Datealicious

For the record, I have said for a very long time that chivalry is dead. (Dudes: if you don't read anything on this post, please read my notes on my date, "Chad" at the bottom of this post.  Seriously.)  With the rise of social media, it's easy for a guy to ask out a girl via Facebook, blogs and in this case, Twitter.  Now I'm not knocking these forms of communication, it's just that social media has changed the rules of dating forever.  You don't have to ask someone out face to face and what's more, anyone can make themselves look and sound good on paper.  So when I was asked out on my first date via Twitter, I have to admit I was a little skeptical.  Would he be socially awkward?  Would he be a gentleman?  Would he just be an all around total goon?  Fortunately, for me none of the above were true.  "Chad" as he asked to be called, couldn't have written a better script for our date.  He also picked a perfect place, The Shed, for the "Blind/Stalked You on Twitter and Asked You Out" date.

Since I wanted to play it safe and not reveal my place of residence, I met Chad at The Shed.  I've heard much about this East Atlanta hot spot, but since it isn't in my normal hood, I've yet to check it out.  The Shed is one of those places that immediately makes you feel at ease, something oh so important on a first date, especially for us ladies.  When I arrived, Chad was already at the bar, sipping a beer, to calm his nerves perhaps and I couldn't help but wonder if every single person in the place saw that our interaction was screaming first date.

Our host sat us at a highly visible two top near the front.  Not the most intimate spot in the place, but I was thankful for this.  Being put on full display meant that my date had to be on his best behavior.  Immediately upon being seated, Cindy, one of the owners sent us over a wonderful glass of sparkling Pinot Noir and an amuse of creamy Butternut Squash soup.  Maybe she was sensing my nerves or just has an intuition about awkward first dates, but either way it was calming indeed to start off with a drink and comforting little amuse.  After we both had shaken out first date jitters, Chad and I settled into our date and great conversation.  We decided what would a date be without a little wine, so Chad took the lead and ordered us a bottle.  I've heard much about The Shed's famous sliders (by the way, they have a $3 slider night on Wednesday nights) so we started with Fried Maine Scallop Sliders.  An interesting choice for a starter, but the scallops were huge and delicious and paired with a jalapeno coleslaw on a nice little buttered bun.  So good in fact that I probably could have down three more.

Moving on to dinner (it took us about 20 minutes to order since we were in such deep conversation) I choose the Pork Dumplings and Chad selected the Meyer Ribeye topped with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat.  I have to say that Chad definitely scored some points with me when neither of us could decide on our meal and decided to split the two entrees.  When they arrived, I was glad that we had decided to split as I was almost drooling over the Ribeye (no I don't actually drool on dates, gentlemen.)  The Pork Dumplings were good, served with a little grainy mustard, a combination I've never had before.  To be honest, they were a little too salty for my taste, but the texture was superb.  The ribeye, was just as I had expected.  Juicy, tender and wonderfully seasoned.  By the end of the meal, I was a little drunk on food as I like to say, but Chad insisted that we order dessert.  Knowing I have a huge sweet tooth, I didn't protest the order of an apple brownie and homemade ding dong.  I don't think I've ever actually had a real ding dong in my life, but I'm sure if The Shed decided to put these on the market, Hostess might quickly be erased from the snack cake map.

To recap the dateability of The Shed, I have to say first hand that it's perfect for The First Date, Blind Date, Casual Weeknight Date (check out $3 Sliders night!) and The Special Occasion Date (they've got a great looking menu for Valentine's Day.)  To recap the dateability of Chad, I was very impressed.  He's great for the first date and I'm thinking he's great for the second date as well. :)

A few notes on The Shed:
We went on a Sunday evening.  The Datealicious Decibel Meter was in tow, but since we went particularly late, there were few other diners so it was relatively quiet.  The Shed has mostly hard surfaces and high ceilings so I'm guessing Wednesday nights and Friday and Saturdays can get pretty loud, so may not be ideal for a first date on those nights.  The great thing about The Shed is that there's  ample parking next to the restaurant, so no searching for a spot, woot woot!

