Cheeky Gifts!

For Her: A great idea on the second or third date is to bring her a little gift. This is a really sweet idea that will really warm her heart, especially since it seems the old time standard first date flowers are a thing of the past. But after the first date, bringing a small gift shows that you were thinking of her, that you wanted to do a little something for her, and, if you get a gift that’s a bit unique, you were listening to her interests and were paying attention. That’s how you know she loves sailing and why you bought her little anchor earrings. The thing is you’re not going to go buy her expensive jewelry this early on, and no one expects you to. But just a little trinket can show that you’re really interested in who she is and that you care. There is a store on Prince Street and West Broadway in Soho called Girl Props. It’s an accessory store chock full of low price goodies. What makes this store your stop for that gift is that it’s got something for every woman. Some things are pretty, some are just silly. But your choice depends on what you gathered about your date the first one or two times you met. Here you can get her something creative and fun that will really make her say “wow, not only was he listening, but how original was this idea?!” Is she a little punk rock? Go for a cute studded bracelet. The kind of girl that embraces her eighties childhood and struck up conversation about what shows you guys used to watch? Girl Props actually has novelty jewelry with miniature eighties-era toys on them. (Is she going to wear that to a nice place? Well, no, but she’ll adore the thought and treasure it.) Is she more of a glam girl, loving a little glitz? Go for a delicate chain necklace with a pretty and sparkly rhinestone charm. You won’t spend more than $20.00 here, but you will walk out with a gift that will get you another date.
For Him: Same goes for you girls buying your guy something. Early on in the dating, you don’t want to go grandiose with the gift, you just want to get a little something that shows you were listening to him and what he likes, maybe even what his childhood was like. The gift in this stage is all about being thoughtful. Check out the classic St. Mark’s Comics on St. Mark’s Place between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. This tiny landmark is crammed with all things guy (and girl, of course). Your date does not have to be a comic book geek for you to find something that will totally catch him off guard with pleasant surprise. There are comics for every taste and interest, knick-knacks…okay, I know, women do not want to encourage the immature, toy-loving side in their guys. But this is just a fun little something that will show you were really paying attention to him, and that you thought of him enough to go get him that toy he spoke about worshipping when he was twelve. After this you don’t have to buy him any more toys or comics, I promise. But this will make you that unbeatably cool girl, and all of his friends will be jealous.

Girl Props - Soho

St. Mark's Comics - NY / Brooklyn

Written by: Courtney Iseman - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

Have a Laugh - UK Style!

Looking for something to watch... something funny... not too long. Show her you have a sense of humor with an English twist. If you haven't heard of 'Fawlty Towers' do try to extricate yourself from the rock you have been under and get ready to laugh...hard. "Fawlty Towers" is a British sitcom made by BBC and first broadcast in 1975. Now before you cry "That's before my time!", this is timeless. The setting is in a fictional hotel called Fawlty Towers, located in the seaside town of Torquay, along the "English Riviera". Written, created and performed to perfection by the great John Cleese of 'Monty Python' fame, this is one sitcom not to be missed. Considered by many to be the greatest comedy of our time, the show blends sarcasm, biting humor and wit like no other has before and since (except maybe Seinfeld... but it's a close call).

The series focuses on the exploits and misadventures of short-fused hotelier Basil Fawlty, his wife Sybil and their employees; porter and waiter Manuel, maid Polly and chef Terry. The episodes typically revolve around Basil's efforts to succeed in 'raising the tone' of his hotel and his increasing frustration at the numerous complications and mistakes, both from his own and those of others, which prevent him doing so. Much of the humour comes from Basil's overly aggressive manner, engaging in angry but witty arguments with guests, staff and in particular his formidable wife, whom he addresses (in a faux-romantic way) with insults such as "my little piranha fish" and "my little next of vipers". At the end of some episodes, Basil succeeds in annoying (or at least bemusing) the guests and frequently gets his comeuppance.

Due to the show's popularity, DVD sets of the series are a snap to find. If you are out and about, pop into 'Best Buy' or check out 'Netflix' if you can't leave the sofa. Both are sure to have plenty of copies on hand. Episodes are a half hour each and provide that perfect opportunity to snuggle up and laugh with your date while not encroaching too much on the rest of the night. And whatever do, "Don't mention the war!"

Fawlty Towers - BBC - DVD Sets & Additional Information

Written by: SpeedNY Dating

All the help you can get...

