Date #24: Grilled Cheese & Anaconda Night: A Date that's Easy and Cheesy

THE PROBLEM
Now I'm not complaining but there is definitely a certain amount of "Home-Ec" I missed out on in high school that has resulted in a declined capacity to...play housewife [although I play scrabble and soccer very well]. Unfortunately, we are now in this epic zeitgeist where cooking is cool: it's Bourdain, it's the cooking channel, it's something you're going to have to do on a date eventually.
THE SOLUTION
Although I do recommend learning to cook [Old Town Cooking School Date] there is an easy, albeit cheesy, romantic solution to the microwave-tv-dinner problem. So I introduce: The Grilled Cheese night.

GOOD FOR
Third dates: Perhaps a home visit.
YOU NEED
1. Stovetop/Panini Maker: You will be mocked if you use a microwave.
2. Wheat bread: No panini maker, go with sliced bread
3. Cheese: Can't go wrong with kraft singles (my mom would kill me), chevre noir is a fancy goat cheese that's cheddared I recommend it for grilled cheeses so good.
4. Butter or olive oil: use this to lubricate the bread for grilling (butter is always better)
5. Wine and beer and your favorite dessert of your youth
6. Accoutrements: there are several different ingredients that can go on grilled cheese. I like sliced tomatos, others like bacon and pickles. have several options to customize.
6. Aprons: sexiest apron, men and women, is the half apron that goes from your waist down like chefs wear, hell yeah.
7. An awful movie: I recommend Anaconda or Zombieland

THE DATE: GRILLED CHEESE NIGHT
1. Invite your date over to your home tell them to bring their favorite childhood snacks .
2. Prepare ingredients, clean up your damn house, prepare roommates, light some candles.
3. When your date arrives you already have on your apron. Pop the cork, have them sit. Ask what they would like on the sandwich (show the accoutrements) and watch you put ingredients together and grill em. Chat about the favorite foods of your youth: Gushers, Snickers, Black Licorice (ew).
4. Finish the sandwiches, and sit down by the tv giggle about burning them insensitively, pop some gummi worms and watch your awful movie. Put your hand on their leg, put your arm around their shoulders. Anaconda will take care of the rest.

GRILLED CHEESE RESOURCES:
http://www.grilledcheeseacademy.com/
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Main-Dish/Sandwiches-and-Wraps/Grilled-Cheese-Sandwiches/ViewAll.aspx

Date #23: Eww Groooooosssss: A Tidepool Date

TIDEPOOLS
Tidepools are rocky pools of water on ocean beaches that fill with anemones, mysterious little crabs, and beautiful shells. They are all over the coast of California.

THE DATE THEORY
If you were raised in Southern California, you were inevitably dragged to visit the tidepools by teacher/mother/stupid little sister. But as we grew up, we forgot about these incredible micro-ecological delights and just realized their romantic potential.

THE DATE
Hit up one of many tidepool locations in the SoCal area. I purposely used this kid-website because the tidepools are more approachable and probably safer than others. These stretch from LA County to Orange County. I'm a big fan of the tidepools at Strands in Orange County. But there also incredible tidepools near Paradise Cove (which also has parking).

WEAR
Your date should be prepared to get a little damp...When they inevitable stick their leg into an anemone nest. Make sure you're both prepared with sweaters and sneakers (I could never walk on the rocks in flip flops). Bring flip flops for the sand. Good bandelero purse for the ladies (or dolphins can steal your ipod)

ZIP LOCK BAGS
great idea to store your expensive phones, keys while you dip in and out of the rocky terrain.

TO DO
Walk around on the rocks, point out the grossest animals you can find. Poke some anemones (I don't know which ones bite...poison..sting..kick...be careful). Say eww gross. It's a great opportunity to see how much your date can cowboy up. Find a shell to share. Whoever finds a starfish first doesn't have to pay for gellato.

SUNSET
As the tide comes in your tidepools generally disappear. Enjoy a sunset together, hold hands, make sand castles (mine always come out dirty). Kisses by the beach are always a little saltier, but somehow a little sweeter.

