dillsrotary

attention forum, anyone have a good suggestion for a nice place to v-day. most likely feb 17th (reason i can't make the meet that day) and i want to try a new place. steak, seafood, doesn't matter, me and the girl like it all but i'm totally unfamiliar with any nice nice places located within the city.

Thought??

Irish_in_a_RX8

iTrader: (1)

Take her out in your rx8

Landon

heres a little advice from a post I made last year in a group that I started....

Brace yourself btw because its alot of info here.

Valentines Day Tip 1: Going out to eat

February 14th is just around the corner, and it's time for our Special Valentine to expect to receive the royal treatment from their male counterparts. Wrong! Generally, women (or gay men) would say they receive relatively ordinary treatment during most of their Valentine dates. This year, to prove your partner wrong, treat him or her to a complete and well thought-out evening they won't forget. To make this evening a memorable one, spoil them with the little things that they probably forgot even existed.

Date preparation

It goes without saying that this special date will require you to wear your most attractive attire. It might be a good idea to buy yourself a new shirt or sweater, preferably in the tones or colors he or she likes seeing you in. Think about it, how do you react when they buy a new sexy ensemble? Once you are dressed and ready to go, stop at the local flower shop to buy them a dozen of the best-looking RED roses. (**If you need me to post what each color on flowers mean, let me know and I will do so **) On your way to pick them up, make sure your hair is just right and your breath smells FRESH!

**Note to those with no car**

If you don’t have a car, you can improvise. Remember this is the day for you to impress them. What I suggest is renting a limo or a sedan. Z-Best limo (410-768-1148) usually has specials on limos if you call on a Monday – Thursday to rent one. If that does not work Bayside Limo (800 439-2225) in Bowie has the lowest rental rate for a stretch limo. I would suggest calling and checking their websites about their specials. (www.baysidelimo.com & www.zbestlimo.com)

To start the evening smoothly, be punctual. Being on time for your rendezvous will set the tone for a smooth and pleasant evening. When picking him or her up (assuming you have a car), be a gentlemen and open the car door for them. While doing so, present them with the roses and a greeting kiss. These little details of opening the car door and handing them roses might seem like fussy details to many men, but for Valentine's Day, they are little stunts used to impress most men and women.

Restaurant setting

Settle on a restaurant with a cozy and romantic ambiance, and don't forget to make reservations. Preferably, choose a restaurant with good background music a candlelight setting. Opt for a small and quiet restaurant instead of a busy, mainstream one. This will accentuate the romantic tone of the evening.

**Editors note: Restaurant ideas can be found in the entry “Recommended Restaurants For Dates”… I believe that is the VERY first BOH post ever made**

Details & attention

When entering the restaurant, take care of opening the door and asking the host to be seated. Taking care of such simple details like opening the door and letting him or her in before you, will set the evening apart from conventional dates. Many might say these details are exaggerated and useless, but women and men alike generally like a man with good manners. Your dates will enjoy the extra attention given to them.

After properly helping then take a seat, engage yourself in a deep conversation focusing almost exclusively on them. Instead of asking them about mundane daily activities, establish a romantic discussion focused on their needs. Ask them what they like to eat or drink. Ask them what their future plans are. In other words, tailor the conversation around THEM the entire evening.

By simply staring in their eyes and ignoring what is happening around you, you can focus your thoughts on them and make them feel cherished. Also, in case the waiter forgets to ask how her foods was, inquire on whether he or she liked it or not. Make sure their wine glass is filled when needed, and compliment them every time you have a chance.

When coffee and dessert is being served, find out what they feel like doing next. Pick up the tab, and follow through with a special evening full of surprises...

Valentines Day Tip 2: Eating In

It takes more effort to plan an elegant, romantic evening at home than it does to make a reservation and pick up candy and flowers at the grocery store--but the former will give you a sense of accomplishment and reward. Best of all, elegant does not have to mean expensive or too time consuming. If you are going to do Valentines Day at home here are a few suggestions.

Romantic Meal Dining Tips
If you love to cook and have the time knock yourself out! But don’t spend so much time cooking and cleaning that you lose sight of the goal, which is to have a romantic evening with your lover.