Have that special someone you've been dating for awhile? Looking for a little fun with food? I found a website that specializes in all things "Gourmet Food and Cooking" related. Within this treasure trove of information, I found a page dedicated to 'Aphrodisiac Foods'. A bit of history, why certain foods are considered 'aphrodisiac', food list and of course, recipe list. From Almonds to figs, to mustard...some will definitely surprise you. Try not to fancy yourself a Gordon Ramsey while using all the ingredientsand suggested recipes on the first date. It's a lovely bit of fun for that lovely in your life.www.gourmetsleuth.com/aphrodis_foods.htm

After you have feverishly copied the food list and recipes do try to stop by the main site where one can educate themselves, Gourmet Style. Their goal is to help inform and educate people interested in food, cooking and eating. They have a wide assortment of culinary articles on various foods and cooking topics and publish recipes that take a "how to" approach. They also answer culinary related questions and do so eagerly.

In addition to their own content, "Gourmet Sleuth" maintains a huge database of food, beverage (wine, beer, alcohol) related sites. So if you are looking for recipes, looking to add to your culinary database or to act like you know what you are talking about, this is a great place to start.

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Planning the Perfect Dance

Let me tell you a funny story: I went on a first date with a really cute guy who liked to dance. Eager to impress him, and excited to kickup my heels, I spent a week researching the perfect dance spots forour tryst. I ended up going with a friend’s recommendation for LaCaverna, a lounge/restaurant located on Rivington. She assured me that the music was good, the crowd was lively and the décor would keep the conversation flowing.

When my date and I arrived, we were directed down a tunnel-like flight of stairs and—to my horror—into a large, dimly lit room where plaster stalactites hung from the top of a plaster cave ceiling. The worst part was, the dance floor was empty and the DJ was playing songs I hadn’t heard since junior high. I did a mental gasp, and tried to quickly think of a good excuse for having wound up at a dingy version of Mars 2112. Luckily, my date was a gentleman and we both laughed the experience off over a round of molten lava cocktails.

Sometimes friends don’t always offer the best advice when it comes to suggesting the perfect place to take a date dancing. But there is one thing that never lies—and that’s TV. Take shows like Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew for example. Each show is leaving its mark on the nation as ballroom dance classes are now flooded with fans and retailers are describing a new trend towards hip hop-inspired apparel. Inspiration for the perfect dancing date is right in front of your eyes and New York City has all the resources you need to make it happen. Here’s a quick guide to some of the city’s best dancing:

Make like The Knick City Dancers and sign up for two spots in one of Broadway Dance Center’s hip hop classes. The school boasts top-notch teachers and basic and beginner level classes. If you’ve been practicing the moves to Beyonce’s Single Ladies, this is the place to finally show them off.

If you were inspired when Mario Lopez and George Hamilton hit the stage in the first season of Dancing with the Stars, sign up at one of the city’s schools that boast lessons in swing, salsa, tango and merengue. Dance Chelsea offers an introductory lesson that runs through a variety of styles in one 30-minutes session. To master the moves you and your partner can commit to a longer string of sessions atDance Manhattan Ballroom Swing & Latin Studio.

Once the weather heats up you may be inspired to do a little dancing under the stars and New York’s got plenty of places for outdoor practice. Starting July 7th, head to Lincoln Center for their annual Midsummer Night Swing series. For $30 dollars you can enjoy an hour-long dance lesson,followed by live performances. This year they’re featuring Chubby Checker, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra

Written by: Libby Dowd - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

More Than I Bid For: First Date at Auction House

I recently went on a first date to a great place, Auction House, located at 2nd Avenue and 98thStreet on the Upper East Side. The atmosphere has a gothic, intimate, velvety feel and was ideal for cozy conversation. The delicious décor is refreshing and down to earth in comparison to most uppity joints I find on the UES, you know, the types of places swarming with men in La Coste shirts and investment- banker hungry women. The music is kept at a low, comfortable volume which allowed for an actual conversation free of sign language, charades and subsequent next-day sore throats, which struck me enough to exclaim to my first date, “Oh my Gosh! We might actually get to know each other!” ( My therapist tells me that shouldn’t be a novel feeling for me, which might highlight some serious issues in my dating habits.)

