2015 Seattle Valentine's Day Date Ideas!

Well, hello friends!!

It's been WAY too long. Apologies. Life has gotten away with us and, while we are still honoring date night, we are falling a wee bit behind on blogging them.

HOWEVER, there is one post that we canNOT skip out on, and that is the Valentine's Day List of to-do's!

Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year so of course, there are heaps of fun events you can spend part of your weekend doing, all celebrating this lovely little holiday of love.

List below - we'll continue to add to it as we discover more great happenings. Enjoy!

V-Day 2015 In Seattle


Get Active:

Cupid's Undie Run! / Feb 14

St Valentine's Day Dash (Greenlake) / Feb 14

Love ‘em or Leave ‘em Valentine’s Day Dash @ Green Lake Park | 5K Fun Run, Tunnel of Love, Free Food & Drink, Exhibitors / Feb 14

Dinner/Theater:

Tons of fixed price menus showcasing the best that this city has to offer. Seattle Restaurant VDay Specials can be found here: Seattle Valentine's Dinner Events 2015

The Dinner Detective @ The Hotel Deca | Largest Murder Mystery Dinner Show In The U.S., Saturdays, Everyone’s Suspect / February 13-14

Comedy Benefit for the Autism Society of Washington @ Tacoma Comedy Club | Auction, Dinner, Andrew Norelli / Feb 14

Dirty Dancing at the Paramount

Burlesque!! at the Triple Door / Feb 14

Valentine's Day in Wonderland at the CanCan (Burlesque) / Feb 14

Columbia City Burlesque / Feb 14

Valentine's Day Improv at the Market Theater / Feb 14

Literary Boxing Match / Feb 13-15

Valentine's Day Underground! / Feb 14

Y0-yo Contest (because really, what's more romantic than that??) / Feb 14

Wine and Cocktails in the Conservatory / Feb 14

Chop Shop Dance Festival / Feb 13-14

Dinner Cruise / Feb 14


Party!:

Bollysutra Valentine’s Day Party @ Club Contour | Presented by Wicked Karma, DJ RDX , Roses, Performances / Feb 14

“Turn On Your Lovelight” @ Nectar Lounge | Grateful Dead Tribute featuring Andy Coe Ban / Feb 14

Georgetown Art Attack | Second Saturday, Neighborhood Art Walk, Participants, Map, Free / Feb 14

Flower and Garden Show / Feb 11-15

Get outside!

Free entrance to all national parks! (Feb 14-16, President's Day Weekend)

Free Entrance Days for Presidents Day Weekend | Mt Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park / February 14-16

Further Out:

Valentine's Day Symphony in Burien

Valentine's Day in Tacoma at the Botanical Conservatory / Feb 13

Sumner Wine Walk / Feb 14

Spirit of the West: The Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering celebrates traditional cowboy music, poetry, art, gear, and chow in Ellensburg. (Feb 13-15)

Yakima Valley Red Wine and Chocolate Event / Feb 14

Take a romantic train ride to Portland for the weekend

...or, do what Brett and i are doing, and head to THIS RIDICULOUS PLACE!! More on that later. ;)


xo,
B&M

Buy the above image here

mkt. = omg.

She Said ...

For those of you who are familiar with our blog, you’re aware that to us, Ethan Stowell [How to Cook a Wolf, Tavolata, Staple & Fancy, to name a few] can do no wrong. So when we heard last September he was opening a small intimate eatery in the already obscure neighborhood of Tangletown, I knew we HAD to go. 

[mkt. opens the garage door in warmer temps; source]

Holiday madness now behind us, it was time. I made reservations [TIP: Make reservations – this teeny eatery seats about 20 comfortably, 28 total so reservations are a MUST] for 7:45 on a Thursday – the earliest I could get – and then we waited impatiently for Date Night to arrive.

We showed up a bit early knowing that Tangletown was also home to an Elysian Brewery, which ended up being our first stop for some pre-dinner tipples. [TIP: Ample street parking so no worries there] 

If you do end up having to wait a while for a table, I’d recommend heading next door as there is very limited ‘waiting’ space in mkt., and you’ll probably just be in the way (but their staff won't make you feel that way).

A few Elysian pints in our belly and now starving, Brett and I headed next door to mkt.

