(2nd) Date Ideas in Brooklyn (Help needed ASAP!)
All,
Relatively new to the dating scene, especially in brooklyn. I'm looking for a quiet place to go to grab a late dinner/ desert. It's a second date, so I'm not looking to break the bank, but am looking to make a decent impression. It will be at around 8pm or so mid week. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
(i've been on mikomos.com, but there's not a lot of feedback on the places they have!)
Matt
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So it's now January 2013, almost 2.5 years since I wrote this first post, asking you all for dating advice. Over these past couple of years, I've gotten engaged and married. We were married at King's Terrace and it was an amazing chasnah! A few weeks later, we moved to Israel for Shana Rishona, and it was a great experience! I learned in Yeshiva while my wife finished up her BA. We spent our year in Ramot Eshkol, and it truly was a great year of working on ourselves and building a foundation. (For our 1 year anniversary we went to Sheyann, which was probably one of our favorite restaurants in Jerusalem---this is a food blog, I feel obligated to post something about food).
Along the way, unfortunately we lost a few family members that were close to us..but we kept pushing forward and it only helped to strengthen our relationship. In April of 2012, we left Israel and moved back to New York. We decided to move to Far Rockaway and found a great apartment in a great neighborhood. My wife and I were both able to find jobs pretty quickly which was definitley a huge bracha. Unfortunately, like many people 2012 was soured by Hurricane Sandy. BH, we were OK, and our losses were limited.
This past week we celebrated our 2nd anniversary at Pardes (which was amazing! See my post on that thread)2013 should prove to a an even better year because with Hashem's help, in the beginning of March, we will be expecting our first child and we are so excited about it!
After looking back through this post, it's amazing how far we've come.
Thanks again for everyone's help a few years ago. I look forward to being in touch more often and sharing only in simchas (and eating experiences, of course!)
Matt
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Date 4 was a success! It was beautiful out, went to Cafe Hadar--and sat in the outside garden, which was pretty cool. Really dont expect it in the middle of flatbush! We both had different egg platters and it was a pretty inexpensive brunchy-type of meal.
(Off topic: what's with these restaurants including tip ALL the time. I don't mind it, but it's not something I usually check for-- I feel like it's a ploy to get an extra tip-- I digress!)
We then went to the aquarium, some place i havent been in a very long time, and I really enjoyed it! We had a great time, and we are going to go out again after Yom Tov!Hope everyone is well.
Shana Tova!
Matt
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re: berel
thank guys believe it or not we stoped by the dunkin donuts on our way home from LI and we went walking by the bridge but not on it by park slope theres a bordwalk over the highway it was nice but everyone was sitting on the benches making out very weird when ur on a relig date
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re: mizme143
hahah this is a funny post-- because it's what I was looking to do tonight!
I was going to pick up my pottery (see date 3), go to Olga's (in the area), then go walk across the Brooklyn Bridge!!! Won't be around 11pm, probably closer to 8 or so. Kinda funny. I know there's the Brooklyn Bridge Park, but again, not sure how it is around night time---maybe I should have a back up plan too.
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re: berkiebtvs
The Coney Island Boardwalk date posted earlier is a great idea and actually one of the dates I went on with my husband. (you can even go to luna park and have some fun on the rides or wining a doll) btw husband cooked for me when we were dating and it definitely got him some points. Long Beach boardwalk and then a quick drive to Cedarhurst is also a great idea. We loved bowling. You if you have any day dates ... its apple picking season not too far upstate! We had a great time on that one I pretended I was Chava he pretended he was Adam and we ate apples all day ;-)
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re: qurlym
FYI the parking situation is pretty awful around Coney Island, although by NYC standards probably not so bad. I can often find a place to park near the church besides the subway overpass on Ocean Parkway. Don't miss the Starbucks with the Russian signs on Brighton Beach Avenue. Buy her a babushka doll. (My dad a"h bought my mom a"h" a bobble head dog on one of their first dates and she kept it her entire life.)
Wear a jacket at night!!! It's the only place I know in NY that actually cools off at night.
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re: SoCal Mother
queenscook
Sep 15, 2010 01:24 PM
The Cyclone used to be open all year; don't know if that's still the case.
