"And Away They Go..."

Maybe it's the excitement. Maybe it's the roar of the crowd. Maybe it's the mountains standing tall over the track as my #4 Horse hits the daily double, but I find Horse Racing at Santa Anita Race Track to be incredibly romantic. While for the most part, Horse Racing Tracks are anything but glamorous, Santa Anita stands out from the crowd with it's rich history, impeccably maintained park and it's amazing view. There are quite a few options when it comes to taking in the track, depending on your wallet and if you want to stop by for a few races and a hot dog or take in racing as only a big shot can. If you're dressed a bit on the casual side, I would recommend saddling up to your date and sliding past General Admission into the Club House. Guests of the Club House enjoy great views of the track's first turn, complete wagering services and access to the Box Seat area and dining overlooking the track. Although a few bucks more than General Admission, it is a few pounds well spent. Grab a hot dog, slide into the dining area and place your bets. Now if your trying to make an impression, I've got just the thing.

Purchase your Club House tickets and head for the 5th floor restaurant. The dress code tends to be a bit more formal in the restaurant so be prepared. It is recommended you make reservations ahead of time so call ahead to (626) 574-6366 and ask to be connected to the Fifth Floor Restaurant. If your not quite the planner, a well dressed smile with a generous tip ought to see you past the Maitre' D. Ask to sit along the railing and be prepared for a view that will truly take your breath away. Sip on a lovely glass of champagne, nibble on gorgeous treats and wager your paycheck in style.

Lastly for those that want to make an event out of your date, there is the Turf Club. Up until a few years ago, admission into the coveted Turf Club was strictly by membership only. Considerably more than General Admission, with only a slight increase over Club House, the Turf Club is well... The Turf Club. More formal, more glamorous and more posh than you ever imagined horse racing could be. Dine in the Turf Club with White Linen service overlooking the track all while you check your winnings on your own personal TV at your table.

Santa Anita Race Track - Arcadia

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

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

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

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

Cafe Wha?

We at SpeedLA Dating take great pride in providing our clients with the absolute, hottest venues in town. One such hot spot is the newly opened Ivan Kane's Cafe Wa s on Vine & Sunset. Now before you cry bad grammar on the name, Cafe Wa s is cleverly named after the sign in front, which would read 'Always Open' if some of the lights weren't burned out. Cafe Wa s strikes a balance between whimsy and logic, theatrical in spirit, at once chic and yet bohemian, located in the heart of Hollywood. Ivan Kane, the legend behind 'Forty Deuce' at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, ups the ante and brings fine dining to an entirely new level.

This bi-level supper club boasts a grand piano in the middle, three bars, mini lounge areas upstairs, and a large patio. The ambiance is both comfortable and awe-inspiring. Few restaurants have personality... And Ivan Kane's Cafe Wa s has a personality you can't get enough of. From the Staircase to nowhere, the rotating piano, to the feeling of being invited to someones mansion, albeit, someone slightly off his or her rocker, this is the ultimate first date spot. If the date is going well, than the atmosphere is intoxicating. If the date is going badly, one can take the time to figure out 'where exactly does that stairwell go to?'

One important aspect and in these times, incredibly important, is the fact that you get to be taken to a place out of this world...without breaking your bank. Cafe Wa s is a French Bistro with a very reasonable menu. I especially love the canapes. At $3-5 each... one can order to impress. Each is just a few bites and each makes you want another. The Tuna Tartare canape is my personal favorite.

On the Entree front, the Steak Frites at $27, is a organic premium cut of the day with Cafe Wa s signature fries. If you are feeling especially flush, then the Filet au Poivre at $34 is a must have. If you have blown all your money on the dreamy canapes, then the Bistro Burger at $15 is a delight with sirloin, prosciutto and those 'Can't get enough' Cafe Wa s fries.

We typically don't boast about our fabulous venues in our blog as to not gloat too much, but then again, Cafe Wa s is anything but typical.

SpeedLA Dating @ Ivan Kane's Cafe Was * February 24th 2010

Ivan Kane's Cafe Wa s - Hollywood

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

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

If You Seek Audi: Yuppie Cruising

If you seek yuppie, then Audi your way on over to Manhattan Beach, a yuppie hotbed. Manhattan Beach breeds its own unique brand of yuppie, think 80s Gordon Gekko with a splash of surfer mentality. "Greed is good....bro." Greek is also good...bro, so if you're swooning a new yuppie, give her that champagne on the beach treatment and whisk her away to Petros Greek Cuisine and Lounge (451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach). Petros is an incredibly inviting and intimate atmosphere; one feels as though he's wafting through his own Greek Villa as opposed to a fussy, conventional establishment. Cozy up to a table in the refined indoor area or on the romantic outdoor patio. Either way, total high class, zero sass ambiance. Note that the austere interior complements the explosive food.