Now, a bit of back-story from their website and chats with our incredibly informed waiter Seth:  

“Mkt. gets its name from Meridian, which was the traditional name for the neighborhood; the historic Keystone Building it’s housed in; and Tangletown, as the area is now known. With just 28 seats, Mkt. is an intimate space serving thoughtful, contemporary American fare with a dedication to Northwest products.” 

Their menu, which we studied in depth before arriving, includes a great variety – from olives, green beans or cheeses to start, a great mix of seafoods (try the ceviche, it was incredible!), beef, duck and lamb for meats, and a handfull of vegetarian dishes, which Brett and I got a few of to share [TIP: if there is one thing you must take our advice on, it’s the smoked mushroom and gnocchi – I’ve honestly not had a dish that complex and delicious since Gordon Ramsay himself served us in London].

[Kitchen, front and center; source]

But more on the food in a sec. 

When you first walk in, this place is tiny and intimate, dimly lit, with a calm bustle happening all around you. In Ethan Stowell style, the kitchen plays front and center, with seating happening all around it. 

You are able to get that sneak peek into how the food is prepared – nothing hidden here – and you feel like part of the action. All this combined makes for a brilliant date night. 

The staff is incredible. Super attentive but not overbearing. While we waited just a few minutes for our table, we were offered drinks and a seat at the front bar until our table opened up. 

[Small dining area creates intimacy; source]

Looking around at the décor, it’s not pretentious – you almost feel as though you’re dining in a chic friend's loft – single-bulb chandeliers line the dining area (allows for sexy, low lighting), shelves holding everything from boxed red wine used in their dishes (rad), to a pressure cooker, kegs and cookbooks. 

The back corner of the dining room there is letter art on the wall showcasing some of the main ingredients used in the dishes here.

We were seated and promptly started ordering (having memorized the menu days before). [TIP: There is the option here to tell the waiter to just bring recommendations (alert him/her of any allergies, of course) which, if Brett and I didn't already have our sights set on a few dishes, we would have partook in.]

[Winter squash Fitters and Pesto, source]

The plates here are quite small so, as the waiter may recommend, 2-3 per person is likely sufficient – and be prepared to share! Brett and I got the grilled and marinated green beans, sea salt, lemon (a small cup full for $7) and winter squash fritters, coriander, herb-pumpkin seed pesto (8 fritters for $9) – both a brilliant medley of flavor – and perfect to whet our appetites for what was to come. 

They bring the dishes out as they are ready so you are never waiting. For our ‘mains’ we got the Hamachi ceviche with citrus-cucumber ice, coriander, and pickled red onions (small serving for $15). The plate was small, not recommended as a stand-alone main, but the flavor was OUT of this world. Had a cool cucumber ice topping that added a 360-degree sensorial experience. 

Brett got the braised lamb shank, wild mushrooms, herb spaetzle (lamb from Anderson Farm in Oregon, $27, good portion) which was cooked to perfection; we also ordered a few of the veggie plates to share – the aforementioned smoked wild mushrooms with sweet potato gnocchi ($13) and Vegetable tagine, with rosemary, olive oil, medjool dates (holy shit these were good), and preserved lemon ($12), which paired perfectly with the lamb.

[Vegetable Tagine; source]

As far as drinks go – they have an extensive wine list to choose from. Brett and I went with red wine by the glass. It was a school night, after all. J

The food – God damn the food – it was all so good. We were blown away each dish that was brought out. We were stuffed by the end, but knew we HAD to try dessert. We shared a chocolate mousse which offered just the right amount of sweetness-meets-richness to finish off this brilliant meal.

Our check came – and while it’s a bit pricey for the amount of food you get (all of the above, plus tip, came to just under $200) it's SO worth it, as the food was some of the best we've ever had. And i think Brett said it best: "This is a 'Guaranteed to get in her pants meal'" –  and i'd have to agree.

Highly recommend mkt. for a date night – its intimate setting, complex food flavors, and exceptional service all make for that perfect evening we've been waiting so long for!

Xo,

B&M

THE FINE PRINT


mkt.
Address: 2108 N 55th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Phone:(206) 812-1580
Prices:
$$$$
Hours:



Monday	5:00 – 10:00 pm
Tuesday	5:00 – 10:00 pm
Wednesday	5:00 – 10:00 pm
Thursday	5:00 – 10:00 pm
Friday	5:00 – 11:00 pm
Saturday	5:00 – 11:00 pm
Sunday	5:00 – 10:00 pm
Menu: ethanstowellrestaurants.com
Recommend?: YES! Intimate, amazing food, a bit pricey but WORTH it. Go now!!! 

