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Attend an Interactive Cooking Show!

May 9, 2012
Attend an Interactive Cooking Show!

I don’t usually suggest things that I haven’t personally vetted, but the Asian Arts Initiative (AAI), a community arts organization in North Chinatown, contacted me about a unique event they are hosting next week that sounds perfect for an adventuresome cheap date. On May 16, 17, and 19th, AAI will welcome chef Mero Cocinero Karimi for three nights of a quirky and interactive live cooking show.  The show promises “music, documentary-style video, storytelling, political discussion and humor to satisfy your heart, mind, stomach, and funny bone.” Audience participation is encouraged, and audience members get to both taste the menu items and help prepare the recipes. General admission for this event (covering both the show and a full meal) is usually $20, but Cheap Date Philadelphia readers receive a special rate of only $15. Perfect! Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/241446. Enter “cheapdatephilly” in the Discount Code box to get your Cheap...

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Golosa: BYO Dessert Cafe!

March 31, 2012
Golosa: BYO Dessert Cafe!

In case you missed it, here’s my post for Drink Philly about Bella Vista’s Golosa Cafe. Their extensive chocolate menu, cozy atmosphere, and BYO options made for a delightful date night – or a great spot to tuck yourself away on a gray day like today!  

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Top 5 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

February 11, 2012
Top 5 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day can be kind of a racket. Your favorite go-to BYO all of a sudden has a minimum $50 pre fixe, activities ripe for handholding, like ice skating, double in price just for the night, and reservations everywhere are a must. But as all cheap daters know, true romance comes from the heart; it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. So without further ado, here are my Top 5 ideas for spending time with your loved ones this holiday, without spending too much money.

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Top Fives: My Five Fave Dates of 2011

December 31, 2011

December is the time for reflection, which in the blogosphere means: Best-of lists! Here are my Top 5 Cheap Date discoveries of 2011 (in no particular order). These are the dates that stood out in terms of providing the most unique and fun activities, the best atmosphere, and the tastiest food and drink. If you didn’t get to try these last year, make it a resolution!

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Tacos and Tequila at Loco Pez

December 22, 2011
margaritas at loco pez

A trip to the taco truck can be a delightful cheap date. But as winter sets in, the prospect of waiting outside and then hunching over to eat before it all gets cold seems decidedly less pleasant. Enter new Fishtown pub Loco Pez! I spent a lovely date there recently, relaxing at the bar with an oversized margarita and fish tacos – for less than $15! Read the full review here, at Drink Philly (now Drink Nation!)

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Meet Me Downtown! Happy Hour at Sampan

December 12, 2011
Sampanbar

A downtown date for happy hour may seem convenient and economical, but it can also be majorly hit or miss.  Overcrowding, poor selection, long waits for service, and lack of food can turn what should have been a happy hour (or two) into a date disaster.  Luckily, my date recently introduced me to the perfect center city happy hour spot: Sampan. Located at 124 S.13th street, Sampan is a contemporary-Asian bar/restaurant that’s sophisticated and modern without being snobby or trying too hard – a good balance for a post-work date. It’s large enough to accommodate a sizeable crowd without feeling cramped, yet the cool lights that saturate the walls cast an intimate and almost sensual glow. There’s also a giant wraparound bar in the center where you can watch the chefs hard at work expertly slicing Satay and garnishing dumplings as fast as the orders come in.  And ordering...

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