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 

Remembering Dates: Good Lovey Dovey Ideas

Here's an idea, apparently you can create your own Search Story online.  You put in a bunch of search questions that ultimately add up to some highly weepy conclusion.  My idea for one of these is to describe the times up until the point where you decided to ask them out for real.  It's a cute idea. Will totally make you cry.  Go for it: http://tinyurl.com/searchstory10

Sushi Dates: Sushi Etiquette

from: http://tinyurl.com/yhwaf3k

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

The Grand Return: The Corsage

THE CORSAGE
Although proms and 1950's dates have been the norm The Corsage is making it's way back into the dating scene. Corsages are flowers that come on elastic for your wrist (like the ones your mom made you get your girlfriend for prom). It's a great way to give a girl flowers on the cheap. They sell them at Vons and Ralphs for 4 dollars and at any Florist.

WHAT KINDS OF FLOWERS
Roses are fine. I like a single big orchid or a gardenia. Under no circumstances are you allowed to have CARNATIONS.

WHO WANTS A CORSAGE
Women that appreciate flowers, old stuff, swing dancing, vintage or who don't get romantic things very often. I think all women secretly want them. Mean girls probably don't like corsages.

WHEN TO GIVE A CORSAGE
I suggest bringing a corsage to spice up a mundane evening (3rd date?). Maybe you're just going to the movies. Maybe you're just going to Jamba Juice or a comedy show. It's a cute way to show you care and a smart way to get your girl to show you off.

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.

So you've decided to invite your date over to your appartment

There gets to be a time in a dating situation where someone goes to someone's house (apartment, dorm.) This may be because you're cooking, you want to watch a movie or..you know. This is a serious part in dating affairs and doesn't have to lead to sex, particularly the first time they come to your house.

The first time your dating interest comes to your house you want them to feel comfortable.
So take care.

1. Clean the damn place.
How your mom would clean it...FOR REAL. Dirty houses are really awful (clean couch, clean floor, clean sheets). Apparently candles are a sexy way to get rid of that smell (you know what I'm talking about).

2a. Warn your roommates (be they your best friends or your parents).
You want to let them know you're having company and set boundaries with them if you need. For instance, if you want to watch Anaconda with your beau you do not want your flouncy (often drunk) room-mate Lisa crawling all over your man. Give her 10 bucks for a movie or another cosmo. Tell her you need the living room. Tell her you need her to be scarce.
or
2b. Prepare for your beau to meet your roommates (be they best friends or parents).
If you're younger, it's appropriate for them to all meet. It's sort of a big step but it's never as weird as you think it's going to be (unless Lisa's your mom, eek).
3. Going into your room
If you live in a dorm it gets difficult. Often the only place to sit is the bed. This can feel really uncomfortable. Make an effort to get a couch that fits at least 2 people. Oh and I better not find out you didn't clean your room.

4. Clean your sheets
Doesn't matter if they're getting into them or not. Sheets smell up a room no matter what. Clean em for good measure (and good luck).

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.

Flowers: Don't buy carnations

Flowers?
YES: flowers
NO: Carnations

WHAT ARE CARNATIONS
Carnations are flowers that represent death and cheapness. If you're buying flowers, buy any other one. If you're buying a bouquet, ask the florist (or a woman) if there are carnations in it. I expect you to google it on your own.

TIP: Carnations are flowers with petals with Bart Simpson Hair edges. Don't buy them

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

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

My Sausage Story: Frog and Piggy

Sausages are an international delight that can contain a virtual zoo of animal bits. Although it's generally best not to ask, I'm always a little curious.

My favorite sausage story came from when I was travelling in Portugal.

Upon reaching this gorgeous meaty restaurant in Porto, my friend Kimi and I were curious as to what was in the sausages. Little did we know that the following exercise was an excellent way to learn the names of animals in a foreign language.
I would draw a chicken, he would say galinha and shake his head
I would draw a horse, he would say cavalo and shake his head.
I would draw a frog, he would look at me funny, say rã and shake his head
And then I drew an octopus.
He then asked something to the effect of, "What the F kind of Sausages have you been eating in France"
I then explained, in sort of this mangled French/Latin/English/Italian, that I didn't know anything about Portugal. And what the hell else could be in the sausage?

He said merely, "carne de porco idiota"*
And I thought it was weird that I hadn't guessed pork before frog.


*In my mind, he actually couldn't have been nicer