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Weekend Date Idea - PORT SAMPLING!

Port Prefunk at Portalis

Article courtesy Jessica Voelker of Seattle Met!

This Friday, get your Date Night going with a port sampling on Ballard Avenue. Try seven warming fortified wines at Portalis!

Portalis in Ballard is holding a holiday port tasting this Friday, December 10.

A $19 fee includes

1. A $10 store credit (Portalis is both a wine bar and a wine shop).

2. Half-ounce pours of seven fortified wines from two Portuguese porteries (that’s not a real word).

3. Food pairings.

These are the ports to be tasted:

• Porto Rocha NV Lagrima White Port
• Porto Kopke 10y White Port
• Porto Rocha 1994 Colheita Tawny Port
• Porto Kopke 10y Tawny
• Quinta De La Rosa NV Finest Ruby
• Quinta De La Rosa 2003 LBV Ruby

The tasting lasts from 6:30 to 7:30pm. It sounds like a festive way to start a night out on Ballard Ave but don’t forget to eat during and after—port sneaks up on you like nobody’s business.

Call Portalis (206.783.2007) to reserve.

Seattle Weekend Date Ideas: Splurge Vs. Steal

SPLURGE VS. STEAL!

Although Brett and i are faaaar, far away in Australia right now, that doesn’t mean that our readers should go without this weekend’s date ideas. I know, we’re THAT considerate! :) There are just too few weekends during the holiday season to skip even ONE, and so much going on around this town… On that note, from sunny 90-degree Sydney (actually, i blogged this from Seattle and post-dated it, but we’ll pretend i’m blogging on the beach in my bikini right now!) i bring you this week’s version of SPLURGE vs. STEAL!

SPLURGE!

Now, for those of you who were able to hit up last weekend’s Seattle Christmas Tree lighting and were left hungry for more (or those of you who missed it and are desperate to see a lighting of your own!), why not spend a romantic weekend away in Leavenworth, Washington, and enjoy their tree lighting ceremony and festivities this weekend?? It’s the PERFECT little town to spend a cozy, quaint, and quiet weekend in!

According to the website, Your Bavarian Getaway transforms itself into a virtual snow globe of Christmas Magic. Crowned "the Ultimate Holiday Town USA" from the A&E Network and featured in 06 & 07 by Good Morning America, Leavenworth welcomes you with Roasting Chestnuts, Holiday Characters, Old Fashion Caroling and pure simple Christmas Magic. Join us as we celebrate this special season and fill your heart with memories for a lifetime.

Sounds like a magical weekend get-a-way to me! Be sure to stay at the Icicle Inn, directly across from all the action, where you can get a room with a fireplace AND a whirlpool tub for maximum romance!

If you’re a skier, you are mere minutes from both Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, so bring your gear for a day of fun in the snow!

And if this weekend doesn’t work for you, Leavenworth has its Tree Lighting Ceremony every weekend leading up to Christmas Day! Click HERE for more information!

STEAL!

And if you’re not able to leave town on a whim this weekend, fear not! There is plenty to do in the city for next-to-nothing!

For example!

Why not meet your sweetie at the Seattle Space Needle for a walk through the Seattle Center. Hit up the Starbucks and grab a peppermint hot-cocoa to sip while checking out the Winter Train and Village, then head down to Fisher Pavilion for some Ice Skating and Carousel Riding!

Offering inside skating at its best, the Ice Rink accommodates all levels of expertise, from novice to Olympiad.

Skate fee: $5 for adults (cash only!).

Winterfest Ice Rink
November 27 - January 3
Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Seattle Center, showered in thousands of twinkling lights, sets the scene for five weeks of affordable and fun-filled family activities, soulful festivities and so much more. You can also catch the monorail ($4 round trip) and head downtown for a show, a play, or some holiday drinks to keep the evening going!

Check out the amazing Seattle Holiday Guide here for plenty more holiday planning tips!

Happy holidays, and happy dating!

xo,

B&M

photo credits: Leavenworth, ice rink, space needle

Seattle Date Night: Noodles and Pinball!