A few notes on "Chad": (okay maybe a lot of notes)
I have to say that I was so impressed by my date's actions that I have to share with everyone, guys in particular, because honestly I have never been on a date where a guy did absolutely EVERYTHING right.
1.  First of all, he did not sit down at the table until I was comfortably seated and actually offered to help me with my coat.  Very old school gentleman! 
2.  He ordered the wine, and it was excellent.  There's something really sexy about a guy who knows how to order wine.
3. The conversation was engaging.  He asked questions about me and LISTENED to my answers.  He didn't talk about himself the entire time.
4. He was polite to our waitstaff.  There's nothing I hate more than some pretentious douche that treats our server like a whipping boy.
5.  He brought me flowers (okay, this was the shocker of the century for me as I have never been given flowers on a first date).  Not only did he bring me flowers he gave them to me at the appropriate time.  After dinner, so that they weren't awkwardly sitting at our table the whole night.
6.  He thanked me for going out with him, opened my car door for me and gave a sweet kiss on the lips.  Nothing more, nothing less.

I know this sets the bar high, but honestly I don't know a girl out there that doesn't want to be treated like this.

Well played Chad.  Well played.

475 Bill Kennedy Way Southeast            $$-$$$
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 835-4363
www.theshedatglenwood.com

True story: I went to Pura Vida on a blind/double date with my mom (yeah, go ahead and laugh.)  It just so happened that my mom's boyfriend had a roommate who in mom terms was "just so successful and cute!" that I just had to go out with him.  I know what you're thinking, this was a very odd way to be introduced to a guy, but my mother, God bless her, only had the best of intentions.  Honestly going on a double date with my mom wasn't the most peculiar thing about it for me.  It was the realization that somehow my mother and I now fall into the same dating pool (think men in their 30's.)  It's not necessarily a bad thing, just slightly strange, and to be quite honest, I've got to give kudos to my mom for being a hottie.

So for this somewhat strange date night, I was asked to choose the location.  It had been awhile since I had been to Pura Vida, and I thought, why not make the night even more awkward by sharing our food?  The tapas/small plates craze has run a muck in our fair city, but Pura Vida has long been my standing favorite for authentic Spanish tapas in Atlanta.  I know I talk a lot about sharing food on dates, but it's an excellent way to get the conversation going and to learn a little about your date, especially if it's early in the game.   As far as the space itself, the interiors are simple and not over themed and reminds me of several quaint spots I hit it up on a trip to Europe a few years ago.  Nice backdrop for a date.

At any rate, after getting over the shock of the date I was on, I did, in fact, start to loosen up a bit talking to my date (let's call him "Adam".)  I think Adam noticed that I was somewhat uneasy and so to ease my nerves, he decided to collaborate with me on ordering for the table.  Although, I'm an adventurous eater, Adam, my mom and her boyfriend aren't exactly into trying new things (strike one, Adam!) so we had to keep our menu choices relatively tame.  With that in mind, I ordered the mussels ( a little garlicky, but keep in mind I really wasn't planning on kissing Adam), the asado di tiera (braised short rib), and the steamed coconut buns.  I also threw out that we should order some ceviche, cleverly knowing that my other guests at the table weren't entirely sure of what I was ordering.  When our server delivered the deliciously prepared tilapia ceviche, all my of my "dates" graciously tried it.  As our server explained how it was prepared, Adam quietly spit the bite he had taken out into his napkin.  I was actually pretty amused by this, but guess what, Strike Two Adam!

While my company continued making its way through the 10 or so tapas we ordered, the evening was still geeking me out a bit, so I opted to drink my way through a few cocktails.  Pura Vida has quite a varied cocktail list with some equally varied and creative names (I'll keep them out of this post to keep it PG).  I stuck with the tried and true mojito but was definitely curious about some of other the other menu options.  As far as the food goes, a few of the dishes were a little off the mark, but I was overall pleased with our selections.

All in all, Pura Vida is an overall great date spot.  Good for the first date, it's small, intimate and won't break the bank.  Also great for the casual weeknight date or the couples night out date.  Just don't ever go on the "my mom is setting me up with her much younger boyfriend's roommate" date.  In fact, don't ever go on that date.  To any restaurant.  It just screams conflict of interest.

656 North Highland Ave.                           $$
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-870-9797
http://www.puravidatapas.com/

A few notes:  Pura Vida is unfortunately closed on Sundays.  If you go on a Thursday evening, stay until at least 9pm for the Tango dancers.  Parking is tough around Pura Vida, but it's free in the lot across the street.

