A Lovely Guide for the LA Dater in you...

Hot off the press is the 2009 Zagat Los Angeles Dating (and Dumping) Guide. A pocket size guide with loads of goodies for the LA Dater. With chapters ranging from Where to Date, Where to Break Up, Nightlife, Sweet and Not So Sweet Stories of love or that never ending quest to find love. With Zagat you can expect the most up to date reviews on the latest, hottest spots and with this guide you can have a laugh and gain some good tips while you are at. A couple of excerpts I quite enjoyed are in the 'Jesus Get Me Out of Here' Stories;

"In the middle of an intimate moment, my so-called boyfriend said 'I don't think I can do this anymore because I'm engaged.' "

"He told me that his fetish was amputees and if something were to happen to me I would be right up there at the top of his list."

"I thought he was going to take me out for dinner, but he explained that he doesn't like to eat and only eats to survive, so we weren't going out to eat."

"We were fooling around. I went to use his bathroom, and when I came back he was at his computer checking out online dates."

You can find the Zagat Los Angeles Dating Guide at most book stores or athttp://www.zagat.com/shop/product_detail.asp?VID=0&preload=60009&prodid=731

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

A Weekend Away...Without Breaking the Bank

Alright Lads... Looking to get away with your love for the weekend? Something in town that is chic, fun and reasonable? Look no further than the Westin Bonaventure Downtown. I'm sure you have either driven by, seen pictures or watched the hundreds of movies the Bonaventure has been featured in. The Bonaventure continues to stand the test of time and does so beautifully. Being a Westin resort you're guaranteed superior service, their Signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath and a spectacular view of downtown from every room. With 24 hour room service, 42 restaurants and shops on property and state-of-the-art Westin Workout Gym, you need never leave the resort.

Now here is where the good gets better...

The Westin Bonaventure is primarily a business hotel which is incredibly convenient for a number of reasons. First off, all rooms are well equipped for all things business. DSL, fax machine and mini-bar (sorry, I had to throw that one in) are a Westin given. Secondly, prices drop drastically on the weekend. What can be a $300 dollar room during the week can be had for half that come Saturday and Sunday. Considering the price drop, do you and your love a favor and upgrade to their Tower Suite Rooms which include a seperate room, vanity and a lovely bit of extra space. All rooms have floor to ceiling windows, but the Tower Suite Rooms highlight the view best. Typically, expect to pay about $40 to $50 dollars a night over the standard room charge on the weekend, but I think you will find it well worth it when your love gushes about how you spoil her.

Lovely shops, 24 hour room service, luxury amenities and a bed that overlooks downtown? How can you say no?

Westin Bonaventure - Downtown Los Angeles

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

SpeedLA Dating Heads to The Big Apple!

SpeedLA is proud to present we are expanding to New York City! I offer you, SpeedNY Dating. Same great value, same level of service and same cheeky fun. Hiring has begun for personable enigmatic British hosts, New York City Resident Bloggers and the search is on for the very best and hottest spots in NY. After opening in San Diego, Santa Barbara and our latest expansion, Seattle, we are tickled pink to be spreading our UK fun to 'The Big Apple'.

Set to debut July 1st 2009 - http://www.speednydating.com/

Many of our clients travel often to and from New York and I look forward to any advice, New York dating tips or just to say 'Cheers'!

Always available for my daters, call on me anytime.

Love,

Anoush x

We Love LA!

The Los Angeles Lakers are the 2009 NBA Champions! Hundreds of cheeky daters took advantage of our Lakers promotion offering a Free Event if the Lakers won it all. And won it all they have.

We are super excited and grateful to be such a huge part of LA. We look forward to seeing our promotion winners and for those that missed your chance for a Free SpeedLA Dating event, I am proud to announce our Lakers Championship Summer. Purchase a ticket between now and August 31st 2009, and receive $7 off your ticket price. Enter KOBEMVP for your discount.

Cheers to the Los Angeles Lakers and we can't wait to do it all again next year!

Love,

Anoush x

Ask Anoush! All Things Dating Advice Column

Ask Anoush! Have a dating question? Need help navigating the dating world? Simply e-mail Anoush at anoush@speedladating.com with your question and she'll answer it right here.

• Cindy , Thousand Oaks
  I’ve been seeing someone for close to 9 months now and I want to do something special (not too special) for his birthday. I thought of somewhere not too far, for a 3 day weekend. Where do I go?

Hi Cindy, thank you for your question – love the small trips out of town, so much fun! Considering where you are, it will be no surprise to you that I am thinking Santa Barbara. One of my most favorite understated hotels in Santa Barbara is the Montecito Inn on Coast Village Road. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel with a wonderful restaurant and bar. They do run specials for reservations made Sunday through Thursday and it is quaint enough to not scream ‘too special’. Continental breakfast is complimentary with your reservation and all the rooms are extremely modern with HBO, DVD /CD players and high-speed internet access. Gourmet dining is available through room service. If the weather is bad by any bad stroke of luck – there are plenty of things to do within the hotel. The Montecito Inn boasts a state-of-the-art exercise room, massage therapy, heated pool, Jacuzzis and wonderful saunas. Lunch, dinner and beverage service is also available poolside. I think it’s a beautiful place to have a relaxing few days without going over the top. Take a drive up and see for yourself – Valet parking is complimentary too.

• Jackie, Reseda
  Alright, so I’ve been on three dates with this guy. I like him. Not gaga but I could get gaga. Anyway, I met his sister on the second date. No big thing just happened to be around. So on our third date, I see her again and she’s talking about her wedding. She then turns to me and says “Do you want to be my bridesmaid?” I actually started to laugh, until I realized she wasn’t kidding. I nearly passed out. Out of sheer embarrassment of the moment, I agreed! I can’t guarantee we’ll make it past date 5. What do I do?

Hi Jackie, Thank you for your question – this is a strange one! What an uncomfortable position for you to be in I must say. First things first, the only easy way to slide out of this one is to do away with the relationship. That way there are no hurt feelings – no boyfriend, no bridesmaid for sister of boyfriend right? We could write pages on why this girl has no one closer in her life or why she latched on to you (perhaps she really wants her brother to get married, now that she is making that commitment) and is forcing it a little bit) Who knows…like I said; pages! If you really feel that this relationship isn’t really going anywhere, then get out now. Why prolong something you are not that into and maybe you can slope off before the measuring tape comes out for the dresses! I would love to know how things turn out, stay in touch.

Brian, Toluca Lake
So I’ve got this girl I like. We’ve been pretty exclusive for about 5 months. This is going to sound stupid, but I hate her music. No really, I despise her music. I’m not picky on music, I like most music, but this isn’t music. It sounds like New Age – spiritual – lots of harps – type music. It’s really the only thing I don’t like about her. So Anoush – help me out!

Hi Brian, Thank you for your question, this is a delicate one! Music can be such an important part of our lives and bonding over certain songs with your other half can be quite meaningful and create lasting memories. You didn’t say if this is her exclusive music of choice or if like you, she is open to other styles. I suggest that you play certain songs to her and let her know that you really like them and see how she reacts. Perhaps she can listen to her music when you are out or doing something else and you can still then have your songs that you enjoy together. As a music lover myself, I find it very important to agree on this and I wish you the best of luck in bringing her around to your taste. On the same hand, you should make every attempt to try to like some of her choices; maybe you have not heard them all! Let me know how it goes.

• Jimmy, Los Angeles
  Where can I take out a girl in LA that will give me the most bang for my buck? As in, I have very few. Any ideas would be helpful.

Hi Jimmy, Thank you for your question, in these times it is not a rare one, so I thought it a great one to share. Contrary to popular opinion there are quite a few options for a fun time in LA that doesn’t pull too hard on the purse strings. For a daytime date I always love the idea of spending a few hours down at the Santa Monica pier. There is so much to do there and not expensive! The arcade is sure to bring out the kids in you and see each other in a more relaxed environment. If you are feeling a little romantic and want to get snuggly, grab a couple of tickets to ride the Ferris wheel. For a romantic and lovely evening out, there are a few great restaurants on Ventura in Studio City and Sherman Oaks where you can have a lovely meal without the usual LA prices. I personally love Il Tiramisu in Sherman Oaks. A romantic setting without being too intimate, Il Tiramisu offers a fantastic bar, superb authentic Italian food and very pleasant staff to boot! The food is divine and you can enjoy a great meal and a couple of drinks for around $65. Not the cheapest in town but definitely one of the best as far as value for money is concerned. Other honorable mentions are Café Bizou just up the street. Also if you are over on the Westside and fancy an inexpensive but delicious meal – check out Panini on Sunset in West Hollywood. They have the best pizza in LA!

Riding High...

Sometimes it's nice to turn down the pressure, forget the glamour (I said it!) and go on an old- fashioned simple date. I know just the place. They say the best things in life are free. Well this is almost free and undoubtedly the most fun to be had in all of Los Angeles under $10. Be it day or night, the view from the all new Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, is breathtaking. Dazzle her with the gorgeous west coast skyline at night, take in the ocean view by day or time it just right for that perfect sunset viewing.

The brand new state of the art Ferris wheel boasts an extraordinary 160,000 LED illuminating lights. This is particularly spectacular to see at night. The Ferris wheel cost $1.5 million dollars, sits 130 feet above the Pacific ocean and features 20 large gondolas to snuggle up in.

Gentleman, if you are ever stuck and don't know what to do, I highly recommend a jaunt over to Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier. Get cozy in one of the gondolas and ride the wheel high above the ocean, into the stars. A perfect start... or finish, to any date.

http://www.pacpark.com/

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Mamma Mia from NY...

Few things are more wonderfully simple, yet fantastically romantic, as a lovely pizza and bottle of wine with the one you fancy. So the question begs, "Just where can you get New York pizza in LA?". Well, I think I have just the answer. I offer you, Mamma Mia Pizzeria.

New York style pizza that makes one want to dance their self silly through the streets of Italy. Perhaps that was a slight exaggeration, but I think you get the delicious point. With two locations, one on the Sunset Strip the other in Sherman Oaks, getting a taste of New York is just a stone's throw away. With the freshest ingredients, home made dough and more specialty pizza's than you can shake a stick at, it's no surprise to see Mamma Mia's packed at nearly any hour. Also, well worth a look are their pastas, salads and sandwiches. Personal favorites are the Chicken Picata with linguine in a white wine sauce, the Gnocci in delicious marinara and the Pannino Della Casa, their House Special Sandwich with Grilled Chicken, avocado and provolone cheese.

A frequent fan of their delivery, I do try to pop in every once in a while for a quick ello' to their Sunset locale, their staff always friendly and always eager. Not to miss is the coupon section on their website, filled with discounts for an added bonus. If you have an extra second, sign up for their Mamma Mia Pizzeria Club, for a slew of discounts and special offers. Also convenient is the ability to order on-line. Easy, affordable and bloody good.

One mustn't forget that perfect, yet affordable bottle of wine. Whereas the Opus One in your home cellar might be a bit over the top, I think you will find any selection of Bolla Wine, at $10 a bottle and available everywhere, a perfect companion to your New York moment.

Mamma Mia Pizzeria - Sunset Blvd / Sherman Oaks

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Ask Anoush! All Things Dating Advice Column

Ask Anoush! Have a dating question? Need help navigating the dating world? Simply e-mail Anoush at anoush@speedladating.com with your question and she'll answer it right here.

• Jessica, Burbank
  I live in Burbank and needed a great first date place. Someplace romantic, but not too romantic if you know what I mean.

Hi Jessica, Thank you for your lovely question. It didn’t take me any time at all to come up with an answer. I have the perfect go-to spot, not too romantic, not unromantic either. Your answer awaits you at Café Bizou. I can’t say enough good things about this oasis in the valley. By far the best California-French fare for miles around. If you want to lean gently towards the romantic side (and I did say gently, so don’t panic!) request to be seated on the patio. Otherwise, inside is great too. I just find if a night is going to go well, it’s always nicer to be outside under the heat lamps - if it goes terribly you’re that much closer to Valet! The food is simply excellent (for a heavenly dish order the lobster special) there is a fabulous full bar and extensive wine list. Perfect setting, not too much, not too little and great prices too. You will not go wrong, I’m guaranteeing this one!

• Steve, Northridge
  Hello Anoush! OK. Here’s my deal. My girl’s birthday is in 10 days. We’ve been seeing each other for about 2 months. I have absolutely no idea what to get her. I’m a bit tight on cash and I didn’t want to send the wrong message. Any help?

Hi Steve, Thanks for your question love, I’m sure you’re not alone in this common angst. I like to believe I am not alone in my love for Sephora. Before you panic at the thought of walking in and feeling completely lost - have no fear – www.sephora.com is here. Cue the orchestra! Sephora really has come to us from above! Ladies love it. Not only because there is everything under one roof that we could possibly ever want, but and this is where you come in, they have the most fantabulous , and affordable gifts. A couple of my personal favorites that Sephora.com has at the moment are the Marc Jacobs Daisy Deluxe Gift Set ($87 value only $65!) Not only does this box set include a bottle of Marc Jacobs perfume but also the matching body lotion and shower gel! You are not going to go wrong there and your lady will smell so divine. Another favorite of mine is the Nars Body Glow gift set, only $49, I would be tickled pink to receive this and would give you major points! Let me know what you decide upon and how it goes!

• Marcus, Pasadena
  I have a question. I’ve been dating this woman for 4 months. We both have been seeing other people during that time, but I really like her now and I want to take the relationship to another level. How do I do that? I’m afraid to put myself out there, only to lose what I have if I scare her off.

Hi Marcus, thank you for your question, this is an interesting situation. Without knowing too many details, I would suggest a slow start – no sudden movements! You are obviously already aware of the fear of scaring her off, so that is good. All too often, men are not intuitive to this and make direct movements or sudden demands. You both have been seeing other people so you both have an equal footing and say in how things go forward. I would start by securing more nights together, or day trips whichever your schedule allows for. Basically the message you want to get across to her is that she is number one on your list. You never know she may be feeling the same way and isn’t sure how to approach you. Once you have a few more great dates, maybe elevated in terms of where you go, small gifts for her, increased phone calls etc...Then I would advise that you arrange a special dinner date. On this special date, take it up a notch – nice restaurant, flowers when you pick her up, lay the romance on thick! If this night goes well and you feel it’s mutual, then you are in a good place to have ‘the conversation’. Maybe you’ll want to have the talk that night, maybe you’ll wait until a few days after…you’ll know. Let me know how things develop, I love updates!