Date #22: Wurstküche (Not pronounced in a way that will offend her)

Wurstküche is the hottest dog place in Los Angeles right now. They have a gorgeous GORGEOUS array of sausages from Bratwurst to Filipino Marharlika. Here's the plan:

TIMING
Definitely a Great Datey Experience for Late at Night. After a fancy show at the Walt Disney Hall it's a fun way to mix it up.

PARKING: UGLY PLACE, LOTS OF SPOTS!
Although it looks pretty terrifying near Wurstküche just park close if the area makes you nervous. The scariest people there are NoHo Hipsters with creeper mustaches, "Creepsters" if you will. In any case, it may make your date nervous (it's in the heart of the Toy District) but its pretty innocuous.

THE WAIT
Because the restaurant portion is pretty loud, the major portion of your date here will be in line. It's a good opportunity to cruise the menu, ask about Beer preferences (they have a great selection of Belgian Beers) and talk about which animals you're interested in eating today. Rattlesnake, Buffalo, Pig or Monkey**.

SAUSAGE TRIVIA
Waiting in line can be tedious for any couple, here are some little facts to get you through the standing part of the evening. Here's my Portuguese Sausage Story if you need material, leads into some good international animal name play.
• Sausages are mentioned in The Odyssey which was written by Homer more than 2,700 years ago.
• Sausages were called bangers during the Second World War because they contained so much water they exploded when fried.
• More sausages are eaten on Saturday than any other day.

THE PLACE
So delicious, bring a pen and draw on the long papered tables, write little valentines and Hot Dog wishes. The restaurant is biggest in the back and you'll probably sitting next to all kinds of people from Los Angeles.

THE TASTE
Magnificent. I adore the "Rabbit, Veal & Pork Seasoned with White Wine" but you could definitely be adventurous and show off a little. Unfortunately everything with Rattlesnake and Alligator isn't that awesome, do you want to show off at the risk of not eating your food. That's lame.* Don't miss the fries and as many of the sauces that sound good to you. I'm talking, Tzatziki, Curry Ketchup, Bleu Cheese Walnut and Bacon.
SAUSAGE LINKS
Here are some good resources if you want to know more about those little tubes of delicious...whatevers.


*Ignore anything with Alligator or Rattlesnake not very delicious.
**Seasonal...***


*** It's more of an Orangutan...****
**** Maybe it's human...*****
***** They're so like us...******
****** No monkey at Wurstküche...*******
******* ...This time of year.

Date Idea #21: Laughgasms in Laughing Yoga

DATE THEORY
Some dates can be awkward.
Laughing yoga starts awkward.
But eventually, you're having such a good time that the rush of all the laughter results in riotous making out (with your date of course). It's worth a try: perhaps as a first date if you're sick of the usual internal laughter and awkwardness.

LAUGHING YOGA
Essentially, for an hour you are forced to laugh through non-physically strenous "hee hee, haa haa" exercises. At first, it's completely awkward (knowing this in advance is key), but suddenly it actually becomes funny and you're laughing for real. The result is giggly fits of refreshing and revitalizing giggly giggles.

CAUTION
1. Dates should be told about this in advance.
2. JUMP OUT OF YOUR HEAD: Forget your every day and decide to have a good time for an hour. I noticed that closing my eyes creeped me out a little bit, opening up and watching your colleagues laugh their faces off totally helps.
3. TOUCHING: There are parts of the class where people tap you on the back and even massage (as part of an exercise). If you or your date are uncomfortable with this, feel free to step out of those exercises and continue laughing on the sidelines.

THE DATE
1. Find a local laughing yoga group. All the Laughter Yoga Groups in LA Area
2. Take your date to the event. Stretch a little bit, say hello to the others (establish you're on a date), maybe tell some jokes.
3. Get into it. Laugh and be creeped out at first and then really start to dig it. There are a couple key points where you're told to close your eyes and laugh. I found this uncomfortable, I decided to open my eyes and watch the people around the circle laughing and it was HILARIOUS.
4. Finish the session with some high fives and head to a local burger joint and a milkshake (Johnny Rockets)

Date #20: Year of the Tiger...RAARWWWR: Chinese New Year Date

This is the year of the Tiger, a strong year according to my stylist and a delicious opportunity for a date of any sort. In Los Angeles there are plenty of places to celebrate and brilliant things to do in our own China Town.

