Foodie Foreplay

Few things in life are more sensual than food -- other than actual sex, of course. Food involves all five senses, as well as your hands and mouth, which is pretty much a recipe for getting all hot and bothered as far as I'm concerned. The acts of cooking and eating are the perfect excuse to get close to someone else, to lick something off a significant other's spoon, to place a tender morsel on their tongue, to share something spicy or something sweet -- few things make for better foreplay than that. At least not foreplay you can get away with in public.

Lucky for us, Los Angeles provides plenty of opportunities to feed your appetite for food, and for the aforementioned foodie foreplay, of course. And, the best part is, there are a lot of delicious -- even decadent -- date destinations that don't cost decadent dinner dollars.

The best place to start for some culinary courtship is, of course, the Farmer's Market. What's sexier than sharing a bite of a juicy sample strawberry or feeding each other the fiery freshness of a picante pepper. It's hard to top the Farmer's Market when it comes to perfect daytime dates -- it's cheap, sustainable and perfect for people watching and conversation catalyzing. How can the conversation not flow freely when food is involved?

In my opinion, the best Farmer's Market for romantic roaming is definitely the Sunday morning Hollywood Farmer's Market at Sunset & Ivar. With tasty treats ranging from tongue-tickling tamales to cool coconut milk, there's something to please every palate. I especially recommend the goat cheese lady who always sets up in the middle aisle of the market -- her jalapeno goat cheese is a spicy, sensuous treat that's perfectly engineered to be lustily licked off the spoon of your significant other.
If you're looking for more of a meal, check out the newly-opened Farmer's Kitchen, where skilled chefs whip up delectable sustainable fare right from the Farmer's Market while also providing hands-on culinary training and nutritional education to the area's low-income locals. Last time I was there, my brunch of a fresh fritatta, savory spinach and sausage, perfectly prepared polenta, mouthwatering melted cheese sauce and fresh squeezed orange juice only cost around $10 -- less than what you'd pay for parking at plenty of places in the area.

If you're looking for something slightly more adventurous than the airy aisles at your local farmer's market, why not embark on a food-finding mission and take your date on a trip to track down one of LA's notorious twittering trucks of traveling tastiness. Anyone with Twitter (or a newspaper subscription) in the LA area has probably heard of Kogi's Korean Barbecue -- the Mexicasian fusian mobile that delivers delicious tacos with a tasty twist to Tweeps all over LA, who follow @kogibbq to find out where the palate pleaser will be parked every night.

If the fusian of flavors found in a Korean barbecue taco isn't quite exotic enough to thrill your date, try tracking down @ Dosatruck instead. It's a relatively new addition to the mobile munchies scene that offers the crispy crepes of its name sake, amongst other savory South Indian treats. And if you still find yourself fiending for fuel-fired fusion food, why not add @LomoArigato and @FishLips_Sushi to your roaming romantic repertoire for Japenese Peruvian fusion and fresh fish, respectively. All you need for a perfect culinary quest of a date is a car and a mobile device that gets Twitter. Simply crank up the tunes, roll down the windows and find your way to the finest food on four wheels. Call it a foodventure, and get bonus points from your beaux for creativity and cutesiness.

Just don't expect me to let you cut in line when it comes to those Korean barbecue tacos -- I don't care how adorable you and your date are, you ain't gettin' between me and my one true love.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Seduction: Salsa Style

There are few things more prevalent than Mexican food on the LA culinary scene -- except for maybe actors turned waiters who serve it. With options that run the gamut from tongue tacos served by trucks to high end fare created by culinary giants in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles offers more options for Mexican dining than the salsa bar at your favorite Baja Fresh. Of course, with so many restaurants to choose from, how does an enterprising suitor choose the best place to take a date? Simple. Think salsa.

