Date Night, New Year's Style!

Still scrounging for something fun to do while ringing in the new year?

Laura Dannen from Metropolitan Magazine compiled a fabulous list for locals still deciding what to do on the "biggest celebration night of the year". Here is a recap from her article! And Happy New Year, from Brett and Mandy Date Night!

New Year's Eve Guide: A&E Events
From concerts and comedy shows to black-tie galas and dance parties

Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark aren’t your only hope for entertainment on New Year’s Eve.
This is what my New Year’s Eve used to look like: a bag of Tostitos, salsa, a bottle of champagne, and the TV tuned to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, where I could watch Dick Clark age (now in high-def).

But then I discovered the New Year’s Eve concert. Oh, glorious concerts. Live music can make any night out better—and take some pressure off the mandatory fun you’re supposed to have on December 31.

Your options for fun start here:

CONCERTS
The Crocodile
An all-Seattle lineup: U.S.E., aka disco-pop group United States of Electronica, with indie rock band Aqueduct and hip-hop duo Fresh Espresso.
Doors open at 8pm; 21+; $20.

High Dive
Soul jazz by McTuff, featuring Skerik (tenor sax), Andy Coe (guitar), Joe Doria (Hammond organ) and D’Vonne Lewis (drums). With DJ Haiku-Chi.
Doors open at 8; 21+; $10.

Moore Theatre
Cake, the Sacramento alt-rock band that brought you “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” and “Sheep Go to Heaven.” With Throw Me the Statue, Locust, and King City.
Doors open at 8; all ages; $63-$73.

Neumos
German DJ Apparat mixing dance floor techno. With Nosaj Thing, Lusine, and Nordic Soul.
Doors open at 9; 21+; $20.

Re-bar
Dina Martina’s Christmas Show closes its month-long run. 7-10pm; 21+; $20.

Showbox at the Market
Another all-Seattle lineup: Indie rockers Minus the Bear headline, with Lonely Forest and Kay Kay and his Weathered Underground.
Doors open at 8; 21+; $28-$30.

Showbox SoDo
Tribute bands! Fascination Street (The Cure Tribute)
with Love Vigilantes (New Order Tribute), This Charming Band (The Smiths Tribute), and Dead Souls (Joy Division Tribute).
Doors open at 8; 21+; $15-$20.

Tractor Tavern
Two New Year’s Eve shows with rockabilly act The Dusty 45s and Matt Pickerel and His Praying Hands.
“Manhattan New Year’s Eve” show at 6:30 and “Seattle New Year’s Eve” show at 10. $20-$25.

EVENTS
New Year’s in Bellevue
Plenty going on Eastside. Our favorite outing on offer is the Dinner Gala at Artisanal Brasserie and Wine Bar with a five-course tasting menu, music by local jazz group Black Lab Trio, party favors, and a champagne toast. 9pm; 21+; $95. Click here for more Bellevue options.

Experience Music Project
Take this party’s name as a cue: Indulgence 2010 promises 25 bars, disco cover band Dance Factory and ‘80s cover band 80s Invasion, Movin’ 92.5 DJs, three dance floors, a stand-up comedy stage, cocktail hour for singles, admission to the EMP museum, two VIP areas, and free coat check (sigh). You’ll pay to be a VIP ($350), but reasonably priced general admission tickets ($59) are still available. We’re a little worried this could end up like an over-21 post-prom, so anyone who’s been to this party before, please weigh in.

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
The Grammy-winning Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band plays a little bit of everything: jazz, soul, Latin, Afro-Cuban, swing, bebop, salsa. Pick from one of two shows on New Year’s Eve: 8.45pm (doors open 6.30), with cocktails ($52.50) or a four-course meal ($105.50) that includes butternut squash soup, salad, prime rib or salmon, and desserts; or 11pm (doors open 10.30) with dessert, coffee/tea, and party favors ($80.50).