Alcohol and Beverages
If you choose to drink, keep the amount of alcohol to a minimum (a glass or 2 of wine or champagne). Excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. Excellent alternatives are sparking juices such as Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple or Sparkling Apple-Cranberry cider. If you are in the U.S. and have a Trader Joe's in your area you will find a delicious variety of French Sparking Fruit Juices. For before dinner drinks try Gourmet Sleuth’s own Key Lime Spritzer.

Book of Heathenry Meal Suggestion
Keep the meal flavorful and not too heavy. Overeating will most likely leave you feeling sleepy rather than erotic.

**I will be posting dinner ideas and recipes in future posts**

After Dinner Treats
Drinks, dinner, and dessert is just a prelude to the main event of the evening. You may want to skip the dessert course and have dessert in bed. A wonderful selection of fresh fruit cleaned and cut into bite size pieces (such as grapes, strawberries, or mango) along with freshly whipped, sweetened cream, makes a perfect "in-bed" dinner finale.

More Recipe Suggestions

Fondue for two - Fondue can be delicious, playful and very romantic. It can also be very filling so make small amounts. Our article discusses all about this wonderful meal, including recipes.

Cosmopolitan Cocktails - Pink, pretty (and potent). A sexy Valentine's evening dinner drink.

Creme Brulee - Serve in pretty heart-shaped ramekin

Valentines Day Tip 3: The Valentine's Day Checklist

Ok, so you want to make sure this Valentine's Day goes off without a single hitch right? Below is a general checklist of things you should consider when planning your Valentine's Day. If at all possible, double and TRIPLE check yourself to make sure everything is in place. By doing this, using the checklist and a little creativity I think you can have the most memorable valentines day this year. Best of luck!

1. Your Schedules

Before you can decide on anything, you need to find out what both of your schedules are. Do one or both of you have to work? Find out what hours. Does your date have something else planned during any part of the day? Make sure to find out everything, then tell your date AS SOON AS POSSIBLE what time to reserve for your interlude.

2. Consider Your Date's Interests

Is your date a "flowers and romance, dance all night" type, or a "stay at home in front of the fire" type of person? This is important in determining what you are planning to do. If you're not sure, ask your date what they like.

3. Plan Your Date

By now you should know what timeframe you have to work with and what your partner's interests are. With this information it should be much easier deciding what to do. While you're planning, make sure to check if reservations are needed, any tipping requirements, transportation you might need, any possible dress code, timeframe of any events, and if there are any restrictions on any mood enhancers you might want to bring, like candles. Don't forget to let your date know about any information they need to know, like dress codes, etc.!

3. Select Mood Enhancers

With the date idea selected, it's time to plan your "over-the-top valentine romance!" For a list of great ideas, see our Mood Setters article. When planning these, check for any of the things mentioned above that are relevant.

4. Your Gift

The gift is almost as, if not more, important than the actual date. It doesn't need to be expensive, but it does need to show that you've put a lot of time and care into selecting it. If you're deciding to give a traditional favorite, like flowers or chocolates, try and do something unique with them. For example, have 12 single roses delivered separately, or try one of the creative chocolate ideas found here.

5. Confirm Everything!!!

The night before, take some time and confirm any reservations or plans you have that involve a third party. This not only helps ease your nerves a bit, but also reminds the other person of their possible duty.

6. Relax And Enjoy!
Pick up your date and enjoy each other's romantic company! Relax, because you've taken all the steps to plan the perfect Valentine's Day date!!

**Editors Note**
if you need a printable version of this list, it can be found here…

http://holidays.lovingyou.com/conten...checklist.html (fancy)
http://holidays.lovingyou.com/conten...hecklist2.html (Quick Printing)

Valentines Day Tip 4: Pamper your Sweetheart without Spending a Lot of Money

Looking to do something romantic and special for your Valentine, but don't have a lot of money? Most couples are watching their pennies and need to celebrate in a romantic way without breaking the bank. Here are some great ideas for Valentine's Day evenings at home where your sweetheart will feel truly special.

Romantic Valentine's Day Evening's at Home

A Fireside Picnic:

Have the sofa pulled up in front of a roaring fire, with some champagne on ice. For an added touch, serve strawberries to bring out the champagne's flavor, or drop pomegranate seeds into the glass to tinge the bubbly pink. If you're the cooking type, make a homecooked meal. If not, order out from your favorite place. Don't forget the great music playing on the stereo!