If you're rolling in green, a la salsa verde, you can afford to go to the high end huevos and horchatas. Which means you should go directly to Frida in Beverly Hills. Do not pass go, but do collect $200, since you might need it to pay the bill. Recession aside, Frida is a fantastic date choice, with its soft lighting, bright colors and vibrant art-adorned walls giving you and your date plenty to chat about -- if, of course, the margaritas don't take care of that for you. The food is great, with beloved Mexican classics getting the requisite Beverly Hills facelift via the addition of some seriously high end touches. From pumpkin mole to salty ceviche, Frida is truly a treat for the eyes and the stomach -- if not the wallet.

If you're more into the chunky home-style salsas, then I've got one word for you: Loteria. Well, actually three words: Loteria Grill Hollywood. Sure, you could go a little more upscale and hit the one at The Grove Farmer's Market, but in my humble I-grew-up-in-LA-and-I-know-my-damn-tacos opinion, the Hollywood outpost of this Angeleno standby is where it's at. And by it, I mean the most amazing tacos, salsas, burritos and jalapeno margaritas (yes, jalapeno margaritas) this side of the taco truck. And the best part for us amorous Angelenos? It's one of the few restaurants in its part of Hollywood where you can walk right in, sandals a'blazin' and not be stopped or scorned by a burly doorman. Which makes it that much easier to clean up the tomatillo sauce you'll eventually end up spilling during the requisite foodgasm you're guaranteed at Loteria. Oh, and I've heard that whole 'honey, you can wear your basketball shorts and Rainbows to dinner' thing really gets a guy going.Of course, some people just want the classic -- spicy, savory, medium-heat salsa. Just exotic enough to tickle the tastebuds, but not too far fetched for a gringo to get their head around. That's where restaurants like El Compadre in Hollywood and Coral Beach Cantina in Malibu come in.
El Compadre's got flaming margaritas, massive take-it-to-work-for-lunch-the-next-day portions and a mariachi band to complement the whole Disneyfied "Desperado" thing it's got going on. The food is good, solid, stick to your ribs Mexicalifornian and the service is always more than solid. Just make sure you don't go on an empty stomach during peak dining hours, or you'll end up waiting at the bar while your date gives you the stink eye. Coral Beach Cantina in Malibu, on the other hand, is always worth the wait. With its lantern-lit patio and close proximity to a post-dinner walk on the beach, it's a great date option if you don't mind the drive. It also happens to be the home of the first word I ever read by myself -- 'burrito.' Even at age 3, I knew what I wanted at Coral Beach Cantina. Make sure you also try the enchiladas, smothered in sauce and sour cream, if they don't get your date to warm up to you, you're probably better off leaving him or her on PCH and going off in search of someone who really deserves to share your salsa.

Frida - Beverly Hills

Loteria Grill - Hollywood

El Compadre - Hollywood

Coral Beach Cantina - Malibu

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

You Can't Beat The Rush

Alright girls, if mac and cheese, microbrews and buff bartenders sounds like your idea of heaven, then you need to book your next dinner date at Rush Street in Culver City. With its industrial-loft-meets-funky-flea-market-chic aesthetic and multi-tiered location in the heart of the chi chi side of Culver City, it's easy to dismiss Rush Street as just another sleek urban oasis for the post-work popped collar crowd. And, I'm not going to lie, the last few times I've been there, I have run into at least one popped collar every time. But, its brushed steel chicness belies a mind-blowing menu of updated comfort food classics that runthe gamut from luscious lamb lollipops to curried pumpkin ravioli, and of course, the aforementioned mac and cheese.

If that's not enough to lure you past the more-bark-than-bite girls at the door (who are actually sweet as pie, and have never once turned me away even when it's clear that my flip flops might be the only pair in the room), then just take a gander at the restaurant's extensive beer and liquor offerings. With a rotating selection of specialty brews on tap, a wine list that holds its own against the wine-focused Ugo across the street and bartenders that know their way around a bottle of Booker's, the bar at Rush Street is worth a visit alone.

If you can talk your way past the sentinels guarding the VIP section, I highly recommend checking out Rush Street's upstairs balcony and outdoor patio, both of which provide plenty of space to sprawl out and enjoy a plate of truffle fries or a pint of Delirium Tremens, not to mention a stripper pole tucked away in the back of the aforementioned balcony. Of course, you could also just hang out in the main restaurant area on the bottom floor, which turns into the closest thing Culver City has to a Hollywood-style see-and-be-scene club on the weekends, with DJ, dancing and all. Just make sure your date pops his collar properly first.

