Showing posts with label Lovely bit of fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lovely bit of fun. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Top Chef Masters * First Date Dinner


Top Chef Masters * First Date Dinner

Bravo's 'Top Chef Masters' sizzle for 60 of our Matchmaking daters!

We had the pleasure of hosting Bravo's 'Top Chef Masters' and their world-renowned chefs for a very special, 'First Date Dinner'. See if our Matchmaking daters found love or fell in love with their dishes!
Top Chef Masters' - *First Date Dinner *

Written by: SpeedLA Dating & Matchmaking

Sunday, February 20, 2011

From Frizz to Fabulous...

Ladies - it's here! The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived...in Brentwood. No cuts. No color. Just blowouts. Only $35. Yes, $35. I was so excited to learn that this mecca of all things last minute and fabulous, had opened it's doors and turned on the blow driers! As if getting a blow out, isn't fun enough - the people behind Dry Bar, have added a unique element of creating a 'menu' for your preferred hairstyle. How much fun is it to order a Mai-Tai at 10 am or a Cosmopolitan at noon - finish me off with a Manhattan at 6pm!

Depending on how you are feeling or how many butterflies you have in your stomach for that first date tonight - you can order a blow dry to suit your mood. Feeling sassy and ready for spring, I ordered up a Cosmopolitan for 35 bucks and left feeling like a million dollars! My loose cosmopolitan curls had heads turning and prompted questions of "Who does your hair?" from all I came in contact with. On top of that - my hair continued to look great for the next few days. How is a girl ever to wash her own hair again?

One of the best perks, for a mere $40 more -they will come to your house! Sheer fabulousness at it's best. We all get too busy to sit in the chair for two hours or we don't want to spend $200 on cut and colour just yet -that's when it's time to call the Dry Bar! A great fill in between cut and color visits with your stylist and a fantastic way to put you into Supermodel gear, just before your Date-Night. Walk in or better yet make an appointment online or on the phone - check out their Happy Hours with complimentary cocktails.

http://www.drybar.com/main.html

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Monday, January 3, 2011

More Cheeky? Yes, Please!

SpeedLA & NBC/Oxygen's 'Bad Girls Club' Gets Cheeky Again!

In 2009, SpeedLA Dating had the pleasure of hosting NBC/Oxygen's 'Bad Girls Club' Season 3 @ the fabulous Les Deux in Hollywood. The episode went on to become one of the most popular, fun and of course, cheekiest episodes of the season.

For 2010, the 'Bad Girls Club' is back and once again calls upon the hottest dating company for all their speed dating needs. Filmed this year at the extraordinary, Highlands @ Hollywood & Highland Center.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbKCH9R1RcE
SpeedLA Dating would like to thank the Producers, Crew and Cast for once again choosing SpeedLA and would like to say "We still love you too!"

Love,

Anoush x

To see last year's episode of the "The Bad Girls Club" -

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

Monday, December 13, 2010

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

Monday, November 29, 2010

Top Chef Masters * First Date Dinner


Bravo's 'Top Chef Masters' sizzle for 60 of our Matchmaking daters!

We had the pleasure of hosting Bravo's 'Top Chef Masters' and their world-renowned chefs for a very special, 'First Date Dinner'. See if our Matchmaking daters found love or fell in love with their dishes!
Top Chef Masters' - *First Date Dinner *

Written by: SpeedLA Dating & Matchmaking

Monday, November 15, 2010

Think Pink...Orange County Style

A shopping must-know for all the flirty girls out there - if you don’t know about Pink Ice, allow us to introduce you. Pink Ice is affordable fashion at its best. Based in Orange County, Pink Ice has been catering to sexy Southern Californian girls since the late 80’s. With locations as close to Los Angeles as Santa Monica, you don’t have to live in Orange County to wear the lifestyle...and you don’t have to be super rich either. The mission of Pink Ice is to allow fashion driven young women to be ale to access trendy, sexy and unique clothing at affordable prices. Not to mention, shoes and fabulous accessories!

Their hot spot on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica has been featured on several film and television productions and all Pink Ice locations are becoming well known for their outstanding reputation throughout Southern California, both for their inventory and amazing customer care.

This is a must stop shop for any ladies looking for that cute and flirty Date-Night outfit or looking to impress your first date this weekend! Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are there to help with any styling questions or advice - you simply can’t go wrong.

Visit www.pinkice.com for store locations and online shopping too!

Happy shopping daters!! xx

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Bravo's 'Rate The Date' * Fancy a Go?


SpeedLA Dating had the pleasure of hosting Bravo for their very special, 'Rate The Date' series. Viewers chose which couple they felt made the perfect match and the winning couple enjoyed a romantic dinner for two. See if love was in the air or they just got plain cheeky!

The Winners of Bravo's 'Rate The Date' series...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKKI6tSH4s0

SpeedLA Dating @ Geisha House

Rate The Date - Bravotv.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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 impre
ss 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 w
hole 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, it
turns 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 your
OpenTable 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.

Friday, September 24, 2010

"Dating on a Dime: Driving Range Edition"

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

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

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

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

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Getting Cheeky with FOX News!


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

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

Fox News & Good Day LA



SpeedLA Dating & Matchmaking


Fancy a go?

