Showing posts with label dating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dating. 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

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Glitz and Glamour...Indian Style!

Looking for Vegas without the Vegas? Someplace to feel like a King on a pauper's budget? Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula is just the spot. Located 50 miles outside of LA, is this Four Diamond Resort dripping with amenities. Take your love by the hand and head to the 188,000 square foot casino with over 2,000 slot machines and video machines. Of if your prefer, stop by the one of many Casino Bars, grab yourself a martini and slide up to one of the 160 table games one can impress or embarrass, ones self with.

Much more than a Casino, Pechanga is a Resort. With 522 spacious guest rooms and suites, each is oversized with floor to ceiling windows, 4 star luxurious accommodations, 24-hour room service as well as complimentary use of the fully equipped health club, seasonal pool and sundeck with private cabana and a knowledgeable concierge service. Should a massage for two strike your fancy, Pechanga is sure to accommodate. Call ahead to the Concierge or Health Club for in-suite massage appointments. The best part of Pechanga is the value for money. Most weekends out of the year, expect to pay about $200 a night for a Deluxe Room. Rates drop significantly during the week. One splurge I highly recommend is the 1 Bedroom Suite and if your feeling extra flush, the Jacuzzi Suite. The 1 Bedroom Suite offer sitting rooms with a wet bar, separate sleeping quarters and one-and-a-half baths. Expect to pay about a $100 premium for the 1 Bedroom Suite. As for the Jacuzzi Suite, lavish in the Jacuzzi situated perfectly, overlooking the Temecula Wine Country, in the rather grand living room. For this treat, set aside an additional $200 a night above Deluxe Room rates.

Considering how much one can spoil themselves here for relatively little, a visit to Pechanga Resort and Casino can not be missed.

Pechanga Resort & Casino - Temecula

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

It Takes All Types in LA

It’s about 10 minutes before he’s supposed to arrive and instead of anticipating the evening, I’m nauseous. My palms are sweaty, I’ve stared at myself in the mirror so long my eyes are beginning to cross and I’m actually planning who to use as my scapegoat in case things go wrong. This is typical behavior for me when it comes to the first date. Sure some call it the jitters, others may call me delirious, but when you live in LA dating can be stressful.

There are roughly 89,000 more single men in Los Angeles than women. With that many more eligible bachelors, a girl should feel like a kid in a candy store. However, just like all of the restaurant and entertainment options this city serves up, it also offers various types worth avoiding; and on those occasions when I give someone a chance and decide to try a formal date, my mind runs wild of what sort of person I’ll actually be getting to know.

Someone once told me that Los Angeles was loaded with “pockets of cool”; this is undoubtedly true, but here are four guys that may make it past Date One, but should definitely never enter any girls’ “cool” zone.

Mr. Pretentious – He’s the guy every girl thinks they want from afar. He looks confident and carefree and all you could think is, he may actually be cooler than me. He teases you and compliments you, but rejects social norms and mentions his Rolex, BMW or Limited Edition lime green Chad Muska’s any chance he gets. He’s old enough to act like an adult, but somehow that slid right past him. He has more feminine qualities and lower self-esteem than Ellen Page’s character in 2007’s The Tracey Fragments. Don’t let this guy fool you, he’ll never shut up about his material possessions and he will emotionally drain you during your role as his mother.

The Gift Giver – This one is really tricky. He’s the guy who shows up with a gift every time he sees you. Sounds amazing, right? No! Erase that idea from your head. He’ll use gifts to mask his horrible personality and plant little seeds of guilt when you want to break it off with the gorgeous Peonies bouquet and shining cutlery he brought over last week. Again, this one lacks self-esteem and the understanding that you need more than a wallet to impress a real woman.

The Party Boy – The one you hate to love. You met him at a bar and you hit it off instantly, you laugh and never want the night to end. The next day when your friends ask about him, you dodge all the obvious signs that he’s not right for you by reiterating over and over that, “he’s really fun”. Unless you’re just looking for a good time, run the opposite direction. Don’t mistake his goofy, laid back, no-long-term-goal-self as a promising specimen you can mold. We can’t change men, so why waste your time trying.

