You're going Downtown!

SpeedLA Dating heads Downtown to the casually chic, Suede Bar @ The Westin Bonavenure.

Join us Monday, May 11th for a night of mingling and mixing - UK Style! Enjoy the sexy suede seating, soft lighting and cool beats that make for a sexy, romantic ambience for downtown professionals, loft dwellers and Hollywood go-getters.

Suede spoils us with $3 Well Drinks, $3 Wine and $3 Drafts. After we spoil you with treats from the delightful Suede menu with our compliments, you can enjoy even more with $3 Appetizers all night long.

Enter 'Downtown' for a lovely discount at checkout!

Also be sure to check out our blog on the Westin Bonaventure;
http://speedladating.blogspot.com/2009/02/weekend-awaywithout-breaking-bank.html

SpeedLA Dating & Networking - Los Angeles

Suede Bar @ The Westin Bonaventure - Downtown Los Angeles

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Ask Anoush! All Things Dating Advice Column

Ask Anoush! Have a dating question? Need help navigating the dating world? Simply e-mail Anoush at anoush@speedladating.com with your question and she'll answer it right here.

• Kelly - Venice
  Hi Anoush! I didn’t have so much a question about dating as I did about your name. It’s so pretty where does it come from?

Hi Kelly,
Well thank you very much for your kind comment, I do get asked all the time! It is an Armenian name and it means ‘sweet’. My mother is Armenian and my father is English, although my father chose my name!
Thanks again.

• Sam, Marina Del Rey
  Is there a perfect first line when I meet a girl at a bar?

Hi Sam,
Thank you for this fun question! I must say I am against all ‘lines’ of any kind. No matter how good you may think your line is, the fact that you have memorized and rehearsed the line; invariably means it will not sound natural. Women do not like to feel like one of many and if you use a line on her, she may feel like you were ready to use it on any willing listener. Go with your heart and be yourself. Better to make an honest impression that might not be so hot, than a fake one that sounds too smooth.

• Claire, Studio City
  I’ve been seeing this guy off and on for the last year. Nothing too serious, just some fun here and there. I thought our situation was kind of understood, but lately he is latching on to me. He’s fun, but not boyfriend material. What do I do?

Hi Claire,

Thank you for your question. It sounds to me like you need to get out of this – quick! By continuing any form of relationship with this guy you are sending out the wrong message. Most guys think that all women want more, so he is probably confused by your contentment of this casual arrangement. I would suggest that you go out to lunch and give him the ‘let’s be friends’ talk! I think after a year, no matter how casual the relationship is you do owe it to him to do this face to face. Good luck!

• Camille, Laguna Beach
  I met a guy online who rocks! Except one thing, we haven’t met yet. We have IM’d till the wee hours of the morning night after night. We connect on every level except of course, that eye to eye thing. I keep suggesting we meet for coffee but he is always conveniently busy. What do I do? There seems to be such a online connection so why can’t there be a physical connection?

Hi Camille,
This question comes up time and time again now that we find ourselves in this new internet age of dating. I have to say, I am completely dubious of all internet-only relationships. I note that you say this guy ‘rocks’ – how do you know that? One cannot begin to know someone until you have met them. What you can feel in an instant over a look in the eyes, can take a year on the computer. You do not say if you have spoken on the phone yet, I definitely suggest this as a first step if you have not. My best advice to you is keep pushing the issue, it is not normal to continue on like this and not meet. As in all internet relationships, please do take caution when you do decide to meet. Perhaps you could double date with friends or a daytime lunch meeting initially? I may sound over-cautious, but one never knows these days. Best of luck to you and let me know how it goes!

Watch out Seattle...Here We Come!

I am super excited to tell you all, we have expanded! Our first major expansion is to the wonderfully romantic...Seattle, Washington. Over the following weeks our programmers will be implementing all the necessary code and programming in finishing the site but until then we are happy to announce... We are open during construction!

For those with family and friends in Seattle, come check out our Seattle Blog "All Things Dating in Seattle", written by our SpeedSeattle Resident Bloggers. It is so very important to me that we don't just expand to other cities, but become part of the cities we expand to. That means SpeedSeattle will have their own charming British hosts, same top venues, same fabulous perks and of course, loads of cheeky fun. In the coming months, I will be dividing my time between Los Angeles and Seattle, attending as many events as possible, so I will be more than available for any questions, comments or LA Dating tips you might have.

A very special cheers to LA for allowing me the opportunity to spread some UK fun.

Our Seattle website: http://www.speedseattledating.com/

"All Things Dating in Seattle" SpeedSeattle Blog

Best,

Anoush x

Something good for Joan and Suzanne...

