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!
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.
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!
Ahhh, New Year’s Eve – a night of resolutions and countdowns, champagne, good cheer and midnight kisses. Alas, it’s also a night where most clubs and restaurants plan elaborate RSVP events with expensive eats and costly covers. For those who prefer to party on the cheap, here are Cheap Date Philadelphia’s top picks for New Year’s events that will help you ring in 2013 with a smile, and within budget! 1. Bring a Flask and Friends to see Free Fireworks on the Delaware! New Year’s Eve draws thousands of people to Penn’s Landing and the Delaware River Waterfront every year for the festive fireworks display. In addition to a family-friendly first show at 6pm, there is also a second show at midnight, “Pop’n on the Delaware,” which will be set to a soundtrack of dance hits. The show itself only lasts about 15 minutes, so make sure you arrive early…
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 is…
