Five FABULOUS First Date Spots!

        Ok guys, first dates are monumental for several reasons. For starters, it’s your first opportunity to make an impressive statement about yourself. Second, it sets the stage for you to see what type of woman you're dealing with. Does she appreciate out of the way spots with character and charm or does she have to be taken to Ruth's Chris to be impressed? Third, choosing a first date spot that affords you and your date the opportunity to talk and connect can help you avoid an unnecessary second date. Finally and most important - if you date this girl for years and eventually marry her, THIS is going to be the date you both remember forever. So with that said, this date definitely merits some thought for its planning and execution. In order to successfully plan however, both the male and female perspective needs to be considered. So guys, I'm going to let you in on a few things from a woman's psyche that you should know when planning this most important date and then give you 5 spots in the wonderful ATL that meets both your desires and expectations.

        The Woman's Perspective: The most important thing guys should know about this date is that it's not about the money; not with real women anyway. So if your date makes it about the money, or you get the vibe beforehand that you have to take her out on a $500.00 date in order to meet her expectation, you might need to reconsider; unless of course you're cool with that. "Real" women appreciate a first date that reflects a man's personality and creativity; one that shows that he put some thought into it. Anyone with cash can take you to the well-known, typical restaurants where dinner for 2 costs $200.00. These spots may impress superficial women, but I would be more impressed with a guy who took me somewhere unique that had tons of character and ambiance.

        The Man's Perspective: Being a woman, I needed some help understanding what was important to a man when planning a first date so I polled a few guys of various occupations, income levels and age. The youngest guy polled was 20 and the oldest was 47. Careers ranged from entrepreneurs to educators. I asked each man 1 question: "What are your top 3 considerations when choosing a spot to take someone on a first date?" Surprisingly, most of the guys had similar considerations.  The most common answers were "cost and atmosphere" (must be more to do than just talk; i.e. music, games, etc. and can't be too expensive). Other less common responses were "must be somewhere that expresses who I am or somewhere new that the date had not been previously exposed to." Everyone wanted sexy, cool ambiance, that wasn't too loud and therefore conducive to conversation.

      Once I understood what men want for a first date spot and combined it with what I knew about women's desires and expectations for a great first date, I came up with the following list of fantastic restaurants and lounges around the ATL. I know: great idea right??............No thanks necessary.  Just invite me to the wedding! 

       

Categories: 

A. Sexy decor and ambiance   B. Music  C. Good food and drinks  D. Inexpensive     

E. Atmosphere conducive to conversation  F. Games and/or other entertainment  G. Unique

        #1:  Eclipse Di Luna 764 Miami Circle Northeast 30342 - This spot is absolutely charming. It meets all the categories because even though it doesn't have games, it does offer a live Salsa band. And get this, on Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 you can get free Salsa lessons! That's hot, right? I've had some very impressive dates but the Salsa lesson is an unexpected bonus that would definitely win points from your potential boo. The menu is all tapas and they are all scrumptious........and unbelievably inexpensive (well under $10.00).  My favorites are the Costillas Espanolas (spanish style ribs in aged balsamic vinaigrette), the Patatas Bravas Con Romesco (roasted spiced potatoes), and Gambos al Ajillo (sauteed shrimp and garlic). If you like martinis, they mix a fantastic Lemon Drop Martini and it's only $7.00! The tapas can be shared and you can easily order 3 or 4 of them to share with your date and be satisfied. Add drinks and you've still spent less than $50.00. You can't beat it for its sexy, intimate atmosphere, large enclosed patio, and great food and drinks. If your date has never been there, she will be impressed; even if she has, she'll like the fact that you took her somewhere other than the well knowns like Cheesecake Factory; which by the way is much more expensive. Have fun!!

        #2:  Divan Restaurant and Hookah Lounge 3125 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA 30305 - This is a very cool first date spot. Its decor is awesome; multiple levels with non-traditional seating. It features cozy couches and low tables that make it seem more like an evening out at a friend's swanky penthouse than a restaurant. You can also make a reservation for private room seating as well.  The food is delicious also. It's Mediterranean food with a Persian twist, which is perfect for the decor and vibe. My recommendations are the roasted lamb chops with 6 spice potatoes. The menu price is 38.00 but if your date wants the same meal, you can share. Another delectable meal at a lower price point is the pan seared tilapia with basmati-herb rice. It's menu priced at $18.00. These are main dish items but you can also order from the sides menu and sample various delectable items at lower prices. For example the 6 spice potatoes are sold separately for just $6.00.  Another "money stretcher" is half off hookahs daily from 6:30-7:30!

         So, If your number one objective is to make a good first impression and to present yourself as a man of style and finesse, this is a great choice. It shows that you follow your own beat and know a little bit about the gems that the city has to offer. Divan is incognito even though it’s right on Piedmont Road in Buckhead. 

        #3:  Cafe Circa 464 Edgewood Ave Southeast Atlanta, GA 30312 - This exquisite little treasure is located downtown in the historic old 4th Ward District. As soon as you walk through the door, you know that you have found something special. Its decor is sexy and provocative; intimate lighting and cozy seating give it a seductive vibe that is just what you want to add some spice to a first date. One long, upholstered built in bench lines the wall on the right of the entrance. Richly stained wood tables and chairs are in front of the bench maximizing the seating. 5 curtain rods draped in romantic sheers line the bricked wall behind the bench creating the illusion of separation and space. Dainty crystal chandeliers line the stairs that lead up to the super sexy rooftop aptly named The Reserve. This is where you can go to enjoy Atlanta's beautiful weather, a great cocktail and a premium cigar that can be purchased right downstairs in their well-stocked cigar room. 