Jet City Improv’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular starts with three hours of comedy and an impressive menu of hors d’oeuvres (roast Cuban-style pork! duck and mango spring rolls!). Then there’s a champagne toast at midnight, plus the Space Needle fireworks show broadcast on a big screen, followed by a DJ dance party. Food served 8-9, comedy 9-midnight. All ages. $50-$65 single, $80-$100 couples. Cash bar.

Seattle Aquarium’s Bonza Bash (that's an Australian term, and i think this party was started by a couple Australians!!) promises to bring “sophistication and elegance back to Seattle” (which begs the question: Where did they go?). This is a night of swanky attire and real dance moves. Swing to The Mach One Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece big band, and music broadcast live by C89.5 and KISS 106.1’s Victor Menegaux and DJ Rhythma. Black tie is suggested, cocktail attire is required; anyone caught in jeans and sneakers sleeps with the fishes. Doors open 8:30pm; 21+; $69-$209, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Seattle Aquarium Society.

Seattle Symphony
End 2009 with Beethoven’s Ninth, including the majestic “Ode to Joy” sung by the Seattle Symphony Chorale, and Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes conducted by Gerard Schwarz. Featured vocalists include soprano Amanda Pabyan, mezzo-soprano Kathryn Weld, tenor Jason Collins, and bass-baritone Charles Robert Austin. After the concert, local salsa band Orchestra Zarabanda will swing in the new year in the Grand Lobby. Free sparkling wine toast included; a pre-concert three-course dinner with dessert and a glass of wine is also available. Dinner starts at 6:45; concert at 9. $50-$150.

Seattle Tango’s Tango Ball includes a 30-minute beginner’s lesson, a performance by Tony Fan and Ilana Rubin, and 4.5 hours of dancing and dipping. Dessert bar and champagne toast also included. Lesson starts at 9, performance around 11; $25-$40.

The Triple Door hosts two shows with singer-songwriter LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends. The first starts at 7 and includes a three-course dinner, champagne, and cover charge for $100. The second starts at 10 and includes dessert, champagne toast, party favors, and cover charge for $70.

FAMILY
Winterfest
at Seattle Center runs till the end of the month, but the ice rink and carousel will stay open until January 3. Wear the kids out with a spin around the rink at Fisher Pavilion on New Year’s Eve—it stays open until 8. $2-$5.

FILM
Central Cinema
Turn Back the Clock: Decade Do-Over This music-video party celebrates the best of the ’90s: Nirvana, Blind Melon, No Doubt, and R Kelly. (Though that R Kelly pick is questionable.) The best part: Start 2010 with an hour of Prince videos. Beer, wine and food available. Starts at 10; 21+; $12.

Today's Deal of the Day: Pole Dancing Lessons!

Ladies!

Spice up your next Date Night and surprise your man with some spicy dance moves!

Today's Groupon offers half-off pole dancing lessons at Diving Movement Pole Dancing!



Features:

•An invigorating workout in a supportive environment
•Channel your inner sexy side
•Learn new dance moves
•Conquer the limits of physics for total physical empowerment

Deal of the Day! Stir Martini and Raw Bar

Oi! Don't miss today's Groupon, where you can score $25 worth of great grub at Stir Martini and Raw Bar for only $10! Snag it while you can, and use it when you want -- the deal is good for a year!

This place is DEFINITELY on our list: STIR Martini + Raw Bar focuses on precise mixology paired with simple and contemporary raw preparations of poke, sushi, ceviche, tartare and oysters and an all-day menu of NW and Asian influenced seafood. The lounge offers an intimate, indoor urban lodge-feel with modern elements. Open daily from 11am to 2am, STIR is located in downtown Bellevue in the Bellevue Place Wintergarden.

Here's the deal, now go get 'em!

Date Night: Hangover Style!

October 17th, 2009
Cafe Au Robertson-Hoover!

She Said:

Wednesday night, Brett went out for drinks with a friend... which means he woke up more than a little fuzzy.

This gave me my inspiration for Thursday night's Date Night: Date Night HANGOVER STYLE!