October 1, 2009:
Noodle Ranch and Shorty's

He Said: Belltown and quality are synonyms. Arguably the capital of Seattle’s restaurant scene, the place is full of varied and wonderful restaurants. With that, the age old saying “you get what you pay for” is definitely the norm.

It categorically draws a different crowd compared to other Seattle burrows. Check out my Big Picture post for a definition on "wankers"!

I digress. One Belltown restaurant very must against the norm mentioned above is the Noodle Ranch on 2nd and Bell. Bringing together a flavorful and fresh menu at a price that doesn’t require your last three pay slips and pre approval, the Noodle Ranch is conveniently located in the heart of Second Ave’s restaurant and bar cluster.

I got to know it well when I first moved here on a night the lads and I invented called “Suicide Wednesday”. I highly recommend this for people new to the area. Basically it involved going out on the lash on Wednesday nights ultimately with one person "committing suicide" by not turning up to work the next day. Bloody ripper of a night! Anyways, we’d always kick off in this area.

[Me and Mandy at Noodle Ranch!]

For my meal, I enjoyed the lemongrass chicken ($9) and Mandy had the Vermicelli noodles with chicken ($9). Both fresh, flavorful and filling. Back that up with a couple of great beers on tap and you’ll enjoy a 5 star meal all round.

[Vermicelli Noodles/Lemongrass Chicken]

After tea, we headed right next door to a bar call Shorty's. Shorty’s stands out from the crowd due to its extensive array of pin ball machines! With a room dedicated to the classic entertainment device, they have machines dating from way back when they were first invented through to the modern marvels with all of bells and whistles. The last time I played a pin ball machine was the Top Gun machine at our local fish n' chip shop back in '85, so it was a nice piece of nostalgia. A nice way to round out a tame (and inexpensive!) datenight.

Lastly I want to give a shout out to my good mate Will who suggested this datenight. Ask for him at the Noodle Ranch and he’ll look after you.

Cheers, Brett

**Shorty's is cash only, so be sure to bring some! They have a change machine, too, so you can snag quarters to play all night long!

RATINGS:

Romance: 3: Not the most "romantic", per se, but VERY fun and different! Great unique interior at both locations!

Cool Ambiance/Interior: 4 (see above)

All Around Service: 4 Noodle Ranch was great! Shorty's isn't known for their customer service...

Cost: $$ = entrees from $8 - 13

Would we recommend it? 4: ABSOLUTELY! It's a fun and affordable evening, and if you're left with extra quarters, perfect for weekend laundry!

Sunday Night Date Idea

Chowder and charity? Sounds like a great combo! Where can we find that? Why, at the Chowder Cook-Off November 15 at Union, Benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Ethan Stowell's 2009 cook-off series comes to an end with a Chowder Smackdown. Participants just announced - chefs include: Ethan Stowell, Heather Earnhardt and David Howe (Volunteer Park Cafe), Dan Braun (Oliver's Twist), Brain Cartenuto (Cantinetta), Vuong Loc (Portage), and Craig Hetherington (TASTE). The lone food enthusiast battling against the chefs is Darren "always in the top three" Vengroff.

Stowell has rounded up a savvy group of chowder enthusiasts, and the competition promises to be stiff. With all the chowder options available, New England, Manhattan, Salmon, Corn, and anything else this talented crew dreams up, this is sure to be a delicious event!

Each cook will make a pot of chowder and bring it to Union to be eaten and judged. Guests will be given a scorecard, and then will proceed to enjoy beer as they taste and rate each bowl of chowder. After much bribery and deliberation, a winner will be declared. The winner of the Chowder Smackdown will receive dinner for six at Union, Tavolàta, How to Cook a Wolf, or Anchovies & Olives, and of course, bragging rights!

The Chowder Smackdown is Sunday, November 15 at Union. The fun begins at 6pm. The cost to attend is $50/person and includes all the chowder you can eat, green salad, crusty bread, and tap beer. All proceeds from the evening go to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Reservations are highly recommended, as past cook-offs have sold out. For reservations, call Union at (206) 838-8000.

Brett and I participate in the LLS's Annual Columbia Tower Climb, but won't be able to participate in 2010 due to a ski weekend away... perhaps we should take our entry fee and head to this instead! It is, after all, for a great cause!

xo,

B&M

Image of Ethan Stowell via.

Seattle Weekend Date Ideas: Splurge vs. Steal!

