Take her Dancing!

Midsummer Nights Swing

Want to take your date out dancing but don't want to go to the usual tired club scene? Not confident with your moves or just want to go beyond your 2-step? This Summer through July 16th (every Tues. - Sat.), Lincoln Center presents "Midsummer Nights Swing", an event with dance lessons at the beginning of the evening which then leads to a live concert by some great bands. The music can range each night from Salsa, Tango, & Swing, to Hip Hop and Soul. The tickets are just $17, but weekly and season passes are available for more.

A good dating technique is to learn something together. Especially physical activities can bring you closer and bring down those barriers that many of us like to carry around. This event is the perfect exercise for this.

Food (Texas BBQ, New Orleans po' boys, Japanese Hot Dogs, Tacos and much more) is also available for under $10 so bring some extra cash for some cheap eats and drinks. In the end when do you get to dance in the middle of Lincoln Square or even step foot near it for $17. Hope you take advantage and have fun!

This weekend 6.10.11 (The "Stay-cation Date")

Governor's Island

You must think outside the box when it comes to date spots. This week's recommendation is Governor's Island. Most New Yorker's haven't been here or don't even know what it is. The island is always a great destination, it makes you feel like you're far from the city but its only a 15 min ferry ride away. When your in the middle of the island you feel like your in a small colonial town, when you get to the outskirts you get a great view of downtown New York City. The ferry ride is free, it leaves from Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan (for more info visit the website http://www.govisland.com).

This weekend is a perfect time to go. The Island is hosting the annual Figment Festival, which is an interactive Arts festival filled with art exhibits, music, and dance. Here is a quote from their website that will give you a good feel of what they are about:

"FIGMENT’s vision for art looks past the white-walled galleries and into the realm of participation. Art is not just something that you stand still and quietly look at–it is something you participate in. You touch it, smell it, write on it, talk to it, dance with it, play with it, learn from it. Interactive art creates a dynamic collaboration between the artist, the audience and their environment."


You and your date can check out the art, do your autobiography in 5 minutes, make your own super hero cape, write a fortune for a stranger, play some miniature golf or even check out a few bands all for free. Even if your not an art lover there are still plenty of things to do on the island. You can rent a bike and go for a bike ride on vehicle free roads. Once you've worked up an appetite head over to the Water Taxi Beach where you can grab a cold beer or cocktail. You can sit in the shade under a canopy or in the sun and soak in some rays. On a side note the Water Taxi beach also hosts concerts in the summer so look out for more events that can be good for future dates.

Local Queens Date Spots: L.I.C. Edition

Long Island City (LIC) has been transformed over the past decade from an industrial park to a revitalized, trendy neighborhood. With this came many luxury buildings, bars, events, and restaurants. So of course some of these are definite date spots. Here are my recommendations:

Shi

Shi is Sushi with a view. The restaurant is placed in the perfect spot in LIC, right on the water with a spectacular view of the NYC skyline. You usually have to pay for a view like this but not here. The prices are on par with your usual Sushi joint with regular rolls from $4-$6 dollars and specialty rolls hitting no more than $14. if your into Shrimp Tempura and Spicy Tuna try The Shrimpy roll, its a definitely winner! For those that aren't Sushi fans they also offer Chinese-American plates. If you happen to go on a comfortable summer night ask for a table outside or in the back where you'll get a better view.

El Aye Si

Roughly translated to English, El Aye Si means The Oh Yes in Spanish (and yes i know its also a way to phonetically spell out LIC). Don't mistake this for a Latin joint, they pride themselves on serving "Multi-cultural Comfort Food". You can find dishes that range from Southern Fried Chicken to Mexican and Irish dishes. They also carry a good selection of reasonably priced wine and cocktails. The decor is made up of re-purposed wood and salvaged materials, along with candle light sets the perfect mood for a date.

Blend

Last but not least is Blend, Latin Fusion  restaurant has a cool sleek vibe. They serve dishes from all over Latin America. I recommend the Ropa Vieja and the Mofongo with Braised Beef. Definitely try to get there before the end of their happy hour where they offer 99% of their cocktails for about $4.

