice and new Venice is “The Brig” (1515 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice). Don’t let the outside in your face cartoon-esque sign fool you (oh and it will), once inside it feels as though you’ve been transported to someone’s intimate, stylish living room. HGTV would sooo approve. Mega size glowing harvest moon chandeliers fall from the ceiling and plush drapes adorn walls. Seating is sprinkled throughout the bar to allow you to kick back your heels and scope out the scene.

Tuesday nights are generally cranking as they host smashing bands, so crank and smash away with the westside’s finest. The Brig is also prime playing ground for the game of “manhunt.” On most nights its packed with about 68% fellas (please note that the percentage is dependent on scientific variables e.g. if I have consumed 68% Corono), so happy manhunting.

Generally though, the place is flooded with a feast of friendly chaps to chat up…Marina Del Rey businessmen (complete with dress socks), Manhattan Beach surfers (can I get a “yo bro”) and west side dudes (hipsters & skaters representing!). I once even saw a guy chilling at the Brig in his wetsuit. Still unsure if he was rocking the wetsuit attire to protect him from the icy Pacific or from the frothy Pacifico? Overall, a fabulously fun spot to bring your date or meet a new one! So see you at the Brig…and don’t forget to bring your wetsuit!

The Brig - Venice

Written by: Meredith McKenna - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

It's how you say 'Cheeky' in Japanese...

I'm sure you have all heard of or even been to the fabulously fabulous, Geisha House in Hollywood. For those that haven't or haven't a clue what Geisha House is, remove yourself from under the rock you have been under and get ready to tantalizeyour senses. While most sushi restaurants tend to ignore or hide from Japan's rich sexual history...Geisha House embraces it. A feast for the eyes, the soul and of course, your taste buds. Brought to you by the famed Dolce Group comes this sensual hot spot that has both the stars and those who set the trend for the stars, in a Japanese tizzy.

Many find our events at Geisha House a lovely opportunity to bypass the front desk, any Hollywood attitude and enjoy the best the venue has to offer and oh yeah... find love while their at it. We consider ourselves quite fortunate to be invited to Geisha House to host our events and truly can not say enough wonderful things... but I'll try anyway.

Starting downstairs you enter through a red-painted wood hallway, arriving at a full-length mirror--a not-so-subtle hint at the see-and-be-seen posing to come. Inside, the prominent main bar's white-grid-enclosed plasma screens are a focal point from every vantage point. Further back, a three-tiered fireplace anchors the main dining room, which is lined with kimono-like swatches and a twig-enclosed private booth. My personal favorite part of the restaurant is upstairs in the Moon Room. Dreamy in the summer months and wintertime chic, relaxing under the heaters, the rest of the year. Although considering it's always LA summertime, I think you'll find it equally stunning any time of year.

I typically like to mention a few of my menu favorites, but quite honestly I can't pick a favorite. Their sushi is always in top form, their entree's as good as you would expect and the drinks... ahh... the drinks... are always just what the doctor ordered. The Shikomi cocktail is like a decadent spa beverage, with sake, midori, lemon and cucumber. Too many of those, and I assure you, the reflection in the above mentioned mirror will be quite different.
The valet can be a bit pricey on busy nights--save a few dollars by using the lot directly across the street on Cherokee.

Geisha House - Hollywood

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Do You Have a Brit Connection?

This one comes straight from the heart - as anyone’s enthusiasm other than my own, simply would not do justice. Admittedly, I am partial – I love all things English, what can I say?

More so than usual, this time of year drifts me back home ; Christmas pudding, Mince pies, Quality Street, Christmas Crackers (no you don’t eat them!) and so many other favorites, really too many to mention…

For those of you that have not experienced the delight of British sundries; be it Christmas or the middle of Summer it’s always a good time for a cup of Tetley’s and a Penguin. What does all this mean I hear you cry!? For those of you that don’t know – ok the majority of people reading - that would be a cup of the best Tea in the world accompanied by an old favorite; chocolate Penguin bars! Please do take a look for yourself and allow me to introduce your one stop shop for fabulous British fare; The Brit Connection can be found athttp://www.thebritconnection.com/

Pamela and Michael are the lovely owners of this delightful shop – If there is something you want and don’t see it on the website – let them know! They will do their best to accommodate your request.

This Holiday Season, Speed USA Group would like to thank the Brit Connection for bringing us a little piece of home, from far across the pond.

Cheers!

The Brit Connection - Torrance

Written by: SpeedLA Dating