Some of the unsettling artwork might make one go “Hmm,” and there was a moment, given the dark, spooky ambience, when I felt like I was in an amusement park’s haunted house, but I’d rather that than the awkwardness of fine dining with a first date or the obnoxious club scene where I constantly found myself getting dry humped by sweaty men in striped shirts on the dance floor. As the night ticked on and I downed one too many glasses of red wine, I half expected Scooby Doo and his gang to bust through the front door and unmask an antagonist, but who was I kidding? My life is way too unlucky to be blessed with such random awesomeness.

My date wasn’t so bad either. He was polite, polished and respectful, however he did do this one thing that nearly triggered my irritable bowel : He kept glancing at the front door every few minutes, which gave me the impression that a psycho, possessive ex or current girlfriend was going to storm through the door and attempt to kill me. I tried to control my alcohol consumption just in case I had to keep my reflexes sharp, go into “ninja” mode and fight off a jilted, pissed off lover. The anxiety brewing in my gut served as a reminder to me that eye contact is really important! So men and women, if you are on a date, just remember to LOOK at the person you’re on a date with, otherwise you may do something dangerous, like serve as the impetus to a diarrhea episode.

Also, personal hygiene habits shouldn’t be discussed on the first date. In fact, hygiene should NEVER really be discussed. It should be learned through observations as the relationship flourishes. I mean, if someone smells, you’ll eventually figure it out. You don’t have to ask, “So, do you wear deodorant?”

Anyhow, my date said he always notices a person’s teeth first and asked me how my teeth were. I furrowed, felt uncomfortable, but my autistic characteristics got the better of me, and I tried to answer the question honestly. I said I had braces as a kid, wore my head gear religiously, but had budding wisdom teeth that were causing my bottom half to shift. ( Immediately after speaking, I wanted to slap myself.) Then I mentioned that I drank a lot of coffee, to feed a dangerous caffeine addiction, so my teeth might be yellowish, but I just started brushing with “Go Smile” toothpaste and expected a turn around soon. ( Here, again, I slapped myself and started empathizing with all the women born and raised in West Virginia who get asked this question on first dates. Geez!)

He went on and dictated his daily, dental hygiene routine to me, and went so far as to describe the way he scraped his tongue with a tongue scraper. I mentioned I never scraped my tongue but did thoroughly brush it. He frowned. I felt inferior and drank more. I also didn't get a goodbye kiss. Hmm.

In short, pass on the “hygiene” chatter.

Auction House - Upper East Side

Written by: Erin Stair - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

The Bowery Experience

I usually hate going to meet people in hotel lobbies and bars, but the Bowery, on Bowery and 3rd , is the exception. The lounge area is never too crowded, very comfortable, and I’ve never had a hard time claiming either a table or a soft, velvety couch. The art work, design and fire place give it a unique, intimate feel, making it an ideal location for a date. And if you get there early enough and it’s warm outside, you might be able to claim one of the tables out on the patio area. Or, if you are unsure of your date or not that into him or her and want a quick drink, you can just as easily grab a stool at the back bar, and politely excuse yourself when the alcohol starts to make your date seem more attractive than he or she truly is.

The downfall is that the drinks are a little pricey, but spending more than you should on a glass of imported, red wine will only impress your date more. Also, the place seems to attract “celebrity hunters,” as many of them stay in the Bowery when they come into town, as well as TFBs, or trust fund babies, who travel there in herds, usually on week nights, to spend money…just because they can.

I recently met a man there for a blind date, and even though he looked like Ichabod Crane with Graves disease, as his eyes were 4 inches away from his face, I decided to stay with hopes of a clever conversation. When he sat down, however, I kept staring at his spine, which was horrendously contorted so as to short him about 3 inches. He noticed and blurted, “Oh, I hurt my back when I fell off a horse while fox hunting in Ireland.”

I looked away, nodded, but was immediately reminded of two things. One, it’s never good to stare at someone’s imperfections and insecurities on a first date. I mean, I’m sure he was nervous the way it was, and there was me, staring at his osteoporotic –looking spine while thinking I’d absolutely break him. And two, good posture, or near- good posture, is important. It makes you look confident and more attractive, and even if you have to spend your days in physical therapy and popping calcium supplements to attain good posture, it might be worth it in the long run.

The date didn’t go so hot, as he wouldn’t stop talking about “fox hunting,” and banking. Nothing dries me up faster than listening to someone talk about hunting and money simultaneously. I finally shut him up by saying, “It’s not really fox hunting. All you do is chase the foxes. It should be called fox chasing then. The whole thing sounds stupid to me.”