Spa Night:

When your sweetie gets home, draw a hot bath filled with rose petals. Since roses are so expensive around Valentines Day, you can ask your florist for short stemmed roses, or for "seconds" one's that are slightly bruised since you won't be giving them in a traditional way. Have a glass of wine and some chocolates to nibble on by the side of the bathtub. Meanwhile, prepare the bedroom. Line the bed with towels fresh out of the dryer so that they're warm. Get a basin full of warm water near the bed, several washcloths and some great spa products. Start off with an exfoliating rub like the Bliss Hot Salt Scrub. Wash that away, then massage in a great moisturizer. You might also want to throw in a foot rub for extra brownie points. (Many people have creams and exfoliating rubs at home already; you don't have to spend extra money on this step.) Afterwards the two of you can enjoy takeout in bed while you watch a romantic movie.

**Editors Note** Bath & Body Works has always been a personal favorite of mine for bath salts, lotions, candles etc. Even when operating on a budget, they usually have some sales going for such products during this time of the year. I highly reccomend that you check their website (http://www.bathandbodyworks.com) for the latest sales information.

A Sexy Night:

I know what you're saying. Aren't the above sexy nights? But this one puts sexiness as a top priority. We're not talking instantly hopping in the sack either, but a Valentine's Day full of passion and pampering. Sound good? Here's what you need to do. Start by sending your sweetheart out on an errand and getting them out of the house. (If you don't live together, you're one step ahead.) Meanwhile, turn the lights out in most of the house, and replace the lights in the stairway with low wattage bulbs. If you can't easily change them, don't worry, put a lamp in the stairway.

Sprinkle rose petals like a trail of bread crumbs leading from the front door, up the stairs and into the bedroom. Put on something sexy and lay out a sexy outfit for your partner. Ideally this will be a present of something new, but needn't be if you don't have a lot of money. Prepare some aphrodisiac foods that you can feed each other including almonds, chocolates, dates, raspberries, strawberries and wine. For that extra touch, dip the strawberries in melted chocolate. Fill the bedroom with tons of candles and turn the lights out. Then just wait for your sweetheart.

I hope that helps and best of luck with whatever you do!

KrysyGT

I used to live in Philly. They have some of the best places to eat. I miss it there!

Swanky Bubbles is a fun and awesome place to check out! It's a champagne bar, and their food is asian fushion, a lot of sushi if you like it. They also have non-fish versions. I love that place. Everything I had there was outstanding. Check out their website, I believe they have a full menu online.

The Striped Bass has amazing seafood, then again I haven't been there for 4 years. But the price is *really* high so watch out. Again the atmosphere there is great. Really classy and it will be memorable.

Ruths Chris Steak house is also great. But very high priced.

White Dog Cafe is nice, but not really romatic for V-day.

Moshulu is also expensive, but a neat thing to do since the actual place you eat is an old tall ship. I don't remember the food being outstanding but it was good.

I have heard the following are good:
Shula's Steak House
Davio's
Paridgam

SilverStreak

http://www.buddakan.com/
3rd & Chestnut St. Check the website, highly rated and really different. Also do a search to see what reviewers think about it. It is a real experience.

Feras

iTrader: (1)

Fogo De Chao 1337 Chestnut. Brazilian steakhouse....classy and an interesting experience.

dillsrotary

nice, i was def leaning towards a nice steak house.

also landon thats a hell of a post man haha, whats vday step five: she buys me lowering springs?

Landon

hahahaha that would be nice. But hey if you dont do one of the resteraunts you have alot of ideas and prep right there. Also just an FYI...if you guys have dinner cruises out there you might want to try that. I did that last year and it turned out well. Average price for a dinner cruise is about 60 -120pp but thats a 4 hr cruse and a full 4 course meal plus dancing. Thats always an idea if you want to be a little different.

dillsrotary

we did a cruise for new years so we're just gonna go out to dinner.


vday step 6: butsecks?

Landon

That could work lol

Gambit

depends how nice your dinner is

bottoms up

i know its past vday but any other specail days do the spirit of philly on the river great date idea