Help Matt plan his first date
Earlier today, I got this e-mail from a reader named Matt:
I'm sure you get tons of email but I'm hoping(if you have time) you could give me a some ideas for tomorrow night. I would really like to show the girl a good time and I'm pretty new to the Baltimore nightlife scene.
I heard that the Brass Elephant on Charles Street was pretty good for dinner and I figured we'd check out Artscape afterwards since it is nearby. Being that Artscape ends at 10, I am having trouble thinking of ideas for what to do afterwards. Any ideas you could give me would be a huge help.
Matt, my first suggestion is not to go to the Brass Elephant. It's too formal -- especially if you're planning on strolling down to Artscape later tomorrow night. Plus, you're setting the bar really high for a first date with the Brass Elephant.
I'd say if you're set on Mount Vernon, then go to someplace like Iggie's Pizza (818 N. Calvert St., pictured). or maybe Akbar (if your date likes Indian food). I think Akbar has the best Indian food in the city, and my wife is Indian, so I've had a lot of Indian food.
Both those spots have great food and are casual enough that you can walk down to Artscape afterward and not be out of place (or sweating buckets from wearing dress pants).
After Artscape, I'd say hit up Joe Squared Pizza and Bar (133 W. North Ave.). They've got the best rum selection in the city, and this great turn-of-the-century New Orleans swing band Sac Au Lait is playing there for free. I believe their set starts at 11:30 p.m.
Keep in mind that, due to Artscape, traffic is going to be tied in a knot and restaurants are going to fill up quick.
Anybody have some other suggestions for Matt?
(Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Good call on Iggies. I would go to someplace over by the Charles Theater. Lo0ts of options.
Posted by: Ted | July 16, 2009 2:44 PM
Ok let me give the female perspective on this...
I do agree with Sam, the Brass Elephant is a little much for a first date. I'm sure she would enjoy it, but it is setting the bar very high. One of my fav new spots on Charles is Marie Louis Bistro. Excellent food! I also love City Cafe and The Helmand. Artscape is a great idea for after dinner. Good job with that one! I think that area will be pretty conjested afterwards. Maybe try another part of the city like head downtown and get a drink some place around the Harbor? Or Fed Hill?
Posted by: BaltBabs | July 16, 2009 2:47 PM
Brewer's Art Sam,
You can have a nice dinner upstairs and then continue the talking downstairs and then hit up Artscape and then go to 13th Floor afterwards to checkout the view of the city.
Posted by: jason z | July 16, 2009 2:55 PM
I recommend the highly touted New York Fried Chicken for a chicken box for dinner. You should definitely bring your own ranch dressing for dipping however - this will show the girl that you know how to take care of her and she will be yours within minutes without question. You should probably wear cargo pants with large pockets so you can hold a bottle of ranch dressing large enough to accommodate a meal for two.
Posted by: Evan | July 16, 2009 2:59 PM
A bar with games might make for a fun evening- there are plenty are bars in the area that have shuffleboard, cornhole, etc. I'm less familiar with the Mt. Vernon area but there are plenty of choices in federal hill and fells.
Posted by: cheryl | July 16, 2009 3:09 PM
Joe Squared is also hosting Northscape that weekend, which is an elongation of the festivities at Artscape.
Posted by: Sarah | July 16, 2009 3:09 PM
to matt:
if she's from canton then she has probably built up a tolerance to rohypnol so you can take that off the list as your closer.
Posted by: bill | July 16, 2009 3:26 PM
I am going to suggest Hot pockets and renting Shrek 2. And let the magic take you from there. We're in a recession, no need to be a hero.
Posted by: JTK | July 16, 2009 3:56 PM
Matt.. Matt.. Matt...
Dinners and movies are horrible first date ideas. Way too much pressure, way too much time time to have to fill with useless banter.
I would recommend something fun and unique. Maybe drinks at a dive bar with a great jukebox. I also used to love the 13th Floor, but that has gone down hill the last few times I have been there.
You also should be going to places where you are known by the staff and they take care of you. It gives the appearance of being important in her eyes.
Posted by: eCommerce Consultant | July 16, 2009 3:58 PM
Tappas Theatro -http://www.tapasteatro.com/
Sangria makes everyone happy.
Posted by: arthur | July 16, 2009 4:07 PM
Cheryl...
I think cornhole on a first date, though a daring move, may be a bit forward. I usually wait until the third or fourth date.
Posted by: BC | July 16, 2009 5:00 PM
Sofi's Crepes, and then go get a drink at Club Charles. Everyone loves crepes.
Posted by: Nicki | July 16, 2009 5:21 PM
Keep in mind that it'll probably be hot as [whtatnot] tonight, & Artscape is really expansive this year, like 36 square blocks or something.
Posted by: Big Lob | July 17, 2009 7:59 AM
It's only 2009. Every band is a turn-of-the-century band, or will be, when we start looking back from about 2025 or so.
Iggie's is nice, and I came to suggest The Helmand, but it's already been done.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 17, 2009 11:12 AM
I'll second eCommerce Consultant. There are three c's for a first date. Cheap (read inexpensive for you since you don't know this girl yet), convienient, and conversation. I think it's fine just to go to Artscape for a bit. Short and sweet is best.
Posted by: Mark | July 17, 2009 11:20 AM
Forget the dress pants. Wear your wolf t-shirt.
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wolf-Moon-T-Shirt-Medium/dp/B000NZW3J8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1247850464&sr=8-1
Posted by: AC-M | July 17, 2009 1:09 PM
Matt - I think I need to know more about you and her. Without that I am going to have to go with Iggies and bring your own wine. Then head down to Fells. Have a few casual drinks some place outdoors so that you can people watch out loud. Finish the night off at a place with live music. Then let the good times roll.
You can always drop by Artscape the next day when she drives you back to your car...
to bill - I spit my lunch all over my desk
Posted by: TS | July 17, 2009 1:20 PM
Get her down to the Block, my boy! The 2 o'clock club's got great jazz and the mock turtle soup can't be beat.
Posted by: TimeTraveller | July 17, 2009 2:31 PM
It's not a speakeasy if you broadcast it in a major market publication. They do exist you're not cool to know one.
Posted by: Mee | July 17, 2009 6:11 PM
Matt - Share a blunt and a 40 on her stoop at the beginning of the evening. That usually propels a first date in a positive direction and sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Don't forget a jimmy hat.
Posted by: Tomato Head | July 17, 2009 11:20 PM
How'd it go Matt?
Hopefully you went with some combination of the NY Fried Chicken with BYO Ranch and the 40 and blunt on the stoop.
Posted by: CDoubleIPA | July 18, 2009 9:01 PM