It's that time of the week again: Thursday! Which means in TWO DAYS Brett and I will be up at Crystal Mountain for our first run of the season (and my maiden voyage to Crystal - I'm so nervous!)!

That is, however, if Brett snaps out of this whole 'being sick' thing... he woke up this morning feeling like a truck hit him. Which, let me tell you, is not the BEST feeling in the world. This means that tonight's Date Night will consist of me in one of these:

Feeding him some of this:

While i do this (so i, too, don't get sick!):

And nurse him back to health so we can do this:

With that said, i will pass on to you my jewels of wisdom for the fun things happening this weekend. Yes, it's this week's installment of Splurge vs. Steal!

While my ULTIMATE Splurge date idea for you is to purchase a $500 - $900 season's pass at one of the 11 AMAZING mountain ski areas we are lucky enough to have within a 5 hour driving range of this city... that is just TOO expensive for a Date Night. (Although, definitely stay tuned for some snow-related Date Night posts in the future!)

So instead, I thought I'd share with you This Saturday's Wine Dinner at Volunteer Park Café. Saturday at 7pm, for $95, come and enjoy a multi-course meal paired with wine from Efeste Winery.

Wine dinners at the Volunteer Park Cafe are not your grandfather’s wine dinner — no white linen tablecloths, no intimidating line-up of crystal stemware, no uncomfortable silence while guests swirl, sniff, and sip. Volunteer Park Cafe wine dinners are much like the cafe itself — funky, casual, and tons of fun! Reservations are required and can be made by calling VPC at (206) 328-3155. For more information, click HERE! Cheers!

And, if $95/per person is a bit too steep for you, but you still want to do something fun and cultural... For only $7 per person, you can go and check out the Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra while they play at Town Hall this Saturday at 7.30.

This season-opener at Town Hall (1119 8th Ave, Seattle) will include Helios Overture, one of the most famous short orchestral works by Danish composer Carl Nielsen; Brahms’ Variation on a Theme by Haydn, first performed in 1873 by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Brahms’s baton; Wagner’s Prelude to Act I (from Lohengrin), marked by a grand, all-encompassing climax; and the dramatic one-movement Symphony No. 1 by Samuel Barber, the first American work performed at the Salzburg Festival.

Start the evening off three blocks west at Purple Cafe and Wine Bar (1225 4th Avenue (206) 829-2280‎)) where you can order a couple of inexpensive nibblies from the 'taste bar' ($3-$6/each) and a flight of wine (only $6 for white, $7 for red)!

Image via.

Thanks to @seattle_events for BOTH these great date ideas! Follow @seattle_events on Twitter for even more amazing ideas for great dates!

(Also deserving a mention, This weekend is Columbia Winery's Taste of Red! The winery's annual red wine event features barrel tasting, food vendors & music. Tickets are $10 for members, and $20 for the general public!)

Happy weekend, and Happy Dating!

xo,

B&M

Seattle Date Night: Oui, Oui, Ew Ew!

November 7th, 2009:
Bodies Exhibit and Chez Shea

She Said:

So this weekend, Brett and I decided to take our own dating advice. We both love gross things. We both love bodies. We both love the show Grey's Anatomy. We both love downtown Seattle. We both love beef jerky. We both love Monster Trucks. SO, where can you find all of these things minus the Monster Trucks in one place? Why, the Bodies Exhibit of course!

Saturday night, we headed down to 5th and Pike Street (the old Adidas building across from Banana Republic) and, for $19/per person, gained access to some of the most gruesome and awesome sights of our lives.


We went into this exhibit with only minimal knowledge: We knew that it was a display of once-alive human bodies. We knew we would have access to sights that most people don't get to see without an MD... or jail time. We knew that there was some controversy surrounding the exhibit. Apart from that, we didn't know much. The space was small but held a ton of information. About 7 or 8 full human bodies posed in positions that showed how the muscles and bones and joints work... They had on display black lungs, a cirrhosis liver, a breast tumor, both sets of reproductive organs, gall stones... It had an entire section that showed the nervous system (no idea how they did this... was amazing) and of course, the famous 'body slice' guy...well, a couple of them.


WOW.

Was pretty amazing. VERY gross, but also pretty amazing to see the insides of my body. There was also a booth where you could go and actually FEEL some of the body parts. Yes, Brett and i held brains and liver. We immediately sanitized the bejeesus out of our hands...

...Before heading out to eat dinner!

