RomanTric: Yamashiro on le Cheap

Apparently at Yamashiro, they have a complementary movie night every Wednesday.  In case you're wondering, Yamashiro, is known as one of the most expensive and incredibly delicious restaurants in LA.  And I'm looking at the menu and it isn't HORRIBLE, I mean $13 for awesome rolls and $30 Seared Ahi Tuna.  It isn't that bad.  In any case, the date: 

1.  Go to Yamashiro and get a couple too expensive, of course delicious rolls

2.  Watch the movie in their garden.  Shrek is playing May 19 and May 26 is Sex and the City.

Sounds incredible, let me know how it is, I'm going to try and make it.
More about the movies: http://www.yamashirorestaurant.com/movies.html

-Kate 

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)

Wednesday Date: Doughnut Shoppe at Grace

Grace Donuts: Made of Diamonds and Cookie Dough
Okay, for an exorbitant amount every Wednesday you can head over to Grace and grab a dozen of the best doughnuts apparently anyone has ever had. I'm talking chocolate chip cookie dough or butterscotch.

Krispy Kreme Donuts: Made of Hard Work and Cheap-Unnameable-ButWhoReallyCares-Ingredients
If this doesn't work for you, and it really shouldn't (cough, cough $18/dozen), I would hit up an old classic: Krispy Kreme. The Donuts are Divine. The Coffee is Decent. And you have a fabulous time without the fabulous price.

Grab a half dozen and sit on a rock somewhere and tell her how cute her butt is.

Girls love that stuff,
You're going down in History,
Kate

GRACE
323-934-4400
7360 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2501

KRISPY KREME LA
4034 Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008-2533
(323) 291-4133

KRISPY KREME BURBANK
1521 North Victory Place
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 955-9015

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

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

Pre valentines food truck festival date

Date: February 13th

Event: 30+ food trucks will gather for no reason other than to celebrate cheap food at the Street Food Fest

Location: LA Center Studios downtown.

Description: it's a street food festival. The organizers promise to showcase a close-to-complete picture of street food in Los Angeles, from NoHo's longstanding Antojitos de Abuelita truck to Thai street food from the Wat Thai Temple to the shiny new kids on the block like the Flying Pig. Because this is coming from the home of Unique LA, there also will be pop-up Unique LA-esque booths, with local artists and designers selling their pre-Valentine's Day wares, if you are into that sort of thing. It's about time everyone got together for a little street party.

EDIT: Shawna tells us in the comments that there will be a donation-based cash beer and wine bar, the proceeds of which will support the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. The event also will go to 5pm, not 4pm as originally planned. Sweet!! More time, more food!

The First Annual Street Food Fest is Saturday, February 13th from 11am to 4pm 5pm at the LA Center Studios (500 S. Beaudry Ave.). Because there's all this open air food, no doggies allowed. I know, total bummer.

From metroblog.com

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!

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 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

LOS ANGELES NEW YEARS EVE: Free Rides Home!!!

New Year's Eve revelers in Los Angeles County can party late and take the bus or train home for free The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it will offer free rides on all its bus and light rail lines between 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday!

A fare normally costs $1.25.

Metro says the free rides provide an option for those who want to party without worrying about driving.

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 #12: Saffron Ice Cream and Goofy Reliquaries

1. Start at Cafe Brasil
10831 Venice Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90034-7109
You start your day with a lunch at Cafe Brasil. Have the beef plate with black beans. If you make sexy eyes at the cooks, they'll usually toss in some plaintains. Lovely atmosphere, like you're in an adorable futbal garden.












2. Next Museum of Jurassic Technology
9341 Venice Blvd Culver City, CA 90232-2621
Next head to the Museum of Jurassic Technology. It's all a major joke and if you have a good sense of humor, you'll understand just how ridiculous and fun the museum is. Hold her hand in the Russian Space Dog gallery. Kiss his cheek in the Needle Portrait Niche. Great, endless make out journey. Enjoy!












3. Mashti Malones
1525 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028-7072
Next, take a delightful northward jaunt (via car) to get some of the most epic, ethnic ice cream around. Have a seat at MM's with Orange Blossom, Saffron, Rose sorbet with Sour Cherry. I like the Lavender and the Ginger Rosewater is wicked.
Pick up an LA times and cruise some culture.
Park easily but warily because of the gross parking lot.





















4. Hollywood and Highland
6801 Hollywood Blvd # 433, Los Angeles, CA 90028-6128
Hop over to Hollywood and Highland. Park for $3 at the main garage and indulge in the options. Ladies can throw on some sparkles at Sephora, Fellows can cruise goofy sunglasses for a giggle. Walk down to the main road to see Marilyn Impersonators etc (take pictures for a price) and look for the goofiest tourist trinket as a sexy souvenir of your lovely day together. TIP: Can take the metro back home if you're over it. NEARBY: Hollywood Bowl if you planned you're evening even epic-er. Good luck and Good date!
Kate

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.