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

So what’s next?

Besides the sometimes awkward exchange in the morning, trying to remember their name, or possibly floating on cloud nine (or stumbling across it), one might often wonder… does this have any real potential?

Even though you may have had a glorious night filled with romantic moments and amazing conversation.  The stake has been firmly planted into the ground.  The future is now.

This day and age we lived in a push-button, fast paced, always on the go environment.  And because of your suave moves and fatal attraction, the relationship will never be able to build appropriately due to the pressure cooker that shot off before it had a chance to cook.

There are many different levels that a relationship thrives on… emotional, intrinsic, physical, etc.   If the physical aspect rears its head before anything else starts, that can throw a serious wrench in the rest of the situation.

Even if the sex is crazy good, leaving footprints on the walls and forcing you to re-install the swinging light fixture, it’ll be too difficult to get the rest of the levels back on track because you’ll only be thinking about one thing… getting down and dirty.

So depending on what you’re looking for out of this person, slam on that accelerator, or begin the act of pleasure delaying.  Waiting can be one very tough play to execute, especially if the chemistry is off the charts.

Or just go with the flow and get it over with… just don’t forget to wipe the walls down after you’re done.

Somewhere between that Architecture tour and dyeing the river green on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve seen people floating down the river where it seems they have no business floating.  I’m not referring to dead bodies that the mob disposed (cement, remember?), I’m referring to the happy go lucky people floating in kayaks.

This week’s date idea is kayaking.

Let’s break it down:

Pro’s

Unique - This isn’t your typical dinner and drinks date.  Something fresh will keep you both on your toes, even if you’re both beginners.
Active – You may not break a sweat, but it’s still something that will get you pumping some of those muscles to keep you moving.  If you’re the outdoors type, it’s a great litmus test to see if your date will be fun and along for the ride, or will drag her heels and drop and anchor with her attitude.
Teamwork – Getting a tandem kayak will get you guys communicating on where you need to go and how you need to get there.  It’ll get you talking and hopefully jet-set you on getting on the same wavelength.

Con’s

Inactive person - Your date could be as active as my fish who does a great impression of the dead man’s float.  If she’s not having fun, you’re not going to have fun.
No chemistry test - Not having any real close interaction is going to make it tough to decipher if you have any real chemistry.  Of course you’re going to want to build that sexual tension, so make sure whatever is lined up next will allow the two of you to move a little closer.
Short - Places in the city rent kayaks by the hour, so even if you do decide to rent for a few hours, it’s still a pretty short date.  Like I just mentioned, just make sure you have a plan of attack on the next destination.

Even if this isn’t the best first date, it’s definitely a good option after you’ve gone out a few times.  Something new, something fresh, and it gets you outside and working together.  Just make sure you don’t tip the kayak…

Here are a couple places you can book your kayak – Kayak Chicago, Chicago River Paddle, Wateriders

Overall 3/5 stars

Been on a good date recently?  Post it below!

This weeks date idea is cooking classes.

Let’s break it down:

Pro’s –

Intimate – Food can be extremely sensual in nature.  Using all your senses to make your meal, you’ll have all pistons firing at once.  Getting to know each other will also be a smooth dialogue with all the treats floating around.
Dinner date – This can knock out a good night together.  The two of you will go on a delightful tastebud rollercoaster throughout the evening, no additional planning necessary!
Chemistry test – The way you work together and converse can be a great sign on how well those love ingredients are mixing.

Con’s

No way out – If your date sucks, then you’re basically S.O.L.  This is when playing with your food becomes more than just a past time, it becomes your best friend.  By the way, doubling the heat of the oven does not mean you can half the time you throw it in there.
Expensive – While dinner, drinks, movies, etc can all add up to be the same.  Classes, drinks, and sometimes corkage fees can all add up quickly.

Cooking classes are overall a great date.  This would probably be best reserved after you’ve gone out at least a couple times, but either way, its a great way to spend an evening.  Roll up those sleeves and show Giada how its done!