Rush Street - Culver City

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Beat The Beaten Path...

Okay, so LA isn't exactly always Melrose Place or 90210. But, some stereotypes about the city of angels do have their roots in truth -- preferably well dyed roots. For example, odds are good that pretty much every waiter you'll ever have in LA is also an actor/model/writer/insert dream Hollywood job here. The paparazzi really are everywhere. And, there's nary a restaurant in sight that doesn't have a low carb option on the menu.

The stereotypes come out in even more full force when going out in Hollywood. Every bar is packed to the brim with blondes, bunnies and businessmen, and everyone's running as much professional game as personal. Of course, there are places you can go to get away from the whole stereotypical scene. But, once The Dime became a haunt on The Hills, I personally started losing my faith in the future of those out of the way watering holes. Which is why as much as I love the bars, there's also something to be said for some of LA's more unexpected singles scenes -- especially if you're looking to close a date with a real guy, not a deal with a reality producer.

If you're into the witty writer types, Book Soup is the place to pick them up. With writers from Al Gore to Sarah Vowell gracing their tiny store stage for readings, the shop attracts an eclectic event crowd. Browse the stacks and the shelves, work your way through the classics and the contemporary and maybe find your way to flirting over some fiction. Nothing makes a better pickup line than "hey, have you read this?" Plus, you can always test your potential pick up by asking him what he thinks of "Twilight."

Another bookstore with big boy finding potential is the newly opened branch of Santa Monica staple Hennessey & Ingalls. This sleek shop specializes in books about fashion, photography, art, architecture and design, and they just opened up a branch in the brand new Space 15 Twenty complex in Hollywood. The books are incredibly beautiful, inspiring and compelling, and the hunky hipsters and debonair designers that frequent the place aren't bad either. Strike up a conversation over that book about Schnabel or that coffee table Taschen tome, and then casually make your way over to Snackbar for a beer.

If grappa and grape talk are more your thing, head over to Silverlake Wines, where weekly tastings provide the perfect pairing for picking up foodies and fine diners alike. Tastings range from $12 to $20 a person, and come with a flight of wines accompanied by farmhouse cheeses, fresh breads and olives, as well as plenty of valuable vino knowledge, providing you with plenty of things to talk about and enough liquor to lubricate that whole awkward first conversation.So, bust out your sexy librarian look, brush up on your blancs and your burgundies and check out one of LA's lesser-known single scenes. Or, if you really want to get adventurous, you could try to cram all three pickup possibilities into one crazy book and booze filled singledom spree. Just make sure you pick up a moleskin at Book Soup so you can keep track of all your conquests.

Book Soup - West Hollywood

Hennessey & Ingalls - Santa Monica

Silverlake Wines - Silverlake Area

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

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

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

The Sweet Escape

We’ve all been there. That magic moment when the candles are flickering, the music is tinkling, the perfume is wafting and you’re gazing into your date’s eyes, daydreaming about the future. Or, more specifically, daydreaming about all the terrific Tivo you could be taking in if you could just make your escape.

Nothing is worse than getting stuck on a bad first date. Especially if you’re stuck making small talk through three courses of awkward. That’s why I always opt for first dates with an easy out and a set time limit. Activities like coffee and cocktails certainly provide the perfect opportunity to suss someone out without committing to multiple courses. But, the downside to the whole drink-as-date plan is that it’s a pretty obvious ploy. That’s why I’ve found something even better -- frozen yogurt.

With fro-yo shops popping up on every corner, the tasty treat is totally the new Starbucks, especially when it comes to dating. Frozen yogurt gives you the same grab-and-go benefits that meeting for coffee or cocktails does, but it also provides both a tasty topic (toppings, anyone?) and an excuse to indulge your inner child. Both of which can come in handy to cool you down when you’re stuck in the pressure cooker that is a first date.