1. Head into Los Angeles China Town
You can do this either by car or by Metro (there is a stop in China Town). I recommend staying off the train at night but street parking is nonsense. China Town is good during the day.

2. Dim Sum Action
The best place in China town for some epic Dim Sum is Empress Pavillon. It's a good starting point at the most northern part of town. Watch what you grab because it can get pricey. You can decide what you're going to order in advance with Appetizers According to your Zodiac Sign. But don't limit yourself to eating like a rabbit when your tiger wants pork. Besides, it never hurts to know what you're getting in advance to look like a Dim Sum Genius. (How to Order Dim Sum).

3. Fly out the Door for Dessert
As you leave Dim Sum, go down the adjacent southern alley to Phoenix Bakery (be careful!). Phoenix Bakery is the go to for Dessert in China Town. When you arrive order a couple of pieces of the Strawberry Cake (for there or to go). It's heaven (my parents ate it at their wedding) so kiss a little off her lips for a fine dessert indeed.

4. It's not the Lay See Dao Loy, It's the Stuff
It is easy to bedazzle your beau/belle with inexpensive/traditional things around China Town. Head south to the gift stores (They're all good) for Parasols, Jade Bracelets and Tiger Things. Lots of Red. I adore my parasols (I have two) which I keep in my car for a sunny day or to appear smugger than usual. Men like Katanas and NumChucks (which are generally available regardless of Origin around town). Have fun and don't touch any of the little turtles.


Empress Pavillon
988 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 230-4522

Phoenix Bakery
969 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-4642

Valentines dates 2010

Here is a potential wine tour/selection of totally delightful restaurants for valentines dates in Pasadena. I know Many of you are looking for something in Los Angeles but Pasadena is romantic and delicious. Hit up Stats too for some adorable Christmas tree room make out time.

Bisoux!

Kate

VERTICAL WINE BAR

(626) 795-3999

Vertical Wine Bar is a gorgeous bar that has a slew of beautiful wine choices. It's a really sexy, oak and warm bistro. Grab a little appetizer, drink a nip and chat up your date .

CREME DE LA CREPE

36 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91105

I recommended this earlier, it's got a good wine bar and James is my hero. Have some fondue it's pretty cheap and gratifying. Warning: if you drop your bread in the cheese you got to kiss your date (I will probably be there to enforce this).

RED WHITE AND BLUEZ

(626) 792-4441

Good alternate for CDLC, make your own cheese plates which I think is really cool. The owner was sort of rude to me and my mom when I was there. This is your call, I feel stupid not recommending it.

POP

626) 795-1295

Dessert and Champagne bar. Finish the evening with some bubbly and chocolate strawberries.

Email me with last minute Valentines questions and I'll try to get back to you!

Kate

Daily Date Feb 13: Nude Scavenger Hunt at the Getty

WHAT: The Naked at the Getty Scavenger Hunt (Adults Only)
WHEN: Saturday, February 13 at 1:00, 4:30 pm
WHERE: The Getty Center Los Angeles
BUY TICKETS: Watson Adventures

ADDRESS
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049

Date #20: See Movies for $3

The Academy Six is a movie theater in Pasadena that shows movies that have recently left the mainstream. The theaters have only started filling up as the economy tanked. Great way to see that $14 movie you weren't sure about for nothing.

PRICES
Matinee: $2
Evening (After 6pm): $3

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
See a Movie after 6pm. 2 admissions, 2 popcorns and 2 sodas for $10.00 total!

Outdoor Alternatives in Los Angeles

Caltech Campus
-Easy to park (watch time restraints)
-Beautiful gardens, romantic bridge
-Cannon (like a real cannon)
-Picnic Friendly

Lacy Park
-Stunning gardens
-Easyto park
-Roses and white trellises
-Picnic Friendly
-Go through the back entrance and it's free

Huntington Gardens
-Called the best place to kiss in LA
-Rainforest, JAPANESE tea garden
-Lame tea room
-No picnics homie.

