A Romantic Nook...

Dark and dripping in romance is the fabulous Carmine's Caffe in Westwood. A favorite haunt of mine, I find myself at this Italian love nest more often than not. From the old world ambiance, to the stage perfect lighting to the fact it is steps from my home, this is one locale very dear to my heart. Step away from the worries of the world and let owners Carmine & Kim spoil you with delightful dishes, a warm and inviting bar and all the little things that make this talian spot, irresistable.

The perfect date spot in Westside that isn't going to see you draining your 401k to leave a tip. Although not necessarily a bargain, I think you will agree, the ambiance, the food and the mood, justify the means.

Stroll in past what seems to be an Old English door to the very personable bartenders, all eager to make you feel welcome and act as though, you've just arrived home. Give a nod to bartenders, Steve and Mike and find your way into the dimly lit, romantic booths awaiting your every wish. As for appetizers you can't go wrong with any choice. The Baked Clams are lovely and the Shrimp Scampi a must have. On the entree front, I can not recommend the Filet highly enough. Cooked to perfection and laid over spinach, Pope blessed Mash Potatoes and Porcini Mushrooms, resulting in a romantic medly of their own.

Also worth mentioning is the Osso Bucco - served over Gnocci and the Chicken Pietro - layered chicken and eggplant parmesean. For after dinner, try any of their delicious, always seasonal desserts to set the night off.

You'll find me in the back corner booth, consumed in Italian heaven, fretting over how I can better serve my daters. Come over and say hello - assuming of course, I have finished my Filet.

Carmine's 2 Caffe - Westwood - (310) 441 - 4706

Heaven On Earth

For the ultimate in nail care, there is no other. Treat yourself to l.a vie l'orange and you will have no regrets. This hidden oasis on Robertson Blvd in West Hollywood is understated and reminiscent of a shabby chic catalogue. I am happy to say that they have acknowledged these tough economic times and recently lowered their prices! Register on their website to receive $10 off your first signature treatment! On Wednesdays and Thursdays the spa is open late and free cocktails and snacks are served - nothing better than getting a pedicure in your own personal cabana, sipping on a champagne cocktail. Absolute Heaven!

The salon is beautiful and always welcoming. The zen like atmosphere immediately relaxes your senses and the refreshing cucumber water allows any wait time to glide by with ease. The most current beauty techniques are used in all of their services yet all treatments are inspired by ancient remedies. All treatments include a hydrating massage, full manicure and/or pedicure with perfect polish.

The custom blend of products at the salon are a delight, all designed to hydrate and protect your skin and nails from the harmful effects of the environment.

If you really feel like pampering to the extreme, request their in-home services.

Ladies, I don't have to tell you this is the premier nail salon in Los Angeles. Guys do I have to mention that a gift certificate for l.a vie l'orange would score major points?!

l.a vie l'orange - 638 1/2 N.Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Bloody Mary's, Bikinis & Beach Balls

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pagoda Bar - Yamashiro Restaurant

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Whodunit?

Looking for something outside the box? Something fun that's a bit of a a laugh? Grab your date, polish up your Detective badge and get ready for a Murder Mystery! Brits love a good 'Whodunit'! A wonderful opportunity to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, find the bad guy and lock 'em up! Feed your inner Columbo at Keith & Margo's Murder Mystery Dinner in Los Angeles. Their ongoing dinner shows at Los Angeles' most popular restaurants on the fashionable Westside, features a complete package that includes gourmet meals, all taxes and gratuities and of course their very popular interactive murder mystery experience.

Heralded by the Los Angeles Times as a popular phenomenon and new form of audience participation theater, Keith & Margo's Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre offers a chilling opportunity for ordinary people with a passion for crime... slippery red herrings... diabolical clues... and ingenious detective work to indulge themselves in one of the most unusual, exhilarating, and spine tingling experiences they've ever had.

Currently showing at Matteo's Restaurant in Westwood. A lovely spot with good food providing that perfect theatrical backdrop for a night of Mystery.

Impress your date with your Detective work while you spoil her with delicious nibbles. Also worth a note; Have a stop by Stubdog.com for discount tickets for Keith & Margo's Murder Mystery Dinner and other top shows and entertainment in Los Angeles.

Keith & Margo's Murder Mystery Dinner - Westwood

StubDog.com - Discount Tickets for LA's Top Events

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Broken Heart, Broken Wallet?

Hollywood may make them good girls go bad, but it also makes them good girls go broke (romantically and financially). One too many bad boy breakups or Betsey Johnson boho bags and bam…you find yourself diagnosed with broken heart/broken wallet syndrome, potentially critical if left untreated. So what’s a Hollywood girl suffering from broken heart/broken wallet to do to get back on the fast track? Besides of course hit up SpeedLA Dating’s next smashing event (hello, duh!).

First order of business is to grab a bite...or channel your inner Elvis and grab a hunka hunka burning cheese fries at Los Feliz’s House of Pies Restaurant & Bakery (1869 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles). Whether its early morning or late night (House of Pies is open until 2AM nightly – perfect for those nocturnal nosh sessions, which happen to prevent nocturnal sob sessions), leave your heartache and American Express at the door (prices cap off at $15 and that’s for the ritzy din din options). No matter the hour, the atmosphere is always homey, cozy and cheery…there’s no place like House of Pies, there’s no place like House of Pies, there’s no place like House of Pies. Except maybe of course in Kansas. The crowd is fairly oddjob – both the family style interior and people-watching outdoor patio (be careful of hipster sightings) attract mamabears and papabears, thirty something couples and indeterminate aged artists. The home style menu teases you with everything from pancakes to western burgers to strawberry pies. Shakira may be She Wolf but you get to SheWolfsss at House of Pies.