Lucky for you, LA just happens to be fro-yo mecca, with shops of all sorts showing up all over the city like, well, Starbucks. So, without further ado, here are my picks for the best places to treat your first date to a little frozen fun.

Cantaloop Yogurt (7095 Hollywood Blvd) is a sweet self-serve yogurt bar, where you can fill up your cup with flavors ranging from birthday cake to dairy-free pomegranate, pick and pour your own toppings and enjoy the whole thing on a gorgeous walled-in patio. And, if you get bored discussing your date’s decision to combine gummy bears and cookie dough, there’s a well-stocked magazine rack full of cool catalogues to keep you occupied. So, even if you don’t agree on toppings, you can always find out you share the same taste in Crate & Barrel.

If your date is more into pumping iron than piling on the cookie dough, you might want to try Ce Fiore (http://www.cefiore.com/index.php). This franchise has creamy, calorie-conscious combos like their Golden Cherry flavor, which combines acerola cherries and blood oranges to create something that’s sweet, tangy and a little tart – which is exactly what a good first date should taste like. They have locations all over the place, but be warned that the ones I’ve been to are big on the bright colors and bumping bass, so if you’re looking to actually converse with your date, you might want to plan to savor your sweet treat while you stroll somewhere.

While Cantaloop and Ce Fiore are my personal favorites, no discussion of fro-yo in our fine city would be complete without mentioning PinkBerry. Which is, of course, a universal fave for a reason. Personally, I’m a fan of the green tea yogurt with cocoa pebbles and the location at the intersection of Sunset and Fuller, which has some of the best people watching around.

So there you have it, my take on the coolest new craze in quickie dating, the fro-yo first date. Of course, sharing my fave frozen yogurt joints was the easy part. If you can get me to actually share a spoonful of whatever combo happens to be in my cardboard cup, then you know you might just be on track for a second date.

Cantaloop - 5 Locations throughout Los Angeles

Ce Fiore - Loads of locations all throughout California and the US

Pinkberry - So Cal Locations

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

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

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

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

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

Mollie's 365 @ J Lounge

The music was loud, the lights were pulsing and the sweat was spilling off my back. Cool beads of condensation rolled off the plastic cup between my fingers, splattering sugary sweet soda and vodka right between the exposed pink-polished toes peeking out of my strappy black heels.

If it wasn't for the fact that even the well drinks cost upwards of $10 a pop, I could have been back at a college party. A college party where the banquets were leather, the bars were expensive hardwood and the men were actually -- well, men. Other than the polished suits and propecia'd hairlines though, the scene at J Lounge last Saturday night was your pretty typical dance party, complete with all the fine musical stylings the Black Eyed Peas have to offer.

Of course, that's not what I was expecting when I scoped the place out beforehand. After receiving an invitation to attend a birthday party there, I did the first thing any sane person would do. I googled the place. What I found was an obnoxiously vague 'downtown chic' dress code, a cigar menu and enough slideshows of cherry wood and leather to make Gordon Gekko swoon. Add that to the fact that the place was downtown, and this strictly West Hollywood hotspot hopper was officially intimidated.

But, being a good friend (and being in need of another thing to try for my 365 Days of Different), I strapped on the big girl heels, threw together my best approximation of downtown chic (a vest, a push-up bra and a pair of nice black slacks), and made my way to the corner of Olive and 11th street.

What I found when I got there was a large line, a sprawling patio of awkwardly socializing neo-yuppies and a large flight of shady looking stairs that were clearly not designed with ladies in heels in mind. Fortunately, the pain in my pinky toes proved to be totally worth it, since it turned out that the stairs actually lead to an upper level loft with sprawling city views, a packed dance floor and plenty of perches to people watch from. From the corporate kens in their suits and ties to the slinky sistahs in minidresses and maximum height heels, it was definitely a different crowd from the more laidback west la scene I usually frequent.

If my dating desires were centered around finding me a sugar daddy, I would definitely have been in the right place. But even without any desire to climb the social ladder by climbing on top of the nearest guy in Ed Hardy, I still managed to have a good time. The DJ was pretty good for what he was, the music was just loud enough to dance to without being too loud to talk over and the bathroom line wasn't nearly as bad as it looked from the outside.