Griffith Park
-Huge hiking
-Don't know about picnics

Date #19: Cooking for your date

Date #19: Cooking for your date
I have recently become interested in the concept of cooking for your date. I'm aware that the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Also, this is one of the finest ways to make a woman's knees buckle. There are many ways to go about this and this sort of date can serve as either an early or a later in dates date. The three major factors you have to account for: (1) The Capacity to Cook. (2) The Set Up (3) The Menu.

THE CAPACITY TO COOK
This is tricky. I am stupid enough to be the daughter of the woman who owns Old Town Cooking School without really knowing how to cook. Going to the cooking school is a great date in and of itself. That's a good way to learn how to cook. Another method would be to go to Noble Pig. Noble Pig is a great website with simple recipes. I would suggest cheaply going about this (canned soups, whipped cream, cheese, wines) but you're better than that.


THE SET UP
YOUR HOUSE
You can either start cooking before they arrive or invite them to cook with you. Before they arrive set up the table. Add tealight candles for ambience, grab some flowers from the yard (no carnations).

ALTERNATIVES
Make a picnic in a park. Or take your date to the campus of Caltech. Other outdoor alternatives for romance.

LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS:
Go to a park with the food. Set up the table in the backyard, try mid-day when your parents are at work. Or just tell them you're trying to do something special for your date and it would be really great if they could go out for the evening. Or Old Reliable: Give 'em $20 to go see Avatar for 14 hours.

THE MENU
The menu at the least should have an entree and a dessert and wine. If you're trying to be equal have them make the dessert. See the above websites for recipes. Old Town Cooking School has the option of making you a menu, I recommend it.

Date #18: Party with the Stars at the Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a classic Los Angeles Date if you can figure out the logistics. And luckily, every month the Griffith Observatory has a "Public Star Party." At these parties you and your date share bunches of telescopes to gaze at the sun, moon, planets and the stars in eachother's eyes.The event is free and happens every month.

The Observatory has hours other than that, and generally, is a pretty romantic place to check out. What people usually do is go at night (where the hours are shifty), but going first thing in the morning for a dog run is pretty pleasant as well. I'm not certain how safe it is, so definitely bring your date along for donuts. Donuts, should always be paired with star watching...even in the morning.


UPCOMING DATES

January 23
February 20
March 20
April 24
May 22
June 19
July 17
August 14
September 18
October 16
November 13
December 11

ADDRESS
http://www.griffithobs.org/pstarparties.html
2800 East Observatory Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1299
(323) 660-7827

Date #17: Wine Bars in Pasadena

THE DATE BY KATE PASADENA WINE TOUR
Okay, I know I'm recommending a lot of Pasadena Joints but it's a really lovely town to hang out in and date around. So take your pretty bum and co. around to these wine bars for a slightly tossed night on the town.

VERTICAL WINE BAR
(626) 795-3999
But Vertical Wine Bar is a gorgeous bar that has a slew of beautiful wine choices. It's a really sexy, oak and warm bistro. Grab a little appetizer, drink a nip and chat up your date .

CREME DE LA CREPE
36 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91105
I recommended this earlier, it's got a good wine bar and James is my hero. Have some fondue it's pretty cheap and gratifying.

RED WHITE AND BLUEZ
(626) 792-4441
Good alternate for CDLC, make your own cheese plates which I think is really cool. The owner was sort of rude to me and my mom when I was there. This is your call, I feel stupid not recommending it.

POP
626) 795-1295
Dessert and Champagne bar. Finish the evening with some bubbly and chocolate strawberries.

MENAGE
Do not go into Menage. But by the time you're done drinking too much, you should take some time off.

DATE BY KATE #14: Winter WonderBra, A HoliDate

The Balian Mansion is owned by an Ice Cream Family in Pasadena,
they light it up so gaudy and good.
Great for watching tourists and kids wave to baby Jesuses.

This is a Classic Pasadena Date especially because it's starting to get cold, you won't look so doofy in your scarf, coat and ugg boots...which still look doofy with that mini skirt, but I digress. Here is your Winter Wonder Date, see directions at the bottom.