If, however, the date went well, I would have grabbed his hand and ventured over to The Bowery Electric, less than a block away, for some dancing. It’s a fairly new, trendy rock and roll bar which plays great music and often books quality live bands too. Perhaps, next time!

Bowery Hotel - 335 Bowery., New York

Written by: Erin Stair - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

Flute Bar: A Parisian in New York

Nothing says romance like a glass of Champagne and no venue is more appropriate for a date than one dedicated solely to the bubbly cocktail. Flute, a Champagne bar owned by French Champagne ambassador Hervé Rousseau, delivers a romantic piece of Paris to the heart of the city. Couples can fit onto plush couches or lean into a small table while studying the extensive drink menu.

Don’t know a lot about Champagne? Impress your date by ordering one of the tasting flights. With three different types to try, there’s no reason not to share with you date.

Flute has two location in New York, in Gramercy at E. 20thStreet and in Midtown at W. 54th Street, as well as a location in Paris that opened in early 2008.

Flute Bar - NYC

http://www.speednydating.com/

Unique Gifts for Her & Him

For Her: A great idea on the second or third date is to bring her a little gift. This is a really sweet idea that will really warm her heart, especially since it seems the old time standard first date flowers are a thing of the past. But after the first date, bringing a small gift shows that you were thinking of her, that you wanted to do a little something for her, and, if you get a gift that’s a bit unique, you were listening to her interests and were paying attention. That’s how you know she loves sailing and why you bought her little anchor earrings. The thing is you’re not going to go buy her expensive jewelry this early on, and no one expects you to. But just a little trinket can show that you’re really interested in who she is and that you care. There is a store on Prince Street and West Broadway in Soho called Girl Props. It’s an accessory store chock full of low price goodies. What makes this store your stop for that gift is that it’s got something for every woman. Some things are pretty, some are just silly. But your choice depends on what you gathered about your date the first one or two times you met. Here you can get her something creative and fun that will really make her say “wow, not only was he listening, but how original was this idea?!” Is she a little punk rock? Go for a cute studded bracelet. The kind of girl that embraces her eighties childhood and struck up conversation about what shows you guys used to watch? Girl Props actually has novelty jewelry with miniature eighties-era toys on them. (Is she going to wear that to a nice place? Well, no, but she’ll adore the thought and treasure it.) Is she more of a glam girl, loving a little glitz? Go for a delicate chain necklace with a pretty and sparkly rhinestone charm. You won’t spend more than $20.00 here, but you will walk out with a gift that will get you another date.


For Him: Same goes for you girls buying your guy something. Early on in the dating, you don’t want to go grandiose with the gift, you just want to get a little something that shows you were listening to him and what he likes, maybe even what his childhood was like. The gift in this stage is all about being thoughtful. Check out the classic St. Mark’s Comics on St. Mark’s Place between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. This tiny landmark is crammed with all things guy (and girl, of course). Your date does not have to be a comic book geek for you to find something that will totally catch him off guard with pleasant surprise. There are comics for every taste and interest, knick-knacks…okay, I know, women do not want to encourage the immature, toy-loving side in their guys. But this is just a fun little something that will show you were really paying attention to him, and that you thought of him enough to go get him that toy he spoke about worshipping when he was twelve. After this you don’t have to buy him any more toys or comics, I promise. But this will make you that unbeatably cool girl, and all of his friends will be jealous.

Girl Props - Soho

St. Mark's Comics - NY / Brooklyn

Written by: Courtney Iseman - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

The Seduction Shuffle

Alright, so you and your significant other are about to enjoy one of the perks of a perfect match -- otherwise known as 'getting busy.' You've got the candles lit, the curtains drawn and the massage oil standing by. Sweet, sexy sounds are streaming in from your iPod, and everything's perfect. Until the next track comes on.

Nothing can ruin the mood quite like your date finding out your iPod is just as likely to play Miley Cyrus as Marvin Gaye. Of course, you can always build a 'passion playlist,' but that takes time. And, if you've got any sort of sex life, that playlist will probably play itself out after a few rounds of play. The last thing you want to do in the bedroom is get stuck in any sort of routine, and nothing says stale faster than finding yourself choreographing your moves to the same predictable rhythm every time you get it on.

