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 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

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!

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 #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 #16: Mexican Restaurant Dates

1. EL METATE
For a lunch date in Pasadena, El Metate is one of the least expensive, best quality Mexican restaurants I know. The tacos always cost under $3 and the food is really delicious.

12 N Mentor Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 229-0706
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-metate-pasadena


2. DONA ROSA
Taco tuesdays, great ambience, outside seating. The food isn't as good as El Metate and it's a little more expensive but it makes up for it with parking and physical appeal. This is a great late night spot in Pasadena.
577 South Arroyo Parkway
Pasadena, CA 91105-2519
(626) 449-2999

Date #15: Creme De La Crepe

Pasadena Restaurant that is my current favorite! This is a great new restaurant in Old Town that is satisfactorily delicious, romantic and inexpensive. You'll find it down Mills Alley on the right as you come from Colorado. To begin, have a couple glasses of white wine. Although this is a French restaurant, the house California is lovely. Settle down with their $14 fondue for two (which is excellent), sit in a corner and have a little Snalk (Snog + Talk) over the low tones of delightful guests, jazzy jazz jazz and eachother's bated breath.

ADDRESS
35 w. colorado boulevard pasadena ca 91105
626.844.0007

HOURS
Sun-M 8a-10p
Fri-Sat 8a-1am

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.

Right in Time for The Holidays: Custom Dates!

FOR YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE
contact: swartzkhs@gmail.com

YOUR GIFT
Have you been searching for the perfect first date? Love the excitement, cringe at the awkwardness? Kate's Dates are for you! This gift will entitle the recipient one Kate consultation and the creation of a beautiful/unique/EPIC adventure of a date tailored to your desires!

WHY
Because it would be fun and organizing dates is complicated.

KINDS OF DATE
-First Date
-Any Day Date
-Need some more adventure in our love date!
-Holiday Date
-Special Event Date

THE CONTENT
Designed for the consultee! Believe in an adventure, some place new with someone special. After a brief consult, Kate will create a custom Dates by Kate Date as a gift or as a little something something for someone someone. I've become an ace in Los Angeles and I've got a million adventures I can't wait for you to take on.

THE COST
$10, which is mad cheap.

FOR WHOM
married friends
new couples
single friends
old friends
parents
kids

INTERESTED?
Email Kate at swartzkhs@gmail.com

HURRY NOW BEFORE SUPPLIES RUN OUT...MY IMAGINATION...JUST HURRY!