Here are some places to check out for cooking classes in the city: Partiesthatcook, the Chopping Block, and Wooden Spoon.

Overall 4/5 stars

“You know the name, all you have to do is type it in me and I will show you everything you need to know,” entices Google.  “Come on, you can even misspell the last name a little bit so you can tell a white lie and say you didn’t do it.  I’ll take it from there.  I have a ‘Did you mean…’ feature that works like a charm,” it beckons.

With technology providing the encyclopedia of the world–and now people– at your fingertips, the looming question arises before each and every date.  Should I or should I not… Google this person.

Now there are possible advantages and disadvantages to Googling someone before you go on a date with them.  Advantages include: having a leg up on a little history on the person, getting a taste for some of their hobbies and interests, and reviewing court records if they are notorious for urinating in public.

A disadvantage can be the fact that you’re ruining the fun of getting to know someone.  You might find out information you didn’t need to know, and you could have a biased view on the person before they have a chance to paint their own canvas.  Also, you have to then deal with the guilt of wondering whether or not you should disclose that you’ve Googled them.

Ultimately, if the person has shared their information on the internet, they’ve consciously done so (or have been forced by the law) and anything that is published on the web… is fair game.  Tell that devil on your shoulder that today’s his lucky day and he gets to dig in to the good stuff.   If you want to play the game true and like the good old days when you walked into a date with a blank slate, then get back in bed!  There’s nothing to see here… really… trust me…

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

The night is set, the weather is beautiful, and your plans are solidified.  Meet up for a casual drink then grab dinner with your date.  You met during that brief exchange last weekend, and first impressions have led you to think this could really light that barn full of fireworks.  You tell those butterflies in your stomach to simmer, it’s just a first date… be yourself, relax, and have fun!

Then it happens…  you find your mind jumping between the green shrubbery that’s strategically wedged between their teeth, their incessant need to use the word “like” in every sentence, and the laugh which flashes the word ‘hyena’ in your mind.

The night is quickly racing up the charts on the worst dates you’ve ever encountered.  Game-time decision… cash in the chips and cut the night ASAP.

You could try the tried and true methods, get a friend to call you and fake an emergency.  Cliché…  but works.  Gracefully bow out at a reasonable hour and claim you have an early morning.  This is probably your safest and cleanest break to the night.  Just remember, ending it politely can still require you to endure a few more calls and texts before they get the hint.

Or you could try to turn the tables, turning yourself into the nightmare and walk away with a great story.   At the very least, you could entertain yourself while being stuck in between the appetizers, your terrible date, and the main course.  Here’s a few ways to get the job done…

Fake seeing an ex

Pretend that crazy ex who keyed your car or still hangs outside your apartment is following you.  Pick an innocent bystander and lay the groundwork for the story.  Remember, the crazier you paint the ex, the more clout you have to book.

Play games with your history or future

I didn’t know you were in the circus!  And I bet you didn’t either!   Give yourself odd jobs or be raised by gorilla’s in Africa.  Join the Peace Corps next month, take a 2 year backpacking journey through Europe, or move to Russia to be their next vodka taster.  The world is your oyster.

Give yourself a nervous tick

Start bobbing your head at odd moments.  Flail your left arm every five minutes.  The more outrageous, the better your odds this person will not want to spend much longer with you.

Turn yourself into a psycho

“So the wine tastes good?  Wonderful… I think we should get a dog.”  Become that stage five clinger we all dread.

Houdini

Now I have a friend that once pulled this off.  It’s a sheer run for the door with no signal of advanced warning.  Like the great magician, pull off the greatest trick of all time and just disappear.  Best bet is when you get a break while the other person is in the bathroom.  Drop some money for the dinner and high-tail to the door.  Freedom never tasted better.

You gave it a shot, and you know that this situation is clearly not going to work.  Wrap up the show with a little fun next time and become a legend with your friends.  If all else fails, at least you still have your dignity intact!