That's why God (or Cupid) invented Pandora. Using its proprietary music genome technology, Pandora will automatically build a custom playlist based on any artist or song. Basically, Pandora hones in on certain traits of the tunes you give it, and uses those traits to pick a whole playlist of similar songs. If you're into rhythmic drums, hard bass lines and minimal vocals, it'll build you what amounts to an entire radio station of that particular kind of music. If uptempo jazz beats and classical orchestration are more your thing, then that's what you'll get. And, with almost a century's worth of music in their database, Pandora will keep serving you up with something different every time you turn it on. With Pandora, you'll always have a new playlist to put on when you're looking to get turned on. And anyone who has ever gotten it on to the sweet sounds of a Sade or a Sam Cooke knows that nothing makes the mood quite like a little mood music.

Basically, if variety is the spice of life, think of Pandora as cinammon for whatever you're baking in the boudoir. Because a little sugar in your bowl is good and all, but sugar and spice is just so much more nice.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Third Date: Now It's Time For Some Fun

Ah, the third date. This can be a make-or-break date, like it or not. The first and second dates are spent getting to know each other, over drinks or dinner or both. There is a lot talking as you both introduce yourselves to one another, and obviously this talking is best done in a nice, quiet, low-key setting. Now it’s the third date. It’s time to have some fun. You’ve conversed yourselves breathless, so now you want to show your date you are not only the deepest, or most intelligent, or most sensitive person, you are also the most fun. There is more than you think to letting your hair down with a date. This will prove whether you two are really comfortable with each other. Having fun together is just as important as more serious aspects of a relationship. It keeps boredom at bay, it brings you together as best friends. It brings in that sexiness, that cute but just a little bit dangerous flirting. By taking your date somewhere you two can really cut loose together, you will show your different sides, and you will see theirs. And you both will get excited about just how much fun this relationship could be.
So, where to go in a city overrun by “fun?” The capital of it all, Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette Street. Santos Party House is the venture of a few guys including Andrew W.K., the master of partying and good times, ‘nuff said. Santos Party House prides itself on being completely pretension-free, so everyone here is just coming together to have some good old fashioned fun. There is always live music, crazy dancing, and themed party nights. Plan ahead by going to http://www.santospartyhouse.com/, and you can see what’s happening on what nights. That way, you can take your hip hop loving date to a hip hop music night, or your dance crazy date to a techno/house music night.

The best part, and the reason this is a great date spot, is that you can really kick back and not care what you look like dancing or what you’re dressed like or any of that. Be goofy with your date. If you’re the worst dancer in the world, own it. Unlike the clubs in Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, no one is going to judge you here. Do the Funky Chicken, people will think it’s the best thing they’ve ever seen. Santos Party House is a new direction in nightlife. A lot of velvet rope-driven clubs have actually taken the fun out of clubs. But Santos puts it right back in. No judgments, and everyone gets in. Don’t you want to go somewhere that’s actually fun? Where you and your date just might not stop laughing the whole night? See, here’s the magic in going to a place like this on a date. Besides the sheer fact that it will be a fun night for you two, your date will notice your creativity and ability to have a crazy – but somewhat wholesome now – night. Yes, there’s edgy, there’s sexy, but there’s also freedom to be yourself, and that will create a strong bond between you and your date.

The best part is, this night is going to create memories for you guys, and maybe even some inside jokes. That stuff is key for creating a great relationship. Maybe on your fifth date or so you’ll go out with friends, and you’ll start talking about the guy at Santos Party House with the pink mohawk on rollerblades with his poodle dyed to match, and you two won’t even be able to get through the description without laughing together. Your friends will look at you like you’re crazy, but this is something ridiculous that you and your date are sharing. Yes, you’re having “a moment.” It’s places like Santos Party House that create these awesome dating moments, powerful little New York clips that will always be a little bond for the two of you.

Santos Party House - NYC

Written by: Courtney Iseman - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

Advice for the Lads...

Listen up guys. We women like to get flowers. Whether they are to commemorate a special occasion or just because—I’d never be disappointed by the unexpected appearance of flora in my home. With that in mind, I’ve also been on the giving end of several bouquets and know how far one bunch can set you back.

Just around every corner in this city is the perfect solution—a small grocery store deli with a flower stand. Stacked in rows of painter’s buckets are bunches of fresh flowers at very reasonable prices. A bundle of sunny daffodils cost $5, while a bunch of ripe tulips will only set you back $8 or $9. If you’re not happy with your options you can mix and match to create the perfect bouquet.