After your House of Pies binge-a-thon (rest in peace cheese fries), roll your broken heart/broken wallet self on over to Manhattan Beach’s the Strand for your second dose of treatment. The Strand is a three mile (you can make it a little longer or a little less depending on how conscious you are post- House of Pies sugar smackdown) oceanside walk path lining Manhattan Beach’s toniest homes…uh I meant MEGA toniest homes. Prime time at the Strand tends to be around 3pmish and later aka when the stock market closes and stock brokers pound the pavement in their pumas. Park in one of Manhattan’s metered lots adjacent to Manhattan Beach Boulevard or in front of the Manhattan Pier and walk off your heartache…and heartburn. You can recharge while heading north towards El Porto or south towards Hermosa Beach, and while both offer stunning views (of the ocean….although equally stunning views of parked Bentleys), the Hermosa Beach section of the Strand tends to be livelier.

Warning: some Strand-walkers have been known to make a detour to the rowdy Hermosa Pier to hydrate themselves…with Corona. See, exercise is fun. The only thing I would recommend (besides a sun-shielding Dodgers cap, for my fellow Snow Whites – bronze beauties may disregard this suggestion) is to bring a dog on your Strand stroll. Whether it’s a friend’s dog, a stuffed dog or even a robotic dog (arguably the most difficult dog of all to take care of), nothing promotes impromptu Strand convos than a leashed canine. Jogging hedge fund managers trip over each other (they travel in packs) to chat up girls with a pup in tow. There can be absolutely no canine substitutions, I once tried bringing a gigapet with zero success. Perhaps it was Comic-Con weekend.

Written by: Meredith McKenna - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Fireworks Anyone?

Growing up in England, baseball isn't even on the radar. It's footie, footie and more footie (Soccer for you Yanks). Since moving here I have become quite fond of our Lakers and lately have discovered America's Favorite Pastime through the Los Angeles Dodgers. I happened upon Friday Night Games at Dodger Stadium which include a post-game Fireworks show that is truly spectacular. There is something about the combination of warm LA nights, being a sports geek with the one you fancy and fireworks to boot, that is wonderfully romantic.

StubDog.com is excited to offer their customers great deals on Dodgers tickets. In their arrangement with Major League Baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers you'll purchase tickets directly from the Los Angeles Dodgers website.

When you click the CLICK TO PURCHASE on the StubDog.com website you will be taken to their partner page where you'll find discount ticket offers exclusive to StubDog.com customers. A savings of almost 50% off per seat!

With seats ranging from Field Box to Premium Baseline Field box, you are sure to find something that fits your preference and budget.

This of course doesn't mean I have traded out my love for Kobe Bryant for Manny Ramirez, but a discovery of a lovely night for any date or couple. I am a bit curious as to why Manny's uniform looks a bit like pajamas...but I'm still catching on.

StubDog.com - Discounted Tickets

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Director's Style!

At some point in a relationship, whether dating or committed, the inevitable 'Movie' date makes it's appearance. Looking to stand out in the crowd... looking to add a little posh to your movie nights, then we have just the thing. The Bridge at The Promenade, in the Howard Hughes Center, is a movie experience quite unlike any other. With 'Directors Hall' auditoriums, offering premium wide leather seats and reserved seating, State-of-the-art IMAX theaters and an array of delicious nibbles and cocktails in the futuristic 12 Lounge, this theatre has style.

Visit http://www.thebridgecinemas.com/ for more info, discounts or to purchase tickets online. Also worth mentioning are the Elite Services within The Promenade. Elite Services provides patrons with concierge-style premium services. Need to make last minute dinner reservations, call for a taxi, reserve seats, or just looking for directions… Their Elite Services team is ready to serve and indulge all your special requests. Find the Services desk within the theatre or call ahead at their 24-Hour Phone 310-568-3375. So have a lovely cocktail and delicious nibbles in style - Hollywood Style! http://www.thebridgecinemas.com/

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

How about a lil 'Cooking With Gas'?

Looking for a bit of a laugh? Add a little gas to your giggle tank and stop by the Groundlings Theatre on Melrose for their 'Cooking With Gas' Improv Show. Since 1992, the Groundlings Main Company, Alumni and Sunday Companies have played together every Thursday night in the all-improv explosion that has become almost as much of an institution as the Groundling Theatre itself.

Based entirely on audience suggestions, watch as these up and coming, comedic geniuses make you feel like you're the comedy writer. Always fresh, always funny and always a great way to maybe catch a star or two as each week the Groundlings Theatre invite one star to join in. Past guests have included Mike Myers, Quentin Tarantino and D'Angelo, to name a few.

Thursday Nights @ 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are normally $16.50 and can be purchased online athttp://www.groundlings.com/

Quite often you can get tickets for half-priced athttp://www.stubdog.com/ .

It's worth having a look at. :)

Written by: SpeedLA Dating