Sometimes, the opportunity for a date night is few and far between. So, when you get an opportunity to drop the kids off at grandma and grandpa’s for a few hours, it’s important to get the most out of your time with your significant other.

Instead of going to some chain restaurant with a long wait list, full of rowdy kids and crying babies (exactly what you are trying to escape), why not chart a course to explore the cities lesser-known ports together using a progressive dinner concept?

The night before the date, search online for a few local eateries that are a bit off the beaten path. Print out the addresses and once the kids are dropped off head to your first destination and revel in each other’s company and conversation. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have simply trying to find your first stop.

Here’s the plan:

1. First stop – Drinks. Whether you have an ice-cold beer, glass of fine red, or just an iced tea, don’t get a menu or you might be tempted to eat. No bread, or chips and dip either, you are just there for a relaxing drink and a little chatting and people watching.

2. Second Stop – Appetizers. Once again, no bread or chips and dip. Instead, try to visit a place where you can try sushi, oysters on the half shell, or maybe stuffed jalapeños. Try something new and enjoy the experience.

3. Third Stop – Entrée. Avoid an expensive or fancy spot; instead, try something low-key like a mom and pop pizzeria, or maybe an out-of-the-way burger joint. If you can share something, that’s even better.

4. Fourth stop – Dessert. No question. It has to be ice cream. Find an independently owned parlor if you can, and split the house special sundae. Trust me.

5. Final stop – After dinner drink. This is a great way to tie a nice bow on the evening. Sit, sip, and talk about the highlights of the date. Try to avoid a chain whose name rhymes with war bucks. Find a little café, whose servers don’t have hula-hoops hanging in their earlobes, and enjoy ordering a coffee or blended mocha.

A great date night, much like life, can be about the journey together and not the destination. Listen to songs you have not heard in ten years, talk about dreams, not problems, and remind yourselves why you fell in love to begin with.

As always,
Stay hungry my friends.

photos istockphoto