The Push Over – Every girl likes a challenge, so it’s no wonder that a few dates with this guy and every single lady in the country wants to throw him to the side. He’ll do whatever you want. He’ll take your abuse. He’ll dance when you say dance. He’ll always be available and he willingly gives up all interactions with his friends. Sure he’ll be your best friend, your shopping buddy and your punching bag, but who wants a man who isn’t manly?

Written by: Crista Michelle - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Saturday, January 29, 2011

"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

Good Morning, My Love!

So you've managed to get to the 'Next Day Breakfast' stage. Well, telephone the queen as we Brits say! However, a great breakfast isn't always the easiest to find in LA. Splash a bit of water in your face, give a kiss to your mate and stroll on over to Brighton Coffee Shop in Beverly Hills. A true coffee shop in every sense of the word... breakfast bar, friendly waitresses and food that you can count on to be consistently spot on. On the corner of Brighton Way & Camden Drive is perhaps one of the smallest dining rooms I've seen in LA that always seems to be full of eager diners looking for good coffee shop food and saving a pound to boot. Sidewalk service is quite nice and fun to people watch the 'tourists', watching back.


The oldest coffee shop in Beverly Hills, it's been around since 1934 serving traditional American food. This might be the best value in all of Beverly Hills. Breakfast, which is served all day, includes all the standards as well as a meatloaf & egg platter. Lunch is sandwiches, meatloaf, six varieties of baked potatoes and various meat dishes.

Brighton Coffee Shop - Beverly Hills - 9600 Brighton Way

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Monday, January 3, 2011

Melt Her Heart..Sprinkles Style!

No better way to reach a woman's heart than through her sweet tooth. And there is no better way to reach her sweet tooth than with Sprinkles Cupcakes. If you don't know Sprinkles, pull yourself together and get informed...pronto! With locations in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, these aren't pint-sized cakes. Cupcakes are something else entirely and Sprinkles Cupcakes are truly heaven sent.

With over 20 tantalizing flavors to drool over, Sprinkles Cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients, including sweet cream butter, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, fresh bananas and carrots, real strawberries and natural citrus zests. Topped with Sprinkles trademark modern dots, rich chocolate sprinkles from France or seasonal sugar decorations, Sprinkles Cupcakes are a deliciously sophisticated update on an American classic.

A couple of gift suggestions sure to see your way to any girl's heart is the Favor Box andGiftbox. The first, is one singular, extraordinary Sprinkles Cupcake in their darling, Favor Box. Choose from an array of Special Decorations to customize your love cake. A present with a kiss and a great deal at $5. The latter, is the Giftbox, by Sprinkles. A lovely way to tell her you love her... 12 times over. The Giftbox is $46 and comes in a perfectly designedGiftbox meant to keep each delight safe and secure.

So go ahead and Sprinkle her with love...

Sprinkles Cupcakes - Beverly Hills / Newport Beach

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

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

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

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

Sunday, November 7, 2010

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

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Lovely Bit Of Yummy!


I'm sure you have all heard of Pink Dot by now. Lovely little Volkswagen bug, decent selection and good service, albeit, a bit on the expensive/over-priced side. Well, I offer you, Yummy.com. Think of it as a Pink Dot done right. You have your date coming over for a night in, you open the fridge, only to find a pathetic mix of mustard's and Red Bull. Not only does Yummy.com have a full grocery store online, one that is very easy to use and intuitive, the deli and bakery are where Yummy.com shines.

With deliciously fresh nibbles ranging from home-made soups, fruit, sandwiches and salads, impress your date Yummystyle. They have two locations, one in West Hollywood and the other in Santa Monica. For those in between like me, we make do with Pink Dot, but truly there is no substitute for Yummy's service and incredible selection of gourmet sweets, treats and must haves.

Give their website a go and whatever you do, please don't tell Pink Dot we slagged them off, I do quite fancy their Egg Salad Sandwich.

Yummy.com - West Hollywood / Santa Monica

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.

It's just what we do...

We at SpeedLA Dating are tickled pink to be so sought after by the press and media. Thousands are finding themselves getting cheeky at an alarming rate! Recently, VH1 stopped by to see what all the fuss is about. Cheers to the production and producers for choosing SpeedLA Dating.

VH1 - SpeedLA Dating Promo

Find out if NBC/Oxygen's "Bad Girls Club" found love or just got plain cheeky!