Gantry Plaza


Walk off your dinner by strolling down to Gantry Plaza State Park which is located on Center Blvd between 46th Rd and 50th Ave. This park was created in conjunction with the luxury high-rise condos that have changed the face of Long Island City. It was built around the 2 resorted industrial Gantries that were used to receive and unload rail car floats and barges. Take in the views from the modern industrial park while you wait to make your move.

Break Her Down with Spoken Word

Nuyorican Poets Cafe 

This place is golden. It is an intimate venue of solid brick walls, dim lights, cheap drinks, and great poetry. For those of you that never watched Def Poetry Jam, this isn't your "Roses are red and violets are blue" kind of poetry. I know as a guy you think poetry and you think, "thats kind of weak", but its not. Trust me guys this is real entertainment using real, intense emotions and stories told by the people that wrote them. 

You might ask, "why is this a good date spot?" and the answer is simple, it's different and refreshing. The performers, besides being awesome talk about interesting topics that can become conversations for you and your date afterwards. I once saw a poet at the Nuyorican recite a poem about break dancing as he pop-n-locked through every single line. There was one that wrote a hilarious poem about "going down" and another poet that didn't leave a dry eye in the audience. 

The night to go is Friday night for their weekly Slam. The show starts at 10pm but get there an hour ahead because the line gets real long and you might not wind up with a seat or not getting in at all (yes its that popular). There is a $10 cover but the $4-$6 drinks inside make up for it. I suggest going to the coffee shop down the block before lining up and grabbing a cup of coffee and snack for the wait. Since this means you will have some waiting time I recommend this date for a post 1st date. Also you might want to have an early dinner before hand. Being that its in the lower east side the dinner options are limitless. See my other posts for possible suggestions.

Here comes the Beer... Biergarten that is!

Here comes the warm weather! And with that comes awesome outdoor dates. Some dating experts say that lunch is always best for a 1st date because its very casual and either party doesn't feel pressure to stay for a drawn out meeting. I disagree, dates in the middle of the day are weak, you have to put a little thrill and a challenge in your 1st meeting. My suggestion is a casual drink, but it can't be at a random bar or somewhere too loud where you cant hear each other. After all dating is about getting to know someone and have fun. However it also has to be a place where if you wish, you can hang for a long time and enjoy each others company. That's right, you guessed it, Beer Gardens! The perfect combination of, "I'm not trying to hard" but "I'm still awesome because I brought you here". Here are a few suggestions, some close and some far.

Queens Beer Gardens

Image courtesy of http://www.studiosquarenyc.com

Studio Square (Astoria)

Sometimes referred to as the new Beer Garden of Queens, Studio Square offers a wide range of beers on tap, as well as Sangria, & Mojito on tap, available by the glass or pitcher. They offer a great American/German menu from Angus Burgers to Bratwurst. They have a huge outdoor patio with picnic tables as far as the eye can see and an indoor version of their patio if the weather is not in your favor. It can get a little crowded on the weekends so if quiet is what your looking for then this isn't your place but it does bring the excitement of a hip urban space. The do occasionally have live entertainment and karaoke during the week. Check the website for more details.

Image courtesy of http://www.bohemianhall.com

Bohemian Hall (Astoria)

If you are more into a rustic scene, the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden (some refer to it as the original beer garden of Queens) is for you. This Beer Garden has a more old school feel with a more lengthy Beer list and more traditional German dishes. I understand they just celebrated their 100 year anniversary and the oldest beer garden in NYC. The crowd here is a little more chill then Studio Square.

Brooklyn Beer Gardens

Image courtesy of http://www.berryparkbk.com

Berry Park (Williamsburg)

Looking for a view of the city, then Berry Park is your place for you! They do have an indoor area on the first floor but the draw of this place is the rooftop floor that gives you some great views of the city from a far. Take your date here around 7pm right around sundown to take advantage of the scenery. This is one of those places that is just perfect for a date because chances are she's never been there before and thats what we're trying to do, give her a different experience on your date that separates you from any other guy.