I ran over to Blockbuster on lower Queen Anne to rent The Hangover ($4.95 for 7 days rental) while Brett whipped up some awesome "bar food" -- turkey burgers with a cilantro-infused aiole and home-made chips.


We settled down with a couple of beers in front of the TV and enjoyed what we both consider to be the Best Movie of The Year! It really is great, for any of you that haven't seen it yet! It came out a few days ago (wasn't yet available on On Demand) and was THIS close to being sold out at the movie-renting-store... so go scoop it up now before everyone else does!

Even though it may not be the most 'romantic' movie, it's full of laughs. So grab your fellow wolf and enjoy! (Plus, this date was SUPER cheap, which fits nicely into our new mantra, "No spending money until after the wedding!")

RATINGS:

Romance: 2

Cool Ambiance/Interior:5 -- we were at home!

Cost:
$ = entrees from $0 - $7+

Would we recommend it?
5: Yes! Do it now!

This Weekend's Splurge Vs. Steal!

Hello darlings! It’s the final week before Christmas, which means only ONE MORE WEEK of Holiday-themed splurge vs. steals and then we are DONE WITH THEM! (until Valentine’s Day, of course!) So, what do we have in store for you this weekend? Well, keep reading dummy! And you will find out… in this week’s holiday rendition of Splurge vs. Steal!

THRIVE is a place I've been dying to try for ages… Located in the heart of the Roosevelt neighborhood, Thrive is a vegan/raw/health food cafe “committed to unleashing the physical magnificence possible in all people…

They’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, fatigue-free, and WHOLLY pro-bliss, pro-joy, pro-shine.”

And this Sunday, December 20th from 2 – 4pm, you can mimic your favorite architect, exercise your grandest imaginings, and build sweet little vegan gingerbread temples.

Yes, they are having a Gingerbread building competition! Blueprints are recommended, competition is expected. $35 Please call the cafe at (206) 334-7111 for more information!

This week’s steal actually falls into both Splurge and Steal category… Lucky for you, we know some people who know some people, and found this stinkin’ hot deal!

CLASSIC KING FM BOAT FOLLOWING THE CHRISTMAS SHIP PARADE

Climb aboard the Lady Mary this SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 5:00 - 7:45, departing from Kirkland’s City Dock, and Join Classical KINGFM and Argosy Cruises as we follow the Argosy Christmas Ship Parade with Host Brad Eaton. In addition to hearing the choir from the Christmas Ship, you will hear holiday favorites from May Palmer and have a little "nosh" from Kathy's Kapers.

This event is always a sell out. Come celebrate the season with Classical KINGFM and Argosy!

Rate: USUALLY $24 adults, $9.81 kids ages 12 and under, but for a limited time, you can call 206-623-1445 for a limited amount of $5 tickets!

And for some other great Argosy Christmas deals, check out their website!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Cheap DATE NIGHT idea!

Freeloader alert: Free wine and chocolate at SAM; free appetizers at Rosebud! Make a Date Night out of it!

According to the Seattle Times, the Seattle Art Museum is offering free wine and chocolate to shoppers at SAM Shop from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17!

Why not hit up the museum for an hour or two then sample some sweet nibblies!

Six local jewelry artists will display their wares alongside SAM Shop's usual array of artsy books, jewelry, games and objects. Sip a glass of wine, nibble on a chocolate and browse: It may be hard to go home empty-handed.

SAM Shop is located at Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle; 206-654-3100 or http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/.

Needing something for a date night tonight? Head up to Capitol Hill's Rosebud Restaurant & Bar as it celebrates 16 years in business with a Sweet 16 party from 4 to 8:30 p.m. tonight!

Free appetizers for all comers.

You're also invited to stick around, if you like, for a three-course prix fixe birthday dinner, priced at $16 per person.

Rosebud Restaurant & Bar is at 719 E. Pike St., Seattle (206-323-6636 or http://www.rosebud-restaurant.com/).


images via and via.

Date Night Downtown

December 10th, 2009:
Oliver's Bar

He Said:

As you probably already know the Hoov and I are engaged!