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

To view more of SpeedLA Dating's Videos -

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Love & Romance...LA Style!

Sensing love on the horizon... Well, no need to look farther than the horizon from the breaktaking Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach. In a relationship or tying to turn a lovely time into a relationship, then it might be time to seal the deal with a weekend away. Set the navigation for the sea and watch your 'Impress' factor soar off the charts as you pull into the Surf & Sand. Stroll in the wonderfully chic lobby and ask for the Corner Rooms in the Original Building or if you have the means, The Penthouse Corner. This building literally hangs over the water with the surf crashing below. Reserve ahead for spectacular deals on this slice of heaven or try your luck same day when the resort is out of season. Rated by Travel & Leisure as one of the World's Best Hotels - this gem is sure to set any relationship on the right course. Luxurious amenities, a private balcony and a view that never ends... is the Surf & Sand Resort.

For that special night in on the balcony a phone call to room service is the perfect start. A lovely bit of bubbly, candles set to perfection and a menu that is sure to satisfy all cravings. While we usually suggest certain dishes, we can't begin to pick our favorites. From fresh sea food to meats you can slice with a butter knife, they are all dreamy and all fabulously fabulous. So go on.. Surf's up.

Surf and Sand Resort - Laguna Beach

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Simply the Best...

With a tag line of "Not Your Daddy's Steakhouse...", you know you're in for something a little sexier, a little more daring and a lot more fun, SpeedLA presents our cheekiest venue, STK on La Cienega in West Hollywood. Quickly becoming the epicenter of premiere L.A. dining, is this feast for the senses, the body and everything in between. It is sexy without trying to be, whimsy in spirit while being theatrical at heart. For a place so sought after by the Hollywood set, it is completely devoid of Hollywood attitude. The staff is excited to be in on the fun, the fellow patrons amongst friends and for a second, it can feel as tho' the TMZ cameras outside might just be there for you.The dimly lit walkway to the entrance is striking with its running water sculptures/fountains, along with a fire pit beckoning you to step inside. The elevated dining room is a study in black and white, with white brick walls, an art installation of tusks, and half moon booths. Step through the fringe into the atrium bar, where the music is pumping and the full dinner menu is also available. You might start with light novelties like foie gras French toast or shrimp rice krispies. There’s plenty of seafood, but the steaks pull rank here. Cuts range from 6 to 26 oz. and couple elegantly with sauces like blue butter or herb béarnaise and sides like sweet corn pudding and Parmesan truffle fries ($8), one of the restaurant's signature creations an absolute must.

For less carnivorous diners, there are also several non-steak main courses like the luscious big-eye tuna with porcini potato puree and a mushroom bordelaise. After dinner, don't forget to please your sweet tooth. Desserts are new twists on classics, like the PB&J Sundae whose ice cream scoops are, appropriately, peanut butter and jelly, topped withnutella, grape preserves and a caramelized banana.

With innovative twists that appear like clockwork but are never rushed, whether for dinner or devine drinks, your libido will be in over drive wondering what the next surprise is. Fantastic for a first date and better for the third date and beyond, you can feel welcome here for a drink or that unforgettable dinner.

Also well worth a mention is STK's 'Bite While It's Light' menu offering from 6pm to 8pm - Thursday and Friday. A lovely opportunity to sample the heavenly menu with 'Lighter Bites' of their Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Cocktail and Tuna Sashimi to name a few, at a price of $10, which allows for that extra signature cocktail. Speaking of Signature Cocktails, sip and sway like a rockstar, for $10. Looking for a full meal? Settle into their Petite Short Rib or Skirt Steak with Garden Salad for a very reasonable, $15.

We at SpeedLA are quite chuffed to be invited some of the very best L.A. has to offer. Bypass the velvet rope and let SpeedLA roll out the red carpet to the spot no one can get into - because everyone wants to.

Enter STK at checkout for a lovely discount to boot!

Ready for a bit of fun?

http://www.speedladating.com/

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

STK - West Hollywood

Thursday, September 2, 2010

It's how you say 'Cheeky' in Japanese...