Postscript: In case you're wondering, Adam did hit strike 3.  As this date took place right before my birthday, he gave me a card that screamed Hotstuff! upon opening.  A kind gesture, yes, but leave the talking cards at home Adam.

So I'm a girl.  I'm old-fashioned and yes, I love to be courted.  Abattoir and I have been flirting for many months now and all the while, I've been doing what I do best, playing hard to get.  I've been driving down Howell Mill, windows down on my Jeep, hair blowing in the wind.  I've even so much as been next door to Ormsby's several times, dressed to impress, hoping Abattoir would just so much as look in my direction.  Unfortunately for me, all attempts to woo my dear Abattoir have gone unnoticed so last night I decided it was time to take my seduction to a whole new level.  I was going to profess my love.

Now I obviously did not go to Abattoir alone.  As much in love with Abattoir as I am, I did, in fact have a real date.  Shocker, I know.  I just figured it is time I stop falling in love with buildings and food and try to find a real boy.  As with all of the "dates" in my posts, I always ask them what they would be liked to be called as to not reveal their true identity.  My date last night chose Chaz, which I had to veto and politely remind him that this is not a blog about crashing weddings.   We instead, settled on Brady which I felt was more appropriate.

When Brady and I arrived, I was excited to see that the integrity of the space had been kept in tact.  Abattoir is located in the White Provisions development and the renovated industrial space is a perfect back drop for this meat-centric restaurant. It's a farmhouse meets loft interior that somehow feels quite comfortable.

Once I finished batting my eyelashes at the front door, Brady and I settled in at a small two-top in the back of the dining room (of course I positioned myself to check out Abattoir in all it's glory) and pursued the menu.  Honestly, I don't feel like I've ever been so excited simply by reading menu descriptions.  Brady and I are fairly adventurous eaters so we had a pretty difficult time settling on what we wanted since everything sounded absolutely amazing.  To start we decided on the chiccarones and house prepared charcuterie.  I've never actually eaten chiccarones (fried pork skins) and the rice cake/ popcorn-like texture was definitely interesting.  Don't think I'd order them again, but glad I tried them anyway.  For the main event, Brady and I shared the duck meatballs (absolutely delightful), Berkshire pork tasting with bacon fried rice (the pork belly was sinfully delicious) and the lamb liver fritters (thanks to a suggestion from my friend Gregory).  I believe it was at this point in the date Brady was starting to suspect that I was into someone or something else, because I nearly pulled the When Harry Met Sally faux orgasm when those fritters hit my lips.  The melt-in-your mouth fritters are honestly one of the BEST things I have ever eaten in my entire life.  If you don't get anything else at Abattoir, get these.  You'll almost die they are so good.

As if Brady and I hadn't had enough pork, lamb, duck and beef to last us a week, we just had to get the maple bacon beignets for dessert.  They were good, but I think I was so food drunk at this point that I could only nibble at these little bites of goodness.

To sum things up, Abattoir may not be the best first date place if you don't know your date all that well.  It's a fairly adventurous menu and the non-foodie types might be a little turned off.  It happens to be a great "Couples Night Out" date, "The Anniversary Date" and the "Group Date" (this menu is perfect for sharing and Abattoir easily can accommodate large parties.)  I'm sure you're also wondering about my romantic future with Abattoir? Try as I might, I got the feeling that Abattoir is "just not that into me."  Maybe it's the fact that I'm not a piece of bacon or maybe Abattoir was intimidated by Brady.  Whatever the case, I will be back and next time I'll spritz myself down with bacon fat.

Datealicious Decibel Meter: 79 decibels or 3 Ears:  Conversation is a little strained but not impossible.  Just pull your honey closer.

1170 Howell Mill Road                             $$$
Atlanta, GA 30318-8636
(404) 892-3335
www.starprovisions.com

Copyright 2010 Lindsey Howe

I had a minor panic attack, similar to the type of panic stricken feeling I get when I can't find any ketchup in the house, when I realized Valentine's Day is a little over a month away.  No, I'm not stressing because I don't have a date for that night yet (which, by the way, is true gentlemen), but more so about my lack of date places for you to check out on The Biggest Dating Night of The Year.  So while I frantically put together a series of posts for you, I thought I'd write up a short list of places NOT to go on a date, Valentine's Day or otherwise.  So to tide you over until I start posting like the Energizer Bunny on speed, here are the major offenders. (Note: Some of these places are actually good destinations, just not on a date).