I’m stoked and really can’t wait for the big day next October. It’s gunna be a week to remember! But as I just forked out for the engagement ring and now the imminent outlay for the wedding, I’m poorer than a church mouse.

I am skint! For the next year Micky D’s is a 5 star restaurant, Bud light’ll taste like Dom Perignon and canned spam will be replacing prime rib. You’ll be seeing a lot more “steals” on our little blog here.

Kicking off this theme and with our first post engagement date night, Mandy and I headed to Oliver’s, a hotel bar and restaurant in downtown Seattle (located in the Mayflower Hotel downtown). We chose Oliver’s as Mandy won a gift voucher there from the ever informative GOTIME.COM.

You’ll definitely know you’re in a hotel bar at Olivers though it does have a warm and inviting feel to it. Unfortunately that’s the only thing I really liked about the place.

For an appetizer Mandy and I shared the cheese a fruit platter. Now, this is my opinion and my opinion only, but I’ve had better prepared cheese and fruit platters from Costco. The cheese was tasteless and the fruit was plain.

There was a lot of it though and with a $9 price tag, I can’t complain too loudly.

For mains, Mandy ordered a hummus pizza ($9.75) and I had the lamb burger ($6). To me the pizza was absolutely horrible. Three bites in and I was quickly grabbing for a lager to wash my mouth out.



Mandy enjoyed the pizza much more than me but thought there was too much garlic and oil. The lamb burger was also sub par (although for $6, the portion size was huge!). I found it really fatty and over cooked. One shining light in the whole mean was there home made chips (fries). They were thick and battered to perfection.

The final nail in Oliver’s coffin was the service. Our server was really nice when we got to chat to her but as she was the only one working the packed bar, things were too slow for my liking.

Over all I give it a 1 out of 5. It was great to get a free meal but I don’t think I’ll be back.

Cheers,
Brett

RATINGS:

Romance:
2: we had a cute little corner booth that was fun to snuggle into

Cool Ambiance/Interior:
3: Very hotel-bar, but still, had some fun details--nice large windows, cool funky lamps

All Around Service: 1: Poor thing was the only one working the entire bar (probably 30 tables) so was much slower than we wanted.

Cost:
$ = entrees from $0 - $7 Bar prices were great! I was very happy with the size of the meals for the money we paid!

Would we recommend it?
2: Once was enough

This Weekend's Date Ideas: Splurge Vs. Steal!

Happy Thursday, dear readers! Apologies for our lack of postings lately... we've been in Australia getting engaged, and now are back in the city trying to plan a wedding... and buy a house... and finish all our Christmas shopping and decorating ... and so our dates have been random and non-post-worthy. Unless you want to hear about the FABULOUS $6 chicken taco salad Brett and i had at Jalisco's in Queen Anne last night. Which, by the way, is the BEST Mexican food restaurant IN THE WORLD and if you haven't been yet, go immediately! Their home-made chunk salsa is to DIE for!

I digress... We are planning something fun and festive for this Thursday's Date Night, the first "official" Date Night as fiances! And, from here on out we will also be incorporating a TON more 'affordable' Date Nights as we save for our wedding Festival of 2010*.

(*=working title - Brett is in the process of coming up with a more appropriate name)

So until then, dear readers, I give you this week's installment of Splurge Vs. Steal!

Next weekend you will most likely be busy with work holiday parties, family holiday parties, or any other random holiday parties, so this weekend will be the perfect time to finally go see the Nutcracker!

Stowell & Sendak present The Nutcracker, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center Nov. 27 - Dec. 30

This Weekend's Schedule:

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same; The story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads. For some reason, we equate this with Christmas!

According to the PNB website, The brilliant result of close collaboration between PNB Founding Artistic Director and choreographer Kent Stowell and renowned children's book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak... they delved deeply into the original story and infused the ballet with a drama and strength that fully complements Tchaikovsky's classic score. image via

Find out more information, and purchase your tickets on the Pacific Northwest Ballet's website!