The extensive menu features all of your favorites (pizza, pasta, chicken) yet in delectable authentic Greek form (translation: add a smorgasbord of eggplant, feta cheese and olives...gotta get that boom boom Greek). In today's trying economy, even yuppies have to pinch pennies (in yuppie speak: "pinch Porsches") so no need to bring your big fat Greek wallet. Instead, relax at the bar and order a couple of Espresso Vittis and give the Nikos Saganaki a whirl. What a whirl it will be - feta cheese coated with sesame seeds and sprinkled with honey. Despite sounding like exotic bird food, its divine human food and after just one taste not a morsel of Nikos Saganaki shall be spared..or often times shared! Mama mia!

Post-Nikos Saganaki devouring spree, saunter 15 feet across from Petros patio (when prowling for yuppies, always be in saunter mode) to Sashi Sushi and Sake Lounge (try saying that three Espresso Vittis fast) at 451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Manhattan Beach. There couldn't be a sharper contrast between the humming, classic Petros and the buzzing, vibrant Sashi. While both are glamorous, Petros draws an elegant Yale-esque yuppie while Sashi welcomes an exuberant USC-ish yuppie. Further, Petros is more first date whereas Sashi is more first bait. Be prepared to get charmed over BMW 3 series small talk as single yuppies of all ages ready to bite line the walls of this scintillating Asian-inspired restaurant/lounge. It boasts a dynamic sushi menu and heavenly drinks. At Sashi, one absolutely must partake in the the drink de yuppie, which is the mint mojito. It tastes as though you're drinking gummy bears. Gimme gimme more (gummy!) So saddle up in your six cylinder and enjoy yuppiedom.

Petros Greek Cuisine - Manhattan Beach

Sashi Sushi and Sake Lounge - Manhattan Beach

Written by: Meredith McKenna - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Romance Anyone?

Setting the scene for that special night out or any night when love is in the air, there is truly no other spot in LA that can capture the moment like Il Cielo in Beverly Hills. A twinkling canopy of lights, twining vines and flowers create a romantic courtyard setting quite unlike any other. On Burton Way just east of Doheny lies this country cottage where you can enjoy dining under the stars in the breath-taking front patio, the fountain garden with its retractable glass roof or by the wonderfully cozy fireplace.

Voted "The Most Romantic Restaurant in LA" by Los Angeles magazine, Il Cielo is more than a restaurant, it's a landmark. With a divine Tuscan menu, any dish you choose is sure to please. With a seasonal menu and seasonal Prix Fixe offering, those looking to sample the freshest of the day, while saving a few dollars, will find their Prix Fixe offering just the ticket. Although a bit on the expensive side, you absolutely get what you pay for. From the romance in the air, to the delightful Lobster, Filet and dreamy Truffle Pasta, you won't mind the splurge one bit.

Il Cielo is everything you have heard it was and more. Easy on the eyes, easy on the heart and not so easy on the wallet.

Il Cielo - Beverly Hills

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

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

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

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

A Lovely of Theatre...LA Style!

Defining romance since Shakespeare, nothing quite sets off a night more than Theatre and dinner. Los Angeles has a thriving theatre scene with a wide range of plays, musicals and comedy shows. With a wide range of theatres in Los Angeles, it's easy to find an intimate locale or one on a grand scale such as the Ahmanson or Mark Taper Forum. Although I love the magic and majesty of the large productions, to me, a small well done production can leave you as breathless as the former. The smaller productions are also a lot easier on the wallet.

I found a perfect website to easily search through all the theatre LA has to offer with some nice perks and discounts to boot. Givehttp://www.plays411.net/a go and find a show that strikes your fancy.

Do try to check out what the ACME Theatre in Los Angeles has to offer. A top notch, newly renovated theatre with a revolving cast of comedy professionals sure to tickle your funny bone. The ACME also works with outside productions that also offer great dramas from time to time. My favorite part of the ACME is Almafi Restaurant next door. It truly makes for that perfect night out... a lovely dinner, drinks and then saunter next door for some of the best theatre Los Angeles has to offer.

Also be sure to check out any promos the restaurant may doing with any given show. Very often Almafi Restaurant offers dinner and a show for two... for little more than a steal.

Plays411 - Los Angeles

Acme Theatre - Los Angeles

Almafi Restaurant - Next Door to the Acme Theatre - Los Angeles

Written by: SpeedLA Dating