Brett's original plan for dinner was Sushi. I however, had some apprehension on eating Sushi after seeing what we were going to see ... Once he'd been through the exhibition, Brett agreed. So instead, we decided to wander down Pike Street towards the Market.

We settled for French food at Chez Shea instead (thank GOD!).

We were able to snag the last table in the lounge (lucky... we didn't have reservations and it was 8.30 on a Saturday night!). Chez Shea is a cute little French bistro located above the Pike Place Market. It is small and cozy. The wait staff is super friendly.


We ordered a half-carafe of wine each (Brett the red, me the white) for only $5 per (they each hold about 2 glasses of wine). The white was beautiful! I ordered my meal from the special 2+1 for $25 menu, and got mussels, a crab salad, and small cheese plate. Brett ordered the rack of lamb ($29). Our bread and herb-infused oil arrived and we dug in.

We started to talk about the Bodies exhibit and how we thought it was strange that all the bodies were all clearly of Chinese descent. This of COURSE made Brett want to research it instantly, so he whipped out Wikipedia on his iPhone.

We soon learned that the Bodies exhibit that we had attended was one of two Bodies exhibits touring the world. One (Body World) used full-consenting donors for the bodies displays. The other (Bodies, the Exhibition... the one we went to) was rumored to have used bodies who were once Chinese prisoners that had been executed. And sold to the exhibit. Without consent. On the Black Market. For $300.

Brett and I were flabbergasted! We couldn't' believe what we were reading. It made the whole experience that we had just been through all that more creepy and gruesome!

Brett seriously couldn't shake the feeling. Until, of course our mussels arrived.

(Yes, i started making EXTREMELY crude jokes about 'mussels' ... and the bodies we had just seen... to where Brett almost punched me in the face across the table.)

But all jokes aside, the mussels were AMAZING. They were in a warm butter broth with chunks of chorrizo. The combination of the spicy chorrizo, the salty mussels and the rich broth worked magically together.

Brett's lamb arrived along with my crab salad. Neither of us were overly impressed. Brett was expecting more than just two small pieces of lamb for the $29. My crab salad was tiny and not very flavorful... and it took quite a while for us to get our food. The waitress (she was very sweet!) had to apologize twice for the wait. No matter, we weren't in a hurry. But just make note of that if you're headed to a show or a movie or Showgirls afterwards.

We finished the meal with a small cheese plate that was part of my 2+1 for $25 dish, and Brett had an espresso. We nibbled on 3 amazing cheeses and finished our wine. The bill came and there was a mistake on it (they had charged us for 2 of the 2+1 for $25 AND for Brett's lamb) so we alerted the waitress and she was mortified. Made the change immediately.

We left full and satisfied, and headed home after an interesting evening.

I highly recommend seeing the Bodies Exhibit, even though it did leave both Brett and me feeling a bit dirty.

However, there isn't a lot of opportunity in life to see what we saw on Saturday night... we learned a lot, and i can say it is one of the most memorable Date Nights I've ever had!! (A tip, though -- do NOT go to Sushi for dinner afterwards!)

**Also of note! Chez Shea is participating in this month's Dine Around Seattle: 3 Course Meals for $30! Check out their offerings here!

RATINGS:

Romance: Bodies exhibit: 2/Chez Shea: 5

Cool Ambiance/Interior: Both: 4

All Around Service: Chez Shea: Slow service, but very friendly: 3

Cost: Bodies exhibit: $19ea/Chez Shea: ~$35ea

Would we recommend it? 4: Yes on both, but keep an open mind.

**Photography wasn't allowed inside the Bodies Exhibition, so photos via, and via. Chez Shea photos via and via.

Seattle Date Night: Viva La France!

November 5, 2009
French Night Date Night!

He Said:

Right, so this is a cracker of an idea. And before you scoff lads, I’m going to spell out clearly why it can be doubly good for you whether you plan it or whether your missus plans it.

French Night is a date that Mandy invented way back when we first started dating.

Mandy rehashed it last night with great successes.

Basically it’s dinner and a movie but as the name suggests, with a French theme.




With a date like this, you can make it as simple or as fancy as you like. You can go out to a French restaurant followed by the theatre or do what we did and prepare it all at home. I much prefer what we did and to make it simple for you guys I’m gunna give you a shopping list for all you need.