YOUR DATE

1. HOLIDAY NOSH AT PASEO
Start the evening with a little nosh. Something warm and cozy. Although a little pasadena odd, I would like to suggest perhaps Paseo. Tokyo Wako is great for some sushi and a sake while the Yard House is good for a beer and a skanky burger. Go with Tokyo Wako, it's usually pretty quiet, big glass window romantic while remaining not as trashy as the Yard House.

2. GOOFY CHRISTMAS MOVIE
Trust me on this one. Hop right over to the Paseo movie theater and see some totally inane Christmas movie. Giggle over some Rudolph the G-Rated Nonsense. Grab some snowcaps or a slushy to meet the frosty mood....frosty here is code for sexy and actually funny enough to get you to part three.

3. Sip STARBUCKS
Get over to Starbucks at North Allen. Treat your date to some Cider or a Hot Chocolate to go, open her door (even if she's driving) and hop over to....

4. THE BALIAN MANSION
And Behold! The most gaudily decorated Christmas Mecca in the World. That's right! This Christmas Mansion, owned by the Altadena Ice Cream Family is complete with Christmas Trees, Christmas Dinosaurs, Baby Jesuses and the cutest tourists Pasadena has to offer. So take a walk around or have a seat and listen to the kids jeer the Christmas Stegosaurus, scream and wave at the Christian Saviour like a celebrity or their best friend.

DIRECTIONS

TO NORTH ALLEN STARBUCKS
Directions: Leave Paseo and go east on Colorado. Take a left on Allen (heading towards the mountains). At the corner of Allen and Washington. 1390 N Allen Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104 map

TO THE BALIAN MANSION
Directions: Go north on Allen (towards the mountains), take a right at Mendocino

DATE BY KATE #13: Sparks at the Neon Museum

"I felt a spark between us"
"She was probably just warming up her tazer"

WHERE: Museum of Neon Art to the Biltmore's lobby.
YOUR DATE
Ok, I've never been to this museum...so far. I've heard really good things about it though and I think it's worth a shot...particularly because I believe most of the museum has to be in the dark. Dark Museum = Good Times. It's right near the Biltmore which has a gorgeous lobby and expensive drinks. Stick around and check out the ambassadors and movie stars. Don' t make sexy hotel jokes, a little trashy.

HOURS: Thurs-Sat 12-6, Sun 12-5
ADDRESS: Neon Museum: 136 W 4th St Los Angeles, CA 90013
PHONE: (213) 489-9918

DATE BY KATE #11: CarnAmore

Burger Bias
For a very long time I have been deliberating over what is the best burger in Los Angeles. I have had many, and there are many that rarely pass must...ard. But there are few that really hit the spot. These are my top three choices for a burger joint in Los Angeles.

Your Date
Say you and your date are in a meaty mood as noon rolls around and you are ready to rate the Kate Burger Choices. But you can't decide. Here is your guide.

WANT A BURGER ON A TRAIN: Carney's
This is really one of my favorite burger places ever. Carney's is ideal for (a) delicious burgers and (b) watching tourists or clubbers as they ramble on about whatever. Forget the chili, but go for the fries and a cheeseburger. Pretend to be famous on the porch of the restaurant as the posers walk by. Add a giant body guard for effect. Park for free in the back lot.

WANT A BURGER AND A MILKSHAKE: Wolfburger's
Wolfburgers. I have only been going to Wolfburgers my entire life so I am a little biased. The burgers are aight, but if you want a Milkshake in Pasadena before you hit up the Ice House I recommend it. Free Parking.

WANT A HUGE, MELTY AWESOME BURGER: Houstons
Houston's, I know it's a chain, has some of the skankiest, drippiest, deliciousest burgers in town. Grab the cheese burger it melts in your face. The place is really swanky most of the time, very mature. Right outside of pasadena. A little expensive, but go for broke if you want to go for stuffed. Free Parking.

DATE BY KATE #10: Licking Spatulas at Old Town Cooking School

BACKGROUND
Ok, now I know this is a little bit biased, and I'm sure it would be fun to cook with YOUR mom, but YOUR mom probably doesn't have a COOKING SCHOOL LIKE MY MOM. But the fact is, I am recommending it because I have experienced just how much fun and romantic these classes are. And so I present, Old Town Cooking School of Pasadena.