        Surprisingly, all this swag comes at an affordable price. My favorite menu items are the Guava Jerk Wings ($8) and the Circa House Salad (spring mix, cucumbers, red onions, almonds, and sherry-thyme vinaigrette) as tasty starters.  A luscious entree choice is Dorothy's Gumbo (Andouille Sausage, crab, crawfish and chicken $12) or the Chili Rubbed Braised Oxtails with purple potatoes and carrots. The oxtails are juicy and "melt in your mouth" tender. The menu also has an extensive list of side items priced from $2 to $4! I recommend the garlic broccoli; it is hands down the best seasoned and best prepared broccoli I have ever eaten in a restaurant. The cocktail menu is excellent as well. It features many specialty mixed drinks from $8 to $12.

        So if you or your date likes delicious Caribbean food, sexy atmosphere and music, a posh rooftop, and the opportunity to enjoy a quality cigar, Cafe Circa would be a wonderful choice for your first date. Please tell the owner that Felicia from Lounge Around Atlanta and Miguel of Miguel Wilson Menswear sent you!

        #4:  Imperial Fez  2285 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30309 - If you are a guy who's more concerned with the experience than the expense, Imperial Fez is the perfect choice. It epitomizes the absolute best of all the categories above except inexpensive. The uniqueness of the decor, food, entertainment and overall experience make it well worth the price.  It features authentic, Moroccan cuisine and opens for dinner only. They have a unique dinner menu made up of pre-set 5-course meals which range from $45.00 to $69.00 per person. This may sound pricey but this price includes the lavish entertainment, which is none other than beautiful, fire toting belly dancers! The decor is plush and elaborate and the pillows arranged on the floor for seating provide for a truly authentic Moroccan dining experience. The menu is extraordinary. It consists of divine selections such as chicken kebabs with rice and vegetables, cornish hen-tajine which is baked with saffron sauce, preserved lemons and olives. Is your mouth watering yet? 

        For those guys who want to make a great impression but on a smaller budget, you may still be able to expose your date to the incredible atmosphere at Imperial Fez because they offer weekly specials. Monday is couple's night so you can get a romantic 3-course Mediterranean dinner for 2 for just $60.00 per couple. Additionally, Thursday night is Meat and Wine Lover's night so all bottles of wine are half priced and you can get a 3-course lamb shank dinner for $25.00 per person.  If you're not a weekday date person, Friday is Fridaytini and all martinis are half priced. This place screams class, culture and charisma; not a bad statement to make to that girl you want to know better. 

     #5:  10° South - 4183 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30342 - How does dining in Cape Town on a starry night in a sexy bungalow style restaurant / lounge sound to you?  Well I can't let you and your potential lady love use my private jet to escape to beautiful South Africa for the weekend but I can suggest that you come to Buckhead and experience the exotic beauty, tastes and sounds of South Africa at 10° South. This place reeks of class with its sexy inside decor and gorgeous patio. From the minute you enter, you know that you have found something phenomenal starting with the service: excellent. It is family owned and the owners are often there to personally greet you and make sure you are enjoying your dining experience. Like Imperial Fez, this is not a place that you go because it's inexpensive and you're not trying to spend a lot for a first date. However, it's not overly pricey and it’s actually a great buy if you're in search of savory food, remarkable service and amazing atmosphere. The main course menu prices range from $20.00 to $32.00 which may seem pricey to some but for the selections, it's reasonable; and if you share a dish it becomes even more affordable. Additionally, they have a fabulous small plate menu with selections that start as low as $5.00!

        My favorite thing about this restaurant however, is its exquisite wine list. It features a huge selection of reasonably priced South African red and white wines that you'd have to go to South Africa to experience in a restaurant otherwise.You can get a glass from $9.00 to $16.00 and a bottle from $32.00 to $180.00. 

        So if you're on a tight budget but would love to take a date you're trying to impress to this very impressive spot, my suggestion would be to come here a little later (after the dinner hour) and have a couple of small plates and wine. Let your date know that you're coming here to sample authentic South African wine only. Say it with finesse of course; you know how to do it. If you do eat, my small plate recommendations are the lobster rolls with peri-peri aioli ($10) and the garlic roll which is a fresh baked milano roll stuffed with garlic ($5.) If you want something from this menu that's a little more South African, try the Biltong which is cured beef slices ($10.) My main course recommendation would be the KingKlip which is known as the King of South African fish. It is a white mild fish grilled and topped with lemon butter sauce and served with basmati rice and vegetables ($25.) 

        So there you have it guys; my top 5 first date spots in Atlanta. It was very difficult because of all the spectacular restaurants and lounges we have here but I think I did a pretty decent job of trying to incorporate the desires of men and women. Whether you seek economy or extravagance, domestic or exotic; there is a spot on this list to satisfy your desires. Hit me up in the comments section to let me know how it went. Bon Appetit!