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