OLD TOWN COOKING SCHOOL
Based in Pasadena, the sign-up-one-class-whenever school is owned by Deb and Deanna, two epic home cooks who teach everything for any level cook from Thai Soups, Lobster Wrangling, French Gourmet to Bachelor Basics. TONS of young people have started coming to the class and it's a great way to meet people or learn how to flambee for that dreamboat in the next cubicle.

YOUR DATE
1. Show up to the class, throw on an apron, have a glass of wine, have a chit-chat with Debbie, rant about the awesomeness of her Daughter's Date Designs. Impress your girl with wine language (My this bouquet is fat and buttery) or make up your own wine language (My, what a skanky pinot grigio).

2. Sit back and watch the masters at work, ask questions, play footsie with your neighbor, hold his hand if his question didn't make any sense, write notes to eachother on the cookbooks you get. Giggle (but don't tell my mom I said so).


3. Chow down on all the stuff you can't believe you just learned to make together. Tickle him with a lobster claw, put a spoon up your nose, let your eyes twinkle girl, I know you know how. Lick some gelato off his lips.

4. After the class, walk off the wine around Old Town. During the Summer there's music at Levitt Pavillion, and the Pasadena City Hall is just two blocks East on Holly. Kiss her quietly as she's trying to decide. Have a coffee at Coffee Bean. Enjoy the evening! Good Date!

LOGISTICS
COST: Classes from $25-$70. Discounts are available on the internet if you look for them.
CLASS TYPES: Mini classes, Hands on, Demonstration Classes
CALENDAR: Bachelor & Bride Beginner Class, Holiday Cocktails, Grilling and MANY MORE
CONTACT: email: info@oldtowncookingschool.com

DATE BY KATE #9: Getty Center Double Dates (Dec 6 & 20)

WHEN: Sundays, December 6 and 20, 2009 Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m. Location: Getty Center, Museum galleries COST: Free; space is limited. TO DO: Relax and engage with art at Getty Drawing Hour, a free guided drawing session for aspiring artists of all skill levels. The informal two-hour classes focus on works of art in the Museum's galleries. In July and August, the course moves outdoors to the Central Garden. How to Participate The Getty Drawing Hour is free and open to 45 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up on the day of the session beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Information Desk in the Museum Entrance Hall. Materials Bring a drawing pad up to 24" x 36" and pencils. How to Get Here The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. See Hours, Directions, Parking for maps and driving directions. Event Information by E-Mail Be the first to know about upcoming lectures, concerts, and exhibitions by signing up for e-Getty, our free monthly e-newsletter. Learn more and sign up now.

DATE BY KATE #8: Free Museum Admissions From BOFA 12/5

FREE museum admissions on Bank of America

What/Why:

Any Bank of America card (one card = one admission) grants you free general admission to any of the listed museums nationwide during the **FIRST** weekend of each month! This promotion started last year and is continuing through this year all the way until January 2010. I will be editing the dates for every weekend; the next available dates to go are: DECEMBER 5-6, 2009.

Here are the museums participating in CA (for other states, please check the website):
- The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts
- Crocker Art Museum
- Explorit Science Center
- LEGION OF HONOR
- Museum of the African Diaspora
- de Young Museum
- CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM
- San Jose Museum of Art
- Tech Museum of Innovation
- THE FRESNO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART & SCIENCE
- L.A.C.M.A.
- Autry National Center of the American West
- Museum of Latin American Art
- MUZEO
- Discovery Science Center (no Sundays)
- Laguna Art Museum
- Riverside Art Museum (closed Sundays)
- Palm Springs Art Museum
- THE LIVING DESERT
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- THE NEW CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

DATE BY KATE #7: USC Fisher Museum of Art

WHERE: USC Fisher Museum of Art
TIME: Tuesday-Friday 12-5 pm, Saturday 12-4 pm

DATE TIPS
1. Park on campus for $8
2. Grab a map because you're already lost
3. Make your way over to the museum, don't get hit by a bike