**Also, if you want a MASSIVE discount on tickets, click HERE for today's Groupon which gives you 50% off the ticket price if you go next Tuesday! Quantities are limited, so be sure to buy ASAP!**

Looking for something festive to do with your sweetie but don't want to fork out ballet prices? Check out this website for all sorts of affordable holiday treats around the city!

Also, Green Lake's Pathway of Lights is FREE and happening this Saturday the 12th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join thousands of families, friends, and neighbors in this Seattle tradition, as they walk the 2.8 mile path around the lake, taking in the warm glow of the luminaria. People are encouraged to bring their own lights and candles to add to the ambiance.

Local musicians will perform at three sites around the lake: at the Green Lake Community Center on the east side of the lake, at the Green Lake Small Craft Center next to the old Aqua Theater on the south side, and at the Bathhouse Theater (Seattle Public Theatre) on the north side. Warm drinks and treats will be available at those locations, as will donation bins for non-perishable food items for Northwest Harvest.

Afterwards, why not drive over to Ravenna's Candy Cane Lane, Seattle's most popularly decorated neighborhood, to ooooh and ahhhh at the glorious sights!

The Proposal: Best. Date Night. Ever.

November 30th, 2009:
The 25th Floor Restaurant in Sydney, Australia

She Said:

Two weeks ago, Brett found out he had to take a last-minute trip to Australia to get a visa for his new job, and asked me to come with him! I of course jumped at the chance.

We decided to spend our last night in the city at a fancy restaurant, so Brett made reservations at a restaurant that was listed as Sydney's 2nd most romantic restaurant (the most romantic restaurant was booked up until 9pm), The 25th Floor.

We got all fancied up, and headed out to King's Cross.

The first sign that this restaurant was a bit cheesy was that it was a hotel restaurant... and both Brett and I agree that hotel restaurants are usually pretty dicey. Also, when he called to make reservations, he was put through to ROOM SERVICE! Ouch.

But, on the 25th floor in the heart of the city, the views would be priceless. And they were!

We got there a bit early, 6.30 or so, so we went to the bar for some beers.

Brett immediately apologized for the cheesiness of the place... stark white walls, gaudy nasty carpet, scattered Christmas Decorations (think a string of blue Christmas lights that stops half way across the wall, cause they ran out...) but I just laughed!

I told him that we could have fun in a cardboard box, and how it was kind of ironic ... we visit some of the most classy, trendy, hip and awesome restaurants in Seattle on a weekly basis, but when we go to Sydney, he takes me here... priceless!

We finally get to our seats and the view is great.


We order some wine and gnocchi as an appetizer, and the seafood platter for two as our main... we sat back and sipped our wine, laughing and people watching at some fun characters sitting next to us (one guy was actually wearing full leiderhosen garb!).


The food was amazing, the wine was amazing. Advice, though, if you order the seafood platter, do NOT order an appetizer or eat the bread! We were full before the main course even arrived!

We're finishing up and talking about heading down to The Rocks for a mini pub crawl. I'm feeling the affects of the wine, and become cheesy lovey Mandy, so I say to Brett, "I've never loved anyone more than I love you right now..."

He sees his opportunity and jumps at it. He starts to scoot his chair towards mine and asks, "Really? Do you want to be with me forever?"

"Of course i do, you nutter," i reply... We often ask each other this so it's nothing out of the ordinary. What IS out of the ordinary is Brett digging around in his jeans pocket while asking me that...

And then, he pulled out the most beautiful ring I've ever seen in my entire life. Holding it up in front of me, with the lights of Sydney twinkling in the background, and leiderhosen guy looking on with a huge toothless smile, Brett says, "Will you wear this and be with me forever?"

Speechless, literally speechless, my head spins and my heart swells.

There's really no way to describe that feeling, when the person you love that much asks you to spend the rest of your life with him.

It was priceless.

I give Brett the biggest hug as I'm laughing at the situation -- sitting at the cheesiest of hotel restaurants, full of wine, leiderhosen guy smiling and holding his glass up to us (probably... at that point i was so blind to anyone in the restaurant) the situation was just SO us...