Shopping List:

- Camembert cheese
- Crackers
- Apple
- French wine
- Pre-prepared Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Salad to order
- French movie

Too easy.

All of the above can be found easily at any supermarket. As for the movie, I suggest ducking down to any Blockbuster. Most will have an international section that’ll source you all movies French. We watched Mandy’s all time favourite Amelie. A classic and quirky film that most will enjoy once you get over reading the subtitles.

Again lads I hear you scoff over the subtitles! To be honest I was the same way, way back when but here’s why it’s a winner.

Apparently all things French are romantic. If you pull off a date like this you’ll appear cultured, travelled, intelligent and romantic. Parts of this I don’t get as I haven’t met many intelligent Frenchmen but whatever.

It is unique. Organize a simple French date night on Thursday and you’ll get enough brownie points to last you the rest of the weekend of uninterrupted football and beer. Result.

Now for the next part, I’m gunna have to ask mum to run off and grab a coffee, put on home and away. Girls take special, SPECIAL note here.

This is for when you organize it and another thing to keep the men interested!

You see, Mandy is all about the details. That’s one thing I love about her. She does things properly.

And as we just had Halloween, what’s one outfit that comes to mind when you hear French?? Of course a French Maid.

Mandy was kind enough to don the full garb for our date last night. Tie back hat and all.

Enough said... and let me assure you, well worth the subtitles!

Cheers,

Brett

RATINGS:

Romance: 5

Cool Ambiance/Interior: 5

All Around Service: 5+++ when Mandy's in charge!

Cost:
My grocery list complete with wine was $50. I recommend spending an extra $30 on the costume! Your honey (unless he's a chump) will thank you for weeks! ;)

Seattle Weekend Date Ideas: Splurge Vs. Steal

SPLURGE VS. STEAL!

Hello, dear readers! With Halloween behind us, and Thanksgiving just around the corner, November is officially here, and with it, the crazy windy weather. What better reason to find some fun things to do INDOORS this weekend!

With that theme in mind, here is this week's installment of Splurge vs. Steal!

SPLURGE!

When the Bodies exhibit came to Seattle a few years ago, I kicked myself for not attending (perhaps i was just waiting for someone special to share the romantic experience with!). As contravercial as it is, this exhibit, which features actual human specimens--allows people of all ages access to sights and knowledge normally reserved only for medical professionals.

Take the opportunity to peer inside yourself, to better understand how your elaborate and fascinating body works, and how you can become a more informed participant in your own health care.

Tickets are $19, and Bodies is open Sunday - Thursday : 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday - Saturday : 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (Last admission time is 1 hour before closing). 1501 5th Ave, Seattle (5th and Pike Street, downtown).

End the night with some cocktails at Suite 410 in Belltown, with plenty of stiff drinks and dark corners to set the scene for rehashing the evening's events... (if, that is, you still have an appetite, or the desire to abuse your liver!)

Suite 410: 410 Stewart St, (206) 624-9911

(thanks to @bmarr for the great Date Night idea!)

STEAL!

And now, for those of you who are less obsessed with death and the human body, and more obsessed with Art, why not head down to the Seattle Art Museum this Friday for REMIX?

Four Fridays a year, SAM Remix, a late-night event geared toward adults ages 18 and up, features Seattle's hottest DJs, films, performances, activities and My Favorite Things tours that together create a fun, engaging, social atmosphere.

This Friday's event features: * A talk by artist Heide Hinrichs at 8:30 pm* A temporary tattoo parlor featuring Michelangelo-inspired designs by artists Allison Manch and Ariana Page Russell* A reading by poet Melanie Noel in response to SAM Next: Heide Hinrichs* Mashups spun by Tigerbeat* Performances by Scratchmaster Joe and DJ Riz of KEXP in the Brotman Forum*Cellist Paul Rucker playing live in the galleries* Stilt dancer Janet Rayor in the Brotman Forum and so much more - all for only $10 bucks!

And, since it only happens four times a year, it's definitely worth checking out (if not just for the stilt dancers!!)

Grab a drink or a bite at Ethan Stowell's Union Restaurant beforehand (Happy Hour 5-7pm) to make a night out of it!

(Also deserving a mention, through the 15th of November, The Can Can presents Seattle's International Cabaret Festival! Click here for the schedule, with fun and colorful shows happening all througout downtown Seattle!)

Happy November, and Happy Dating!

xo,

B&M