Classy folks, cheap dates
By Bernell Dorrough
Of the Post-Dispatch
Thursday, Jul. 28 2005
Going on a good date for less than $20 can seem downright impossible. Sure, you
can trying cooking dinner for two yourself. That'll cost less, but serving a
piping-hot Uncle Ben's rice bowl rarely leads to another date. And yeah, you
could go rollerblading around Forest Park. That costs nothing at all, but
accidentally rolling into an old lady on a park bench won't make a good
impression with your date — or for that matter, with the old lady.
This week's column is a little different. Instead of three or four related
stops, we're offering an easy-to-follow template for planning a fun date that
will go easy on your wallet. Grab an inexpensive meal, spend some time together
outside and finish off the night at a coffee shop. Do yourself a favor, though,
and save these tips for your second or third date. Making a good impression on
a first date is almost always worth breaking out a second Jackson.
Starting off with a meal
Chinese Noodle Cafe (6138 Delmar Blvd.) is a great place to start your date
even if you aren't keeping an eye on your budget. Located in the newly
revitalized east side of the Delmar Loop, this restaurant offers the perfect
ambiance for getting to know someone. Everything inside, from the wood tables
to the cool wood art over the kitchen, feels new and fresh, and it definitely
doesn't seem like a place you go to save cash. The dining area is well-lit, so
you won't have to squint to see each other, and the relatively quiet atmosphere
means you'll also be able actually to hear what your date is saying — which
makes it much easier to pretend like you're listening.
The restaurant serves over 20 entrees under $7 each, and only three items cost
more than $10. The Sweet & Sour Chicken ($6.95) is particularly good. The
chicken comes in large, tender pieces, and the vegetables are incredibly crisp
and delicious. When you also consider the large helping of fried rice and the
included egg roll, there's no question that it's a great deal.
Other places to grab a meal:
• Pho Grand Restraunt (3195 S. Grand Blvd.)
• St. Louis Brewery and Tap Room (2100 Locust St.)
A relaxing summer evening
If you finish your meal early enough, you can still have some sunlight to
enjoy. Forest Park has lots of ways to spend your time, ranging from the Zoo to
paddle boats, but almost all of those options either cost money or close early.
Instead, consider a trip to Tower Grove Park (4256 Magnolia Ave.). It has
plenty of walkways for taking an evening stroll, not to mention gazebos, lily
ponds and statues to check out. And unlike its big brother to the north, Tower
Grove Park offers a much more relaxed, easy-going atmosphere. You won't find
runners practicing for marathons or cars speeding toward the Muny, just people
casually enjoying the summer air.
If you don't mind planning your upcoming date for a weekday, you can also check
out the Musical Mondays concert series featuring the Compton Heights Band this
Monday. Unfortunately, that will be the last performance of the season, but
Tower Grove will be worth your time even without the free entertainment. If
you're a big fan of free concerts, though, check out STLtoday's events calendar
to find one in your area.
Other places to spend some time:
• Jefferson Park at the Arch (11 N. Fourth St.)
• Missouri Botanical Gardens (4344 Shaw Blvd.)
Ending the night on a high note
When the sun sets on your outdoor excursion, head to Kaldi's Coffee House (700
De Mun Ave.) Most coffee houses feature a very specific type of patrons —
either everyone is loudly talking or everyone is typing away at a laptop. The
greatest strength of Kaldi's is that it appeals to a much wider range. Enjoying
a lively conversation with your date? Go to the rear dining area and chat away
at dozens of tables. Prefer something a bit more romantic and intimate? Just
grab one of several seating options outside. Concordia Park is right across the
street, so you'll have a great view, not to mention another chance for an
evening stroll.
Bottomless cups of coffee are only $1.65. Normally regular coffee isn't
exciting, but Kaldi's ever-changing selections are much more unique (not to
mention tasty) than your average cup of joe. The only drawback of Kaldi's is
that it closes at 11 p.m., so if the date's going well, you might have to end
the night a little earlier than expected. Then again, if the date's going
really well, I'm sure you'll find a way to spend a couple extra hours.
Other fun coffee shops:
• Kayak's Coffee Shop (276 N. Skinker)
• Coffee Cartel (2 Maryland Plaza)
Visit the 20-Buck Bernie home page to download some tunes to listen to while
driving between stops.
Did I miss something? Think I'm way off? Drop by the 20-Buck Bernie forum to
offer feedback and suggestions for future stops. |