The Way To Your Date's Heart is... With An "A" for Effort, Not a "P" for Perfection

Preparing a meal for your date or significant other can be a very intimate experience, with both potentially wonderful and disastrous outcomes.* I've learned over the years that it's not about the "perfect outcome," but about the effort you put into creating a meal and a nice ambiance for dining together at home.

*Let me just note here that cooking together is often even more fun, but that's a separate entry.

A few weeks ago, I went about cooking a big overblown meal (I don't do 'simple') for my sweetie. Now it came out delicious- in his humble opinion. But I thought it wasn't my best work, because I'd previously made a better version of the finished product- a vegetable lasagna. However, instead of just rolling with it and being thrilled that he happily gobbled it up, and asked for thirds, and fourths... I kept second guessing myself (out loud no less!)- how it would have turned out better if only I'd prepared it differently, or cooked one ingredient a bit longer, and so on. My self-critique didn't jive with the vibe of the meal. Finally, when he told me that he was just amazed that I took it upon myself to cook for him, and that was all he cared about, I realized that a 'home-cooked meal' is not just about making restaurant-caliber food, but also about creating a memory together. A little sentimental perhaps, but then again if you've got a great guy or girl on your hands, they won't be dwelling on whether your eggplant was a bit tough (guilty as charged), but the effort you put into preparing that meal, and savoring the image of dining together afterward.

So the other night, as I prepared to attempt another dinner, I decided to go a little easier on myself. This time, I whipped up chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms, artichokes and scallions, acorn squash with brown butter, cinnamon and honey, and broccoli rabe in olive oil and red pepper, plus some stuffed mushrooms to start off the meal. I tried to have more fun making this dinner, even as I undertook foods I'd only seen before on restaurant menus. I was proud of myself for sure, when the acorn squash turned out sweet and delicious, and the rabe (first blanched, then sauteed, quite a project!) was flavorful, but I also knew that if I messed up a bit, my guy wouldn't mind. Of course it doesn't hurt that he has a hearty, adventurous, and (thankfully) forgiving appetite. In the end, he appreciated the effort I put into creating our dinner, and this time, I was as wowed with the results as he was. Only not just with my own cooking, but with my more relaxed approach which culminated in an even more enjoyable evening together.

Recommendation Roundup!

Hey fellow foodies,

Here are a few of this week's recommendations which were requested from our readers. Enjoy and keep them coming!

Burger joints, UWS, $$
5 Napkin Burger just opened a new branch in the old Ollie's space at 84th/Bway. It usually garners rave, or at least high-end, reviews.

For a little more substance, and a little less style, give Shake Shack a try at 77th/Columbus. Be prepared for a bit of a wait though, depending on the day/time you go. They have delicious custards & concretes as well.

Another choice is Toast, with a fun, casual vibe, plus it's known for its burgers.

Finally, you can't go wrong with a low key American bar & grill staple like Firehouse, it's a neighborhood favorite.

Indian, downtown, (up to) $$$$$

Banjara- supposed to be a stand out in the midst of Indian Row in the east village.

Brick Lane Curry House- a nicer & bustling Indian spot.

Madras Mahal and Chennai Garden are a couple of popular vegetarian options to consider as well, located in Gramercy.

Chinese, UES, $$
Cafe Evergreen- garners much praise for its dim sum & varied menu selection.

Wa Jeal- known for spicy, Szechuan food.

Shanghai Pavillion- seems to be an UES favorite for Chinese, though on various foodie sites, it draws very strong opinions, in both directions... could be exciting to give it a try.

Thanks again to Hungry For Love NYC readers for your requests. Submit your restaurant recommendation request, and your dining hot spot results could end up in the blog next!

More Blog Shout Outs!

Thanks to NYC Foodie for the awesome food blog shout out! Show him some love & check it out here:

NYC FOODIE "FOODIE WEBSITES" OF THE WEEK:
BEYOND THE DISH AND HUNGRY FOR LOVE

Cocktails & Daydreams - Part 3

Part 3 of the series on how choosing the right venue for drinks can create a lasting and favorable impression on your date.

Wine bars
Wine bars have definitely swept the city by storm. Here are a few worth checking out:

Buceo 95- 201 W 95th, b/w Amsterdam & Broadway
I love the red coloring at this bar, it's very romantic. Plus there's something quite intimate and almost conspiratorial about leaning over a narrow, tall table to whisper to your date. They have a delicious menu full of light bites worth indulging yourselves in. The owner is known to check in with the patrons as well. A great blend of seductive and comfortable, which is a hard balance to find indeed.

Bowery Wine Company- 13 E. 1st, b/w Bowery & 2nd Ave.
A nice little downtown find, an oasis of style in the middle of the East Village bar scene. Plenty of seating and room near the bar as well to chat up your date while sampling some great wines. And the grilled three cheese panini is quite tempting.

Clo Wine Bar- Time Warner Center, 4th Floor, in Columbus Circle
Imagine if Sadé and James Cameron (a la Avatar) got together and had a child. And that child was a wine bar. Now you've got the uber-modern Clo where you select your wine of choice via an interactive menu screen that doubles as the long communal table. Very slick indeed, especially when the wine dispenses after you insert your 'wine card.' Be forewarned, it is a tight fit. At least it's right in the bustling TWC, so you and your date can pop around to some shops afterward, or pick up some pastries at the Bouchon Bakery downstairs.