I'm sure you have all heard of or even been to the fabulously fabulous, Geisha House in Hollywood. For those that haven't or haven't a clue what Geisha House is, remove yourself from under the rock you have been under and get ready to tantalizeyour senses. While most sushi restaurants tend to ignore or hide from Japan's rich sexual history...Geisha House embraces it. A feast for the eyes, the soul and of course, your taste buds. Brought to you by the famed Dolce Group comes this sensual hot spot that has both the stars and those who set the trend for the stars, in a Japanese tizzy.

Many find our events at Geisha House a lovely opportunity to bypass the front desk, any Hollywood attitude and enjoy the best the venue has to offer and oh yeah... find love while their at it. We consider ourselves quite fortunate to be invited to Geisha House to host our events and truly can not say enough wonderful things... but I'll try anyway.

Starting downstairs you enter through a red-painted wood hallway, arriving at a full-length mirror--a not-so-subtle hint at the see-and-be-seen posing to come. Inside, the prominent main bar's white-grid-enclosed plasma screens are a focal point from every vantage point. Further back, a three-tiered fireplace anchors the main dining room, which is lined with kimono-like swatches and a twig-enclosed private booth. My personal favorite part of the restaurant is upstairs in the Moon Room. Dreamy in the summer months and wintertime chic, relaxing under the heaters, the rest of the year. Although considering it's always LA summertime, I think you'll find it equally stunning any time of year.

I typically like to mention a few of my menu favorites, but quite honestly I can't pick a favorite. Their sushi is always in top form, their entree's as good as you would expect and the drinks... ahh... the drinks... are always just what the doctor ordered. The Shikomi cocktail is like a decadent spa beverage, with sake, midori, lemon and cucumber. Too many of those, and I assure you, the reflection in the above mentioned mirror will be quite different.
The valet can be a bit pricey on busy nights--save a few dollars by using the lot directly across the street on Cherokee.

Geisha House - Hollywood

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

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

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Victoria's Secret...On the first date?!?!

Most of us associate Victoria’s Secret apparel with something we’d wear on the third date. You know, something black or pink (or PINK) and lacy or sheer – something sexy. Before writing this blog post, I knew from stealing my roommate’s Victoria’s Secret catalogue that the company also sells clothing. But the website blew me away! The top of the homepage includes links to bras and panties (we knew that), sleepwear and lounge attire, clothing, shoes, swim, beauty, sales and specials, and PINK wear. This is a Victoria’s Secret like I’ve never seen it – I had no idea that they had so much inventory and selection!

The homepage and website as a whole is easy to navigate and set against a crisp, clean white background. The space on the page is well-designed and aesthetically pleasing. The homepage features sales, specials, and news, such as swimwear sales, free bonuses with purchase, and fall fashion previews. The bottom of the page includes a variety of relevant and helpful links, including “Check Order Status”, “Customer Service”, “Request a Catalogue”, “Find a Store Near You”, and “Angel Card”. The homepage itself matches the brand, and successfully straddles the line between sexy and pragmatic.

With Victoria’s Secret offering more than just third-date apparel, I wanted to find out what my user experience on the site and product variety would be if I wanted to find a cute top for a first or second date. I clicked on “clothing”, and was directed to a new page in which “Tops & Tees $14 & Up” was featured most prominently. In a sidebar, items were grouped into categories: Sexy Steals, Features, Destination Summer, Dresses, Tops & Tees, Shirts & Blouses, Sweaters, Pants, Yoga & Loungewear, Shorts, Denim, Skirts, Suit Separates, Jackets & Coats, and Handbags & Accessories. The sidebar remained present on each page of Women’s Clothing.

I followed the “Tops & Tees” link, clicked on a babydoll tee, and used a size chart to determine the correct size for me. After that, I selected one of the many available colors, as well as the quantity, and added the shirt to my bag (adding to a wishlist was also an option). Following the add, I was given a suggested list of items “we think you’ll also love”.

All in all, I really enjoyed the Victoria’s Secret site. Its design was organic, well organized, easy to navigate, and subtly sexy throughout. I was impressed by the wide variety of merchandise (fifteen pages of tops & tees, and over twenty new styles of denim!). I believe it would be fun, easy, and overall enjoyable to select a first or second date outfit using the site, not to mention an outfit for the beach, a night out on the town, the perfect pumps, or a lip gloss for the perfect pout. Check out the site today, and soon you’ll be the sight to be seen!

Victoria's Secret

Written by: Lauren Blackwell - SpeedUSA Group Resident Blogger