All in all, it was certainly a great place for a girls' night out, not to mention the perfect place to take a date for dancing, drinking and the requisite romantic moment in front of the sparkling city skyline. I would certainly recommend it as a nice addition to your revelry repertoire. Just don't forget to specify that you want your cocktails made with well liquor -- unless of course $20 vodka tonics are your preferred way to accessorize that downtown chic ensemble of yours.

J Restaurant & Lounge - Downtown Los Angeles

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Bloody Mary's, Bikinis & Beach Balls

What do you get when you mix soybeans, a swimming pool and a gorgeous, sunny Southern California day? Soggy soybeans.

On Sunday, I went with a friend to Digital Drinks -- a regular tech industry networking event. This one just so happened to be a pool party at the Pagoda Bar, which is the newly renovated pool and lounge area at the Hollywood landmark Yamashiro's. Between the gorgeous views of the city and the blinding reflection of light off of pale programmers' skin, it was hard to know where to look.

So, I looked toward the bar. Where they served perfectly put together bloody marys garnished with big green olives and -- surprisingly enough -- edamame. Although it sounds weird, the combination was actually perfectly spicy, salty and savory, and just one example of the many ways the Pagoda Bar delivers the expected SoCal summer experience with an unexpected twist.

After all, it's a pool in the Hollywood Hills. So, of course, you'd expect lots of beautiful people lounging around and waiting to be discovered by the casting crew from The Hills. But, in fact, the crowd was surprisingly laid back, tossing around inflatable pool toys and tossing back cocktails with a kind of ease rarely seen around public pools this side of Vegas. With sliders smoking on the grill, the DJ spinning up above and plenty of cushions scattered conveniently around the water's edge, you'd almost think you were barbecuing in someone's backyard. Except, of course, for the added challenge of trying to protect your purse while playing in the pool.

Other than that though, it was a perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. Very Hollywood, and yet, at the same time, refreshingly not so. With its sweeping views and secluded cabana hideaways, I could also see it making a great date destination, particularly for a couple looking to have a little fun in the late-summer sun.

After all, it certainly cemented my relationship with Ms. Bloody Mary.

The Pagoda Bar - Yamashiro Restaurant

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

The Seduction Shuffle

Alright, so you and your significant other are about to enjoy one of the perks of a perfect match -- otherwise known as 'getting busy.' You've got the candles lit, the curtains drawn and the massage oil standing by. Sweet, sexy sounds are streaming in from your iPod, and everything's perfect. Until the next track comes on.

Nothing can ruin the mood quite like your date finding out your iPod is just as likely to play Miley Cyrus as Marvin Gaye. Of course, you can always build a 'passion playlist,' but that takes time. And, if you've got any sort of sex life, that playlist will probably play itself out after a few rounds of play. The last thing you want to do in the bedroom is get stuck in any sort of routine, and nothing says stale faster than finding yourself choreographing your moves to the same predictable rhythm every time you get it on.

That's why God (or Cupid) invented Pandora. Using its proprietary music genome technology, Pandora will automatically build a custom playlist based on any artist or song. Basically, Pandora hones in on certain traits of the tunes you give it, and uses those traits to pick a whole playlist of similar songs. If you're into rhythmic drums, hard bass lines and minimal vocals, it'll build you what amounts to an entire radio station of that particular kind of music. If uptempo jazz beats and classical orchestration are more your thing, then that's what you'll get. And, with almost a century's worth of music in their database, Pandora will keep serving you up with something different every time you turn it on. With Pandora, you'll always have a new playlist to put on when you're looking to get turned on. And anyone who has ever gotten it on to the sweet sounds of a Sade or a Sam Cooke knows that nothing makes the mood quite like a little mood music.

Basically, if variety is the spice of life, think of Pandora as cinammon for whatever you're baking in the boudoir. Because a little sugar in your bowl is good and all, but sugar and spice is just so much more nice.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger