SeattleDating’s Work Weekender for 2/19/2010

It’s that time of the week again (thank goodness!), which means it’s time to throw out a few ideas for the weekend.  It looks as if we’re actually going to have a bright and sunny couple of days (but also a bit cold), so it may be a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Northwest.

One way to get yourself outside is to take part in one of the many neighborhood farmers markets the Seattle area has to offer.  Here‘s another link for a few additional markets.  I must admit that I’ve never been much of a “farmers market guy”, but it’s a great opportunity to experience a rare appearance by the sun and, maybe, find a few ingredients for an evening in.

If the market really isn’t your thing, then here are a couple of “getting to know your city” activities you can try while also enjoying a bit of indulgence:

Savor Seattle Chocolate Indulgence Tour
Saturday 11:00 to 1:00pm
Starts at 4th and Olive in downtown
This tour includes a lot of free chocolate…need I say more?!

Seattle By Foot Pub Crawl
Friday 7:00 to 9:30pm
Starts at the Pike Brewing Co. in the Pike Place Market
Lots of beer sprinkled with a little bit of culture.  It seems like a great way to kick-off a night on the town.

Lastly, if you didn’t get a chance to celebrate Mardi Gras during the week, you still have a chance!  Here are a couple of parties in the spirit of our New Orleans friends:

Venice is Sinking:  A Masked Venetian Ball
Saturday 6:00 to 1:00am
Georgetown Ballroom
If you’ve ever wanted to wear a mask like Zorro and dance late into the night, this is your party.

Brazilian Carnaval
Saturday 9:00 to 1:00am
Nectar Lounge
This is the more laid back version of a Mardi Gras party and looks to be a bit more focused on the music, but should be fun nonetheless.  Not to mention the fact that you can always combine it with a little Thai food before starting the night, but a Brazilian grill may be more appropriate for the evening’s theme.

Whatever you end-up doing, please share.  Whether you’ve tried one of our ideas or did your own thing, we’re always on the look out for more great date ideas!

The Sweet Nectar of Thai

Along a strip of Fremont that has, to some, slowly become a mecca of local emerging musical talent there rests two complementary date stops that, with their powers combined, make for one great date.  One, Kaosamai, a quiet home of a delicatessen offering the best standards of Thai cuisine, and, the other, Nectar, a rumpus room of live music and unique libations. While one supplies an evening of gluttonous serenity (filled with peanut sauce!), the other supplies the blast of energy often necessary for that memorable date experience.  Best yet, they’re right next door to each other!

On a personal note, for those that know me, it is no secret that I can never get enough Thai food.  Ever since I visited a small café like Thai restaurant, Cafe Indochine, in Federal Way on its opening week I have absolutely loved it.  In case you’re wondering, yes, that restaurant is still around, but in a different reincarnation.  They moved next door to a bigger building and the woman who owns it also setup another shop in downtown Tacoma (this restaurant will eventually make it onto this blog) as Indochine Asian Dining Lounge.

While I’ll admit Kaosamai is not the end all be all of Thai food restaurants, it has a number of features that lend itself as a good date restaurant.  First, the seating, it’s well laid out to allow for good separation between tables (this means less noise and awkward looks at strangers).  They have outdoor patio seating for those rare sunny days in Seattle.  The menu is not as extensive as some Thai restaurants, which means less strain in agreeing on what to order.  Wine by the bottle is cheap!  Lastly, there also happens to be a rose at each table (may this is a pre-Valentine’s Day thing, but it was nice none-the-less).  If you’re looking for recommendations on what to order, I always go with a curry and noodle combo with one savory dish and one sweet dish.  This form of ordering allows for a fairly complete palate filler.  I found their pineapple curry to be particularly delicious…that is, if you like the sweet stuff.  Prices run about $7 for an appetizer and $10 for an entrée (good size portions).  If Thai food isn’t your thing, I’d also recommend Dad Watson’s or Canlis Restaurant (if you’re willing to walk a bit or drive between venues).

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite it’s time to move on.  You can either cut the date short, if he’s talking about his mother a bit too much or she won’t quit talking about marriage, or you can move on to the entertainment.  While I would normally not recommend a concert venue for a first date, this setup lends itself to that possibility (although, it’s still probably a better second or third date).

Nectar is conveniently located (obviously, since it’s next door) and it’s one of those concert venues that you can just wander into:  no pre-purchased ticket, no wallet busting prices, and no artificial barriers preventing you from leaving when you feel like it (i.e. a sit down dinner).  I’d actually recommend going on a night where neither of you know the groups that are playing.  Look at it as an opportunity for both of you to venture into new realms of music.  If you don’t like it, then you can just walk out and laugh about how terrible the band was.  “Did you see that guys hair?  Who thought polka grunge would work?  Was that guy Moby’s twin?”

TIP The balcony is the place to be to start the night.  It provides the best view, seating options if you get tired, a personal booth in the back if you’re really not feeling the music, a bar (which no one ever uses), and the option of a bit of privacy for those moments of PDA no one else wants to see.  If the music lends itself to dancing (and you don’t happen to own my two left feet), then make your way to the stage for some acceptable PDA.

As a FYI, it’s best to park on the south side of 36th (near the canal).  We’ll just say I’ve had to pay the city for my compulsion to park on the north side of 36th and my inability to read signs.  Nectar also has a great outdoor area for those summer nights or even those raining Seattle days.  Much of the outdoor area has overhead covering and heat lamps.

Lastly, early arrival at Nectar can be a big help.  You might not have to pay for a ticket and you’ll get the balcony all to yourself for a while.  Enjoy!

SeattleDating’s Work Weekender for 1/29/10

As a means to provide a bit of relief to those who’ve been hammered by the grind of your average work week, we thought we’d throw out a date idea…or two, for this upcoming weekend (I’m weak. I can’t just pick one!).

Our recommendation this week happens to be a bit of a drive for the Seattlites, but right in the backyard of our friends to the south. If you love chocolate (really, who doesn’t) and enjoy wine, then the 2nd Annual Enumclaw Chocolate Festival is your best bet.  Complete with a wine garden, this event offers an entire exhibit hall filled with chocolate to taste and a number of demonstrations on how to “do it yourself”.  Think of it as good preparation for Valentine’s day!

The event is $8 per person ($5 on Sunday) and runs:

• Noon to 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday
• Noon to 5:00pm on Sunday

If that doesn’t pique your interest, then feel free to join us out in Fremont.  Nectar and the High Dive both have great shows lined up (indie rock and hip-hop respectively) and I can never get enough of Paseo’s sandwiches.

In any case, we hope you have a great weekend!

Please feel free to comment below if you have any other recommendations for this weekend.