Bin 36 is a great American cuisine restaurant that holds an event about once a month called “Movies in the Loft”.  While dinner and a movie might be a little cliche, it is definitely a date that will occur at some point in your fresh new relationship.  If you’re going to do it, do it in style…

Instead of taking your crush out to dinner and cabbing your way to a movie theater, why not kill two birds with one stone?   These events have a 3 course meal coupled with some wine that will keep your belly’s pleased while your eyeballs are entertained.

They play classic movies, the two upcoming being ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ and ‘Bottle Shock’.

The next event is coming up on November 22nd, for more details click here.

Overall – 4/5 Stars

Today’s date idea: A Comedy Show

Pro’s –

Humor test - You’ll get a feel for their humor.  If you’re laughing at the same times, it’s a great sign that you’re both on the same wavelength when it comes to humor.  This can sling the doors open to favorite TV shows, movies, and embarrassing stories of the past.

Laughter - This is key on a date.  What better way could you have it?  The pressure is off… sit back and let someone else help release those all important endorphins.  It’ll get both of you in a good mood and shed a positive light on the evening.

Talking points - Chances are the comic(s) touched upon a variety of subjects.  This gives great conversation pieces for the rest of the night and you’ll learn that much more about each other.

Con’s -

Bad comic - The show could be as exciting as watching Curling on a Saturday night.  *tap tap tap* Is this thing on??

Price tag - Depending on the venue, tickets, drinks, and whatever may follow.. the night could have you making multiple trips to the ATM.

Less Interaction - Most of the eve is going to be taken by the brave soldiers on stage, so that can eat into your ‘we’ time.

With a comedy show, the pro’s definitely out-weigh the con’s.  A night almost gauranteed filled with laughter is a great way to get the juices flowing and both of you laughing all the way to your next destination.  A couple places to check out around the city could be Zanies, The Second City, or even The Edge.

Overall – 4/5 stars

Once he had her hooked in, much like the underrated caliber of Subway Choco-Chip cookies, he threw down the surprise of a century.  He asked her to a wedding… for a first date.

Now I’m not too sure what was going through this guy’s head.  How does asking a girl to meet your family, entertain your friends, AND get to know you on first date help your chances?  If anything, something like this will get a girl running faster than if she had the hounds of hell nipping at her heels.

So this inspired me to come up with a weekly treat for these people.  We’ll come up with ideas for a potential date and discuss the pro’s and con’s.  Since I’m not creative with names, we’re going to call the series “Weddings are a Terrible First Date”.

Now I would start with the dinner and drinks, but that’s too obvious.  Plus, dinner dates are always awkward for a first date.  Even if it’s a comfortable atmosphere and you can pick the locale to suit your tastes, you can always spot a first date couple out to dinner.

There are always two different types of eaters… the first date eaters and the everyday eaters.  Physical body language, the use of utensils, and the close guarding of either of you not wanting to look like a greedy pig is always an element that both of you must handle.   Stick to dinner as a second date.

Today’s date idea:  Live Music

Pro’s –

-  You can get a feel for someone’s musical taste.  Music is the soundtrack to life.  Pick a random location, random night, and random band.  Love the music or hate it, both of you can become music critics overnight.

-  Lots of interaction.  These venues are a great place to people watch.  You can see how your personalities mesh out in public without having all the attention squarely on the two of you.

-  Built in conversation.  With music and bands, people can talk forever.  Music is one of the few threads common to the entire world.  You can get to know someone very well by finding out their music tastes.

Con’s –

- Loud atmosphere.  It will be hard to converse while the band is playing, so conversation may be limited in between songs.  Stay away from deafening your date by screaming in their ear all night.

- Awkward dance moves.  Should you dance wildly with your arms flailing?  Should you casually sway?   Head straight to the pit?  This one will be an executive decision, best to take note of the crowd and follow suit.

Overall  5/5 stars

This is a great date idea because of the interaction and getting to know each other factor.  Some great places to check out are Double Door, The Metro, or Martyr’s.  There are plenty of small venues to choose from in the city which can suit your taste.  Discover a very important side of your date throughout the night and if it doesn’t work out, maybe you’ll find your new favorite band!

Have date ideas you’d like to share?  Good ones?  Terrible ones?  Don’t be shy and email them to parag@crushme.com!