Veni, Vidi, Venice

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


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

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

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

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

The Brig - Venice

Written by: Meredith McKenna - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Do You Have a Brit Connection?

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

The Brit Connection - Torrance

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Monday, August 23, 2010

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 anothe
r. 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 to
o 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

Monday, August 16, 2010

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

Monday, August 9, 2010

Something For Him...


So it's time for something for him. Well ladies, we knew this would happen eventually. I've got a great spot sure to tickle the car bone in even the toughest of guys. I offer you, The Peterson Automotive Museum on Wilshire in Los Angeles.

Covering four floors, the facility features permanent exhibits on the first floor that trace the history of the automobile. Visitors are invited to walk through, not by, exhibits and dioramas and experience settings of early Los Angeles where the world’s first shopping district was designed. The second floor presents five rotating galleries with state-of-the-art displays of racecars, classic cars, vintage motorcycles, concept cars, celebrity and movie cars, and auto design and technology.
The May Family Discovery Center is located on the third floor. Designed to spark interest in science by way of the automobile, the 6,500 square-foot, interactive “hands-on” learning center teaches children basic scientific principles by explaining the fundamental functions of a car. Like scenes in a romantic comedy, children's area in museums can create some of the sweetest date moments in any relationhip. Have fun, see how you look in Vivien Leigh's convertible and most of all... nod a lot. Men seem to like that.

Peterson Museum rotate their exhibits regularly and offer such an array of exhibits you are sure to find something that strikes both your fancy.

The Peterson Automotive Museum - Los Angeles

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Turn Your Hipster On

In the 90s, Los Angeles was a gangster’s paradise. Today, it’s a hipster’s paradise. A reported two in four people are hipsters…an alarming statistic as the hipster pandemic is only intensifying, especially acute in LA’s eastside neighborhoods. Turn your swagger on? Sorry, Soulja Boy – time to turn your hipster on.

Looking for Mister or Mademoiselle Hipster in all the wrong places? First, you must identify which degree of hipsterness you are seeking in that special someone. Let us explore the aesthetic hipster, the Euro hipster and the everyman’s hipster.

Some ladies like a man in uniform, others like a man in eyeliner. If you are the latter, look no further than “Beauty Bar”, located in the eclectic Cahuenga Corridor neighborhood of Hollywood (1638 N. Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles). Welcome to the aesthetic hipster jungle. As soon as you enter the Bar, you’re not sure if you’re in an actual bar or in the Breakfast Club. The décor screams 80s while the crowd screams mgmt’s “KIDS.” You’re engulfed by a tsunami of plaid scarves, neon tights and yellow skinny skinny skinny jeans, and that’s the men. It is incredibly easy to strike up a conversation with your hipster/ette of choice, undoubtedly because there are no fire marshal restriction signs posted anywhere so there are about ten people per square inch. Even though at times you feel more cramped than a smart car, Beauty Bar’s DJs keep the party roaring until closing time with blaring music ranging from the Black Eyed Peas to the Bruce Springsteen so enjoy that boom boom pow while dancing in the hipster dark.

Perhaps you’re over the dance party scene and instead you’re looking for the Euro Hipster aka someone who can wear a hooded sweatshirt and still look sophisticated. Someone who updates his facebook status with Jean-Jacques Rousseau quotes. Someone who isn’t afraid to order a crepe (there are close to 30 featured on the menu, so crepe it up). Aha…time to check out Solar de Cahuenga (1847 N. Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles), a Euro-ness hipster café. Despite being a couple blocks north of flashy Hollywood Boulevard, Solar de Cahuenga has a whimsical Parisian feel to it. Bring a date or a laptop (don’t be shy to get a little geeky, in fact there are 2.21 laptops per customer) and curl up on one of the inviting floor pillows or stake out a seat in the bustling outdoor sidewalk area. If crepes aren’t your forte, offer to share some parsley French fries with that Euro femme fatale sitting solo and voila, instant hipster soiree!

If the aesthetic-flavored or Euro-inspired hipster is not for you, then consider dating the everyman’s hipster. The everyman’s hipster can be identified by two telltale signs – they possess a kickback attitude and wear regular black jeans (as opposed to skinny black jeans). Head to “The Griffin” (3000 Los Feliz Boulevard, Atwater Village) for your dose of everyman hipster. Instantly become enchanted by the cozy ski-lodge interior, as deer heads adorn the walls and fireplaces pop up intermittently. It’s a little slice of Aspen without the attitude – a must for summer 2009. Note that it takes a bit of effort to chat up these everyman hipsters; for once planted in a coveted fire-side bench they don’t dare risk leaving their prime territory. However, the layout features two separate bar areas where scores of everyman hipsters congregate so pounce on the opportunity to schmooze it up under a deer-headed ceiling (where else in LA can you do that?). Regardless of your hipster preference, go put on a fresh plaid hoodie or your fav pair of skinny black jeans and get out there. Happy hipster-ing.

The Beauty Bar - Hollywood

The Griffin - Atwater Village

Solar De Cahuenga - Hollywood

Written by: Meredith McKenna - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Saturday, July 31, 2010

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

Monday, July 26, 2010

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.