Finish your arrangement off with a spring of baby’s breath and your date will never know your inexpensive secret. Of course, make sure you spend the money you saved on dinner.

Written by: Libby Dowd - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

Getting Cheeky with FOX News!

SpeedLA Dating had the pleasure of hosting Fox News & Good Day LA. When it comes to cheeky - there is no substitute! We are chuffed to have such trendsetting singles and are thrilled to be bringing our unique brand to LA.

We have changed Speed Dating and brought a new way of Matchmaking to New York City. Where we felt other companies lacked with have set out to redefine. For our events, we bring our charismatic British hosts, Complimentary Make Over's for the ladies, the absolute best venues, plate after plate of gorgeous nibbles and cash prizes - our SpeedLA standard. Spoil yourself in our popularity and let us be your Matchmaker. With an audience of thousands from our Dating, Networking and Televised events - we bring together a personalized, straightforward approach to Matchmaking in NYC.

Fox News & Good Day LA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMhmpHLYBMU

SpeedNY Dating & Matchmaking

http://www.speednydating.com/

Fancy a go?

The Perfect Date

One of the biggest advantages about living in a city like New York is the heavy volume of culture and of events. There is so much more than restaurants and bars here. While our restaurant and bar scene is great and perfect for dating, there is also a world of more unique, fun date ideas out there.

When the weather starts to get warmer, New York unleashes a dense schedule of street fairs and festivals. There is at least one per weekend, sometimes two or even three. A street fair is such a great date for a newer relationship still in the first few dates, or a relationship going strong months or years in. The idea is that this activity will shake things up a bit. There is so much to look at, and so there is so much to strike up conversation about.

For a newer relationship, this will help you get to know each other. For an older relationship, this will remind you two that you will never stop learning about each other, that there will always be stories and anecdotes to uncover and laugh about. No matter what stage of the relationship you’re in, a street fair will have you trying new things, finding little treasures, and creating memories. This kind of date is the perfect combination of outside stimulation: lots to see and do, plus the perfect venue for getting to know each other and talk. Try new and foreign foods, check out strange little knick knacks, peruse record albums, look through jewelry and home goods. A good idea is to buy each other one little surprise. Split up for fifteen minutes and find something goofy or sweet or both.

For a definitive list of events, check outhttp://www.nycstreetfairs.com/sched.html. While all street fairs and festivals will do the trick here, there a few with that extra something that really pull out all the stops.

Written by: Courtney Iseman - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

Creative Ideas Anyone Can Afford

Unfortunately, getting a date these days is only half the battle. Now what? In these tough times, not everyone has the funds for five star dining every night. Instead of trying to pass off two star dining for five star (this will not go over well), skip the idea of fancy schmancy all together and get creative. Really, putting cost aside, this is what you should be doing anyway. Your date has gone on dinner dates hundreds of times. Have they ever gone to a huge public pillow fight on Wall Street? I’m going to venture no. A creative date will make you stand out and seem pretty awesome. You and your date will have tons of fun doing something different, you’ll build memories, and you’ll build a foundation for a potential relationship that will never grow dull. And you’ll still be able to make rent that month, bonus!

Meet your new date idea resource: Time Out New York, orhttp://newyork.timeout.com/. And those ideas are infinite. Time Out has a database of cheap and free events, activities, and date ideas, and there is also a constantly updated list on the homepage for each day. Here you will find where to go for underground comedy shows, offbeat concerts, food and/or drink tastings, late night museum exhibits, free movie showings, festivals – need I continue? You could keep your significant other guessing for years with this handy guide – imagine that excitement! Dating that never gets old! A good idea is to take turns planning unique dates and surprising the other person.

Need more proof? For example, here are some events from the list of suggestions for just one Saturday (May 9th. Remember, most of these are time sensitive or even one-night-only’s, so make sure to choose the day you’re planning a date for).

An Affordable Art Fair: Art normal people can afford! Even if you don’t buy, there’s tons of art to peruse! $20.00 admission.

The BellRays perform at The Delancey: Hot downtown band that mixes punk and R&B and will make you seem very in-the-know performs at a Lower East Side staple, for only $10.00 cover.

Binibon at the Kitchen: For $15.00, see a musical theater piece about a 1981 murder. Interesting…

Bicycle Fetish Day Party Block Party: Take bike ride – or subway ride, if you two aren’t avid bicyclists – over to Williamsburg to see some crazy blinged out bikes, hang out with hot dogs and beer, and top off the night with dancing at the after party. All for a suggested donation of five bucks!