1. Ru San's (any location but specifically Piedmont).  While it may be cool to get free shots of sake at the bar, it's also ear-splitting loud.  The Datealicious Decibel Meter recorded it at 89 decibels which in layman's terms is LOUD.  I don't like free sake enough to endure the pain or the sub-par sushi.  I also suspect I got food poisoning here three weeks ago. Nuff said.

2. R. Thomas Grill.  Don't get me wrong, R. Thomas is heaven at 3am when you've overindulged in adult beverages and you've got a craving for home fries.  But there are live birds in cages out front and holes in the canvas roof over the patio. Hey Mr. Health Inspector!

3. Shout.  If the fact that pasta AND sushi are included on one menu doesn't deter you, then the throngs of Bachelorette parties will.  Nothing kills the mood of a date like tipsy Future Mrs. (fill in the blank) tripping into your table asking you to play Suck-For-A-Buck.
4. Tavern at Phipps.  The bartenders here are well, quite attractive.  Too attractive.  Your date will feel inadequate no matter how pretty they are.  Plus, even though it is attached to the fanciest mall in Atlanta, it's still attached to a mall.  Avoid.
5. Cafe Intermezzo.  Very much like one of my ex-boyfriends.  I'm in love with idea of Cafe Intermezzo, just not quite in love with the reality.  Every time I have been here I have had terrible service and equally bad food.  I actually think that this place would be perfect for The Breakup Date. At least your waiter won't be around when someone awkwardly starts crying or gets too upset to eat.

6. The Sundial.  Yes, it's got a great view and yes it spins, but the food is mediocre and overpriced, the design is dated and your date may run to the bathroom from altitude sickness.  I'm not sure if there's any correlation but I actually went here one Valentine's Day with an ex and we broke up the next day.  It's also been hit by a tornado.  Save the time and money, this place is cursed.

7. Imperial Fez.  Something about eating with your hands and having belly dancers gyrate in your face does not sound romantic to me.  Next. 

8. Cheesecake Factory, Cheesecake Bistro or any other form of said establishment.  Emphasis on the word CHEESE.

9. Underground Atlanta.  I'm only including this because this came up in a Google search for "best date spots in Atlanta." Who in their right mind would ever say this?!  If you are new to Atlanta, trust me.  I don't know a single person that would want to go on a date here.

10. Dante's Down the Hatch. (Pictured above)  Dante's website claims that they have been described as one of the "Most Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta."  By whom? Pirates?  The thought of fondue and jazz does sound intriguing but this place is horrifically overpriced.  Please, at all costs, do not take someone here unless they have a peg leg.

Okay, hope that helped.  Lots of great spots to impress your boo on Valentine's Day coming soon!  Until then...

Stay classy Atlanta.

I haven't played Bocce ball since my 4th grade PE teacher decided it would be a good idea to teach a bunch of ten year old kids to hurl two pound balls in the field outside my elementary school.  Frankly, it wasn't a genius move because Matt Swanson, who had taken a liking to my ten year old self and could only express it in the form of abuse, chunked one at my arm, leaving me in tears and Matt in the principal's office.  Needless to say, I've avoided Bocce ball altogether since that fateful day.  Fortunately, somewhere along the way, my faith was restored in boys and lucky for me, along came Ormsby's restoring my faith in Bocce ball and the boys who play it.

So, I didn't "technically" go to Ormsby's on a date (seeing a pattern here?), but instead met up with a new friend, a fellow explorer of adult beverages, bar games and all things delicious.  To protect his identity and the shame I'm going to bring him for being 20 minutes late, we'll call him "George."  While waiting on George, I settled in at the bar, perused the beer list and selected what I thought would be something relatively tame, a hefeweizen.  I had noticed on the beer list that along each beer was listed alcohol content and a few other details, so I choose something that wouldn't put me too over the edge as this was my first time meeting George.  The next thing I know the bartender brought over what looked like a tall vase of twenty ounces of beer.  Guess I should have checked the amount I would be served as to not look like a five year old drinking out of an adult size glass.  Anyway, by the time George FINALLY showed up (he apologized of course), I had already spilled half of my much too tall tasty beer but was enjoying it none the less.