Image courtesy of http://www.radegasthall.com 

Radegast Hall & Biergarten (Williamsburg)

Now onto the romantic recommendation, that would be Radegast. Once it gets dark, the candlelight bounces off the brick walls to set a very low key, dark, and kind of sexy mood. And talk about an extensive beer list, the list is so long the print is barely legible. They also have a great choice between ordering food from the kitchen or from their self order grill (I recommend the grill)

Tip: One thing I did forget to mention is that although these are beer gardens, they do serve cocktails and wine. So  make sure your date feels free to order what she wants, it doesn't have to be beer. Remember (especially on the first date), you need to take charge but you ultimately tend to her needs too.

Image courtesy of http://tbdbrooklyn.com

t.b.d. Brooklyn (Greenpoint)


t.b.d. will be our chill spot. Still a good place to go for something casual. It usually isn't as packed as the previously mentioned but still a great place for a drink on a warm afternoon/evening.  


El Diablo Taco Truck from Christina Reilly on Vimeo.

Union Pool (Williamsburg)

Not exactly a Beer Garden but might as well be (I think they're considered more of a hall for bands). The idea is just about the same. They have a great outdoor area with picnic table, full bar, and not to mention they throw a taco truck from El Diablo Tacos into the mix. Taco's, drinks, and the outdoors you can't go wrong. You might find more of a hipster vibe but still very chill. I would recommend checking out the site to make a band isn't playing on the night you want to go to make sure you don't run into something too crazy for your date.

Manhattan Beer Gardens

Image courtesy of http://www.standardhotels.com/new-york-city/bars/biergarten/

Standard Biergarten (Meatpacking District)


For a swanky Beer garden, I present to you the Standard Biergarten. Located on the 1st floor of the luxurious Standard Hotel, right under the High Line, in the very swanky Meatpacking District. The space features an outdoor patio with a fully stocked, top shelf bar, and a wide selection of German beer. Along side with a menu of German sausages and pretzels.

Latin Nights in NYC

So your in the mood for some good Latin food and possibly some Latin beats, lets take a short tour through Williamsburg BK.

Chimu (482 Union Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-349-1208)

This place is loved by locals and just about anyone that steps foot into it. It has a relaxed atmosphere inside and a great patio outside for warmer night. Start off with the Ceviche appetizer (which is large enough to be an entree) and highly recommend the Skirt Steak (Tallarin Verde). They also have a great Sangria and wine selection. Beware the the plates are of latin proportion so make sure to bring your appetite. I recommend you make a reservation if your going to dinner after 7 to avoid waiting.

Bembe (81 S. 6th St Brooklyn NY)

After dinner head down to Bembe (a hidden jem under the Williamsburg bridge). It may look like nothing from outside but inside of this cozy 2 floor Brazilian bar lounge you will find live percussionists jamming to the Samba, Salsa, Merengue, Reggae, and other world beats. The drinks are cheap and awesome for under $8. Try the Mojitos and the punch served out of hollowed out watermelons. It gets a little tight and sweaty once the night gets rolling but thats never a bad thing, especially on a date.

Local Queens Date Spot

Suki Thai + Shabu (Wooside Ave & 61 St)

Being a Queens native, a great local spot during the week means the perfect date! Take advantage of this local Woodside restaurant that specializes in Thai Shabu while the spring persistently resists to come back from its yearly vacation. Thai Shabu is an interpretation of Japanese Shabu Shabu, basically a soup that you get to create yourself. You choose from a selection of broths and meats, your server brings you all your ingredients raw (including some great vegetables). The tables have built in heaters that will bring your Shabu to a boiling point and cook this delicious meal. If your not sure what to pick I suggest to go with the Lemon grass Tum Yum broth and the Dumpling Combo, its sure to leave you satisfied! And let's not forget to get a drink(s), they offer a large selection of Sake inspired cocktails that range from $5-$7.

Remember guys its always about showing her what separates you from the rest. This date is meant to show her that you are a man of many tastes and that your not the type to take her to any lame restaurant. You will always take her to the places that makes this city the best!