Gameshow Speakeasy at the Slipper Room: Join in on this monthly celebrity-themed game show at the very hip burlesque joint on the Lower East Side for only $5.00! (And no, there is no burlesque on game night!)

Written by: Courtney Iseman - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

Lovely - Jubley on a dime...

These recessionary times, call for frugal measures. And when it comes to romantic dates, New York City is the one place you can easily show your mate that your love don’t cost a thing.

When the weather is nice, head down to the tip of Manhattan for a leisurely stroll through Battery Park. As the temperature climbs, the crowds will begin rushing to Central Park, so take advantage of your nearest downtown subway line and book it to South Ferry.

Rich with history, the waterside location offers views of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island that are sure to fuel conversation all afternoon. For a more intimate affair bring along a blanket and a picnic lunch. If it’s an active date you are interested in, hop on your bike and ride through the ferry docks and flower gardens with that special someone.

When the views from Battery Park aren’t enough, head over to the Staten Island Ferry for what may possibly be the best sight in town. The free, 25-minute boat ride departs from South Ferry in Manhattan—about every half hour on the weekends. Grab a seat on the outside deck where you’ll catch breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Like many of the other passengers onboard, getting back to Manhattan is top priority. But you’ll have to hustle through the St. George Ferry Terminal Station as the schedule leaves only a few minutes for round trip passengers to catch the next boat.

By the end of the date, you’ll have taken in the rich culture of Lower Manhattan with out having spent a dime.

Written by: Libby Dowd - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger

Do You Have a Brit Connection?

This one comes straight from the heart - as anyone’s enthusiasm other than my own, simply would not do justice. Admittedly, I am partial – I love all things English, what can I say?

More so than usual, this time of year drifts me back home ; Christmas pudding, Mince pies, Quality Street, Christmas Crackers (no you don’t eat them!) and so many other favorites, really too many to mention…

For those of you that have not experienced the delight of British sundries; be it Christmas or the middle of Summer it’s always a good time for a cup of Tetley’s and a Penguin. What does all this mean I hear you cry!? For those of you that don’t know – ok the majority of people reading - that would be a cup of the best Tea in the world accompanied by an old favorite; chocolate Penguin bars! Please do take a look for yourself and allow me to introduce your one stop shop for fabulous British fare; The Brit Connection can be found athttp://www.thebritconnection.com/

Pamela and Michael are the lovely owners of this delightful shop – If there is something you want and don’t see it on the website – let them know! They will do their best to accommodate your request.

This Holiday Season, Speed USA Group would like to thank the Brit Connection for bringing us a little piece of home, from far across the pond.

Cheers!

The Brit Connection - Torrance

Written by: SpeedNY Dating

An Old Timey Date...

Sunday evenings are perhaps the most depressing of evenings. Condemned to think about the upcoming workweek while watching Celebrity Apprentice is an unsatisfying closure to even the best of weekends. However, one Sunday evening a month is not so bad. Matt Diffee, a cartoonist for The New Yorker, hosts the “Steam-Powered Hour”, a live variety show featuring bluegrass music and comedy.

Though it seems like an odd combination, especially for New York City, the show is unique in how the musicians tell jokes and the comedians sometimes show up with instruments. Hosted from his on-stage rocking chair, Matt sets the laid back, easy tone that makes it easy to imagine that you’re in the living room of an old friend from Kentucky. (I tried to think of other ways to describe it, but couldn’t).

Having ties within both the comedy and bluegrass industries, Matt is able to bring in exceptional performers. Past musicians include Gillian Welch, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Chris Thile, and even Steve Martin stopped by to play his banjo. Also, comedians from Comedy Central, Conan O’Brian, ESPN, and even a storyteller from NPR have performed. Dmitri Martin has made an appearance.

On top of this, Matt presents videos and shows off his cartooning work. For a mellow, but interesting Sunday evening, the Steam-Powered Hour just feels right. If you can’t wait until next weekend to see that girl you took out on Friday night, it’s the perfect excuse. Leaving, at least you’ll be happy you didn’t spend that time with Mr. Trump.

The final show of the season is on May 17th at 8pm at the Tank Theatre 354 W. 45th St.. For information, http://www.steampoweredhour.com/.

Written by: Joe Pera - SpeedNY Dating Resident Blogger