Since posting this very dear-to-our heart event, 'A Night For Suzanne...' Charity Event, I have been swamped with response. No doubt in part by the support of The Joan Gaeta Cancer Foundation. Since seeing the Foundation on the Nancy Grace Show on CNN, I knew immediately I wanted to do something to give back for all that Suzanne did for me. One of the few Cancer Foundations for Lung Cancer, I loved the attention it was giving Lung Cancer. Sometimes the forgotten, misunderstood or by some, 'the deserved' cancer, lung cancer kills more people than breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and kidney cancer ... combined. Lung Cancer is the #1 Cancer killer in the world and you don't have to smoke to get it.

I'm super excited about our event for and hope to make the Event a Bi-Annual Event in LA, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Seattle and every city we expand to.

"A Night For Suzane..." Charity Event @ One Sunset - June 23rd 2009

Cheers to the Joan Gaeta Cancer Foundation!

http://jglcf.org/speedladating.aspx

Love,

Anoush x

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 Cafe Bizou, 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

Romance in the sky...

Looking for an awe-inspriring backdrop for a night of romance in LA? Well look no further than Yamashiro Restaurant in Hollywood. Set high above in the hills overlooking Hollywood with views from Downtown to the coast, this is one spot that will seal that kiss quite unlike any other. Although I love the food at Yamashiro, I find it the perfect spot to have a drink and soak in the view. Grab your cheeky companion, make your way up the winding roads and settle into the bar with a drink list sure to send anyone off to Betty Ford before the night is over. With drink in hand, saunter down to the majestic Japanese Gardens. A lovely stroll sure to put your Romance meter in overdrive.

A couple of personal recommendations are the Green Tear Drop, made with citrus vodka and green tea liqueur. The Blue Sapphire Martini, made with vodka, sake, lychee juice, and blue curacao and The Pom Pom made with vodka, pomegranate puree, and sweet-and-sour with sugared rim.

Built in 1911, the grounds are an exact replica of a palace located in the Yamashiro mountains near Kyoto, Japan. The pagoda, koi pond, polished teak and million-dollar views are intoxicating. The menu is vast, encompassing sushi, sashimi, sushi rolls, soups, salads, steaks, fish, and more – but whether you’re here for drinks at the bar, to dine in the sophisticated dining room, or in the beautiful interior courtyard, you won’t be disappointed. You might leave with your wallet noticeably lighter, but it'll be worth every cent.

For those on a budget, I would bypass the restaurant with date in tow, have drinks for two and settle in for a romantic night of sunsets, views, gardens and of course... seal it all with a moonlit kiss on the bridge for two in the magical garden.

Yamashiro Restaurant - Hollywood Hills

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

All the fun minus the gun!

For the kid and Gumshoe in you, I offer you, 'CSI: The Experience' at The California Science Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Grab your date, polish up your badges and head down for some crime solving...CSI Style!

You’ve seen the award-winning television drama. Now it’s your turn to put your investigative skills to the test as a crime scene investigator. Created in cooperation with the hit CBS franchise, CSI: The Experience invites you to step into the world of cutting-edge forensic science and investigative techniques. Guided by investigators from the television show and their real-life forensic science counterparts, you’ll formulate a hypothesis, validate your findings based on evidence, and solve the crime.

Best of all... It's Free!

California Science Center does appreciate donations and offers an opportunity to give a little back on both their website and in the lobby.

California Science Center - Downtown Los Angeles

CSI: The Experience

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

What a Gem!

Having lunch in Beverly Hills everyday can certainly become costly on the wallet, but what is a working girl supposed to do? Enter Pizza Rustica. This has to be one of the most authentic pizza places I have tried since living in Los Angeles. For those of us that love those east coast customs, it's nothing to call up and order a slice, salad and soda, all delivered locally within minutes! Fresh, fast and not expensive.

If you fancy dining in or having something more than a slice, Pizza Rusitca has a fantastic menu filled with delicious pastas, wonderful salads and amazing sandwiches. For the ultimate chocolate fantasy, indulge in a slice of Pizza Chocolate - thin pizza filled with european chocolate - so good!

I highly recommend the Caprese pizza or the angel hair pasta with chicken - and you won't go wrong with any of the salads.

Situated in the heart of Beverly Hills on Santa Monica and Rodeo, you will find yourself surprised by the authenticity and even more so by the prices. A must visit for that first casual lunch date or a welcome break between shopping with that new special someone.

Pizza Rustica - West Hollywood & Beverly Hills

Written by: SpeedLA Dating