Here are a couple of new Hell's Kitchen wine bars that I haven't been to yet, but are on my immediate 'to try' list:
Ardesia- 510 W 52nd, b/w 10th & 11th
A modern and light twist on the typical wine bar, attracting good buzz so far. Plus it has the always coveted outdoor seating.
Xai Xai- 365 W 51st, b/w 8th & 9th
This dark and rich South African wine bar is relatively new to the area. Just walking by the spot makes you want to wander inside and taste the exotic vintages offered.**
**Here's an interesting little anecdote I just uncovered about Xai Xai- apparently if you're on a bad date there, the waiter will help you out by making a move right under your date's nose! My friend was there a little while back on a mediocre first date. Her dud of a dude made a trip to the bathroom, and the server slyly picked her up in that very small window. When her lackluster Casanova returned, the waiter informed him that he would be escorting the lady to dinner shortly thereafter. Her date yielded, and off they went. Talk about cojones!

NEW! Need A Restaurant Recommendation?

Check out our brand new feature (on the right hand menu). >>>

Submit what you're looking for in a dining experience, and Hungry For Love NYC will give you a specially tailored restaurant recommendation!

Try it now!

Granola Bars & Gut Instincts

One thing I've learned over the years about dating is that sometimes a guy or girl you are not so crazy about can do something sweet or considerate for you, and you can't help but feel completely horrified, indifferent, or just put off by it as sickeningly saccharine. But a different guy or girl, who you're feeling "into," does something the slightest bit nice, or even kinda wacky, and you find yourself mesmerized, excited and wowed. What's the difference, you may wonder? Chemistry, plain and simple. An important part of dating is trusting your gut instincts, and recognizing when there is that certain spark between you and your dating partner. Here's an example:

A few years ago, I had just started dating this nice young man. He was a bit quirky, true, but he was also smart and funny. One day he was at my apartment and ravenously hungry. Never one to be lacking snacks in my own home, I offered him a granola bar out of a brand-new box which was meant to serve as my week's worth of workday treats. The next thing I knew, he had gobbled down almost the entire box of bars. I was a little peeved, but seeing that he was genuinely, and even neurotically, apologetic, I decided to let it go.

The next day, he called me up at work, and said he had something to deliver from his office to mine, which was actually located down the street. I had no idea what to expect, and was intrigued as to what it could be that required him to messenger it over personally. A few minutes later, there was an urgent knock at the door to my corridor. I opened it, and observed my gentleman caller, standing there in the doorway. He quickly thrust a bulky inter-office envelope into my arms, and called over his shoulder, "Sorry, I've got to run back to a meeting!" as he dashed away. Now my curiosity was fully piqued. I opened the official looking package, and found inside a colorful gift-wrapped box with a bow and all. Tearing into the paper, I unveiled ... a new box of granola bars. I started to laugh so hard that tears were running down my face. Now that was quite an impression.

As I recounted the story over and over to my amused friends, I thought about how, if I had not already been interested in this guy and feeling a connection to him, that anecdote would have quickly evolved from a sweet story instead into one of mild dating horror. "What??" my skeptical friends would exclaim. "He tracked you down at work and showed up with some weird wrapped up box of granola bars?! What a nut job!" However, because I already thought he was charming in an unconventional sort of way, his little stunt was right up my alley. I later learned that he not only sought out the exact type of granola bars I had sacrificed to his growling stomach, but had them professionally wrapped in a gift shop to present them to me in their full and deserving glory. The excitement in his voice was both clearly evident as well as contagious as he described his quest.

Looking back, I'm glad I gave that nice, eccentric guy a chance, because you can't fake chemistry between two people, nor can you create it out of thin air. The bottom line is, you might not be able to change whether you are attracted to, or intrigued by someone. But one way you may realize that you are, is if you find yourself over the moon about the quirky little things that they do for you. And a chance at that kind of creative and fun relationship is worth all the granola bars in my pantry.

Cocktails & Daydreams - Part 2

Part 2 of the series, exploring unique places to take your date that will leave him or her wanting more.

Bars Where You Can Have Fun
Who says a date in NYC always has to be a formal, sit-down experience? It can be just as great to have a more engaging and interactive evening together. Here are a few options, ranging from the laid back scene to upscale entertainment.

Dive 75- 101 W. 75th, b/w Columbus & Amsterdam
I would be derelict in my duties if I neglected to mention this high spirited dive bar on the UWS. It is well known in the neighborhood for their wide selection of games. Because everyone knows, nothing impresses your date more than beating him or her 3 times in a row at Connect Four. While you're there, sample some of the wide variety of beers on tap, and feel free to order in food from surrounding restaurants.

300 New York @ Chelsea Piers- Pier 60 at West 23rd & West Side Highway
Who knew bowling could be this posh? Sure, I know I said these are fun, casual bars, but still, it is bowling we're talking about. If you have to change your shoes while on a date, you might as well do it in style at this sleek bowling alley, or as 300 calls it, their bowling "concourse." Ooh la la indeed.


Carnival- 110 University Pl, b/w 12th & 13th
Relatively new on the scene, this trendy bar features grown-up versions of old-fashioned carnival games and intoxicating beverages like boozed-up sno-cones. Splurge on some of the games and impress your date by winning a stuffed animal or a real goldfish!





Crocodile Lounge- 325 E. 14th, b/w 1st & 2nd Aves.

Every beer comes with a free personal pizza! And there's skeeball! And an outdoor backyard patio! What else is there to say?

What are your favorite games bars & lounges in New York City? How about the most fun or silly bar game you've ever played on a date?

Blog Roll!

Hungry For Love NYC makes its first appearance on another site's blog roll! Check out Life With Food and Drink, which has definitely inspired me to have a cupcake & dessert-related entry very soon :)