I was so blown away that he has just asked me to marry him. I don't even think i said, "yes", i think i just assumed he knew that of COURSE I'd want to be with him forever. He put the ring on my finger and it fit perfectly. Like it was meant to live on my ring finger.

We celebrated with champagne, and eventually did head down to The Rocks for a commemorative schooner.

Needless to say, this was the best Date Night ever!

Sunday Night Date Idea!

Chef Ethan Stowell will host Josh Bergström, winemaker, vineyard manager, and general manager of Oregon’s renowned Bergström Winery at Union (1400 First Avenue) this Sunday, December 6th, from 6pm to 10pm.

Tickets are $125 per person and include a fabulous menu with wine pairings for each course.

The wine dinner will provide guests with a chance to enjoy the highly rated, award-winning wines created by Bergström paired with Stowell’s simple and elegant food.

Mr. Bergström will be on hand to talk wine and enjoy the evening.

Click here for a full menu and for more inforamtion about Bergstrom Wines!

**I swear i don't work for Union, or Ethan Stowell! They just always have such great events going on!!**

Seattle Weekend Date Ideas: Splurge Vs. Steal

SPLURGE VS. STEAL!

Although Brett and i are faaaar, far away in Australia right now, that doesn’t mean that our readers should go without this weekend’s date ideas. I know, we’re THAT considerate! :) There are just too few weekends during the holiday season to skip even ONE, and so much going on around this town… On that note, from sunny 90-degree Sydney (actually, i blogged this from Seattle and post-dated it, but we’ll pretend i’m blogging on the beach in my bikini right now!) i bring you this week’s version of SPLURGE vs. STEAL!

SPLURGE!

Now, for those of you who were able to hit up last weekend’s Seattle Christmas Tree lighting and were left hungry for more (or those of you who missed it and are desperate to see a lighting of your own!), why not spend a romantic weekend away in Leavenworth, Washington, and enjoy their tree lighting ceremony and festivities this weekend?? It’s the PERFECT little town to spend a cozy, quaint, and quiet weekend in!

According to the website, Your Bavarian Getaway transforms itself into a virtual snow globe of Christmas Magic. Crowned "the Ultimate Holiday Town USA" from the A&E Network and featured in 06 & 07 by Good Morning America, Leavenworth welcomes you with Roasting Chestnuts, Holiday Characters, Old Fashion Caroling and pure simple Christmas Magic. Join us as we celebrate this special season and fill your heart with memories for a lifetime.

Sounds like a magical weekend get-a-way to me! Be sure to stay at the Icicle Inn, directly across from all the action, where you can get a room with a fireplace AND a whirlpool tub for maximum romance!

If you’re a skier, you are mere minutes from both Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, so bring your gear for a day of fun in the snow!

And if this weekend doesn’t work for you, Leavenworth has its Tree Lighting Ceremony every weekend leading up to Christmas Day! Click HERE for more information!

STEAL!

And if you’re not able to leave town on a whim this weekend, fear not! There is plenty to do in the city for next-to-nothing!

For example!

Why not meet your sweetie at the Seattle Space Needle for a walk through the Seattle Center. Hit up the Starbucks and grab a peppermint hot-cocoa to sip while checking out the Winter Train and Village, then head down to Fisher Pavilion for some Ice Skating and Carousel Riding!

Offering inside skating at its best, the Ice Rink accommodates all levels of expertise, from novice to Olympiad.

Skate fee: $5 for adults (cash only!).

Winterfest Ice Rink
November 27 - January 3
Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Seattle Center, showered in thousands of twinkling lights, sets the scene for five weeks of affordable and fun-filled family activities, soulful festivities and so much more. You can also catch the monorail ($4 round trip) and head downtown for a show, a play, or some holiday drinks to keep the evening going!

Check out the amazing Seattle Holiday Guide here for plenty more holiday planning tips!

Happy holidays, and happy dating!

xo,

B&M

photo credits: Leavenworth, ice rink, space needle