The first thing I have to say about Ormsby's is that I was surprised by the size.  It's two levels, upstairs has a bar and ample seating for dining and get this, a downstairs with not only a bar and bocce ball, but billiards, darts and shuffleboard.  It has that gastro-pubbish feel, slighty bordering on trendy but lacking any pretension and plenty of pub grub to curb the effects of the drinks.  I myself ordered the Ultimate BLT with fries and side of taleggio fondue and George and I both agreed that the fries were quite possibly the best we'd ever had.

After George and I sat at the bar and chatted it up for a few hours, we decided it was high time to move on to a game of Bocce ball.  Conveniently, we ran into a couple of my friends,  Mary Ellen and Gene, and had an instant game on our hands.  After two straight hours of intense Bocce, I had all but forgotten the traumatic event of my childhood and George and I were well on our way to Bocce world domination.


Overall, Ormsby's hits the mark for being an excellent After Work Drinks Date, Casual Weeknight Date, or Casual Weekend Date, because who wouldn't want to impress the object of their affection with their mad bar game skills?  Plus, driving OTP to go to Dave and Busters for food and games is a pretty cheeseball move.  Ormsby's could also have First Date potential but only during the week, I've heard it gets pretty slammed and no one wants to fight for a spot at the bar on a first date.  Also, one tip about the location: it's one of those tricky places to find, but it is directly below the Room and Board showroom in White Provisions on Howell Mill.  There aren't any signs from the road but look for the Room and Board sign and simply park in the White Provisions deck, walk directly out the deck, down the stairs and you'll find a small wooden door and sign for Ormsby's.

All in all, I think Ormsby's and the Atlanta dating scene are off to the start of a beautiful relationship.  As for George and I?  Hopefully there's more research in the future or at least a stint on the professional bocce circuit.

Before we jump into this review, I need to give a little background on the whole Datealicious idea. It just so happens to be a direct spawn from an article in the New York Times Dining and Wine section on the most desirable date spots in NYC, which for the most part no longer are the white tablecloth set.  It quickly made me realize, and much to my relief, that I'm not the only one getting giddy with thought of a date sharing tater tots or seeking any restaurant out of the norm.  (Hint: Take me anywhere with kimchi and I'm yours, at least for the night.)  For the full article, check out this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/dining/28Date.html.

So Leon's Full Service happens to be exactly the type of place I wanted to write about when I read that article a few months ago.  I wanted to suggest places people could go on a casual weeknight or weekend night with their significant other and share some tater tots or in this case, pub frites for two.  Since Decatur isn't my usual stomping ground, it's rare that I get to check out any of the culinary delights it has to offer.  

In keeping with the current trend to my posts, I didn't go to Leon's on a date.  I slipped into the old converted gas station, courtesy of the Brickstore Pub guys, last week for a quick bite with the boss for lunch.  Yes I know, it's a more than a little weird that I'm writing a review of a date place based a lunch with my boss, but alas, the research has to get done.   So Ed and I settled in at the bar and decided to share an order of Leon's pub frites with a couple of their signature sauces.  Like I've said before, sharing, whether it's sweetbreads or french fries, always brings a sense of intimacy to a date.  And that's exactly what I love about Leon's.  A total lack of pretense.  Simply order a bucket of frites and a couple of Leon's draught beer selections and you feel liked you and your date have snagged the best meal in town.  Since it was lunchtime, Ed and I ordered a few sandwiches.  I selected the Beef Bistro Steak with a little red pepper, baby swiss and arugula with horseradish mayo.  I would say the steak was slightly overcooked, but all around pretty tasty.  In addition to the creative beer list and scrumptious pub grub, Leon's offers seasonal signature cocktails and a small but well crafted wine list. 

Overall, Leon's Full Service is like the old vintage t-shirt your wear again and again because it was inexpensive but still makes you look like a bad ass. It's gets the green light for Casual Weeknight Date and Casual Weekend Date, but be weary of Leon's for a first date.  There's a no reservations policy, so you could possibly be faced with a bit of a wait.  Fortunately, even if you aren't able to grab a couple of seats the moment you arrive, that's just enough time to snag some brew at the bar and play a little bocce ball out on the patio.  Plus, bacon in a glass with a side of peanut butter is always worth the wait.


 

131 E Ponce de Leon Ave | Decatur, Georgia    $
404.687.0500 
www.leonsfullservice.com