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re: queenscook
there are all kinds of farms with picking out on long island, u dont have to head upstate to do that
heres a list of places, and reviews of the places and contact info for them
http://www.pickyourown.org/nylongisla...
if u do any of the exit 71 farms, they also have the mystic aquarium, which is pretty cool-
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re: berkiebtvs
In Brooklyn more places have sukkos than don't. Pick anywhere and call to find out whether they have one. Any part of Brooklyn in particular? Have you yet been to El Gaucho? Estihana? Pita Off the Corner? Dougies claims to have the biggest sukkah in Brooklyn; no idea how accurate that claim is, but it is pretty big, and last I heard the food wasn't bad (which is why this particular branch is still in business when so many others let their quality decline and eventually closed).
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re: berkiebtvs
queenscook
Nov 12, 2010 11:33 AM
Mazel tov, how exciting! I think you should invite us all to the chasana . . . or the vordt, at least!
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She's not a big of a foodie as I was (I was really into it, before I kept Kosher too!), so I think she'll be happy wherever we go!
One idea I had in mind (and to avoid uptown, but will limit lunch choices, obviously), was the Jewish Museum in Battery Park.(is that cliche? Jews going to a Jewish Museum?) Then we can walk and hang around Battery Park (not as crowded as Central Park---somewhere along the line, I began avoiding crowds--haha). Then I could zip back into Brooklyn, and stop by Olga's.
OR
UWS, Museum, Central Park, and UWS Restaurant (Noi Due- looks great!)
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re: berkiebtvs
Personally, I would vote for the UWS. Supposed to be a beautiful day out, so why stay in a museum-- wait till it's cold out for something like that. Also.. from what I remember.. the Jewish museum in battery park has a strong focus on the Holocaust...and depending on what time you start you may not get to Olga's till later in the day
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re: berkiebtvs
Its the museum of Jewish Heritage...does have a big Holocaust theme but it's a nice area to walk around ...check the website to see what the current installations if you're worried about it being a downer. There is a snack bar at the museum... maybe with pre-made sandwiches under supervision (I could be getting this completely wrong).
If your kishkes say stay indoors...then stay indoors.
Have a great Shabbos. Avoid cholent with beans so you won't have an "upset tummy" on Sunday.
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re: vallevin
well I figured a little bit of both---to just stay in a park all day, might be much. I need entertainment! haha.
That's why going to a museum, and being close to a park, you get a little bit of both?
(The more I look at the Website, it seems to be a Holocaust themed Museum, so I think I'll switch to the UWS---we'll save the depressing dates for later on, haha)
(First I have to make sure she's free this weekend, this convo could change very quickly..)-
re: berkiebtvs
Our favorite place in NYC is the Museum of Natural History. We have been there many times and there is always something to see from dinosaurs (1st and 2nd grade) to space exhibits (later part of elementary school) to the gems (for Mom) to the plantetarium. (Quiet and sorta romantic although I always fall asleep.)
Parking is IMPOSSIBLE or VERY $$$ but DH is from NY so what he does is park near where we are going to eat and then takes the subway back to the museum, and we usually are inside with our tickets by the time he arrives. The lines can be long when school is out but then again, all these types of places have long lines.
Isn't Hurricaine Earl going to soak NYC this weekend?
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So there will be a 4th date!
Went pottery painting (surprisingly pretty fun) and then went to Amazon Cafe, which as someone had suggested was a bit crowded at first (9pm on Wednesday), but then emptied out a bit. Food was pretty good. (figured i'd keep it somewhat CHOW related). I got a Greek Toast (I'm a sucker for Feta ) and she got some sushi rolls. Pretty reasonably priced and I was happy. (The pottery on the other hand---a bit more expensive).
I think Date 4 will be this weekend, and will probably be a Day Date---which means a longer amount of time spent together and different type of activities to choose from. I was thinking about venturing into Manhattan, and going to a museum, walking around a bit, (maybe the Met and Central park), and then some food of sorts.
I do like the Smith Street, Carrol Gardens suggestion too.
Anything else?
Thanks again!
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re: GilaB
Definitely take her to Noidue! Great food and the atmosphere is really cool too. The salad with quinoa and red cabbage is excellent, and the pizzas are great to share. What time were you planning on starting the date? Maybe a walk around central park, a late lunch, some shopping/browsing, and a cupcake from Magnolia... Oh and if you're planning on driving.. it may take you a while to find parking on the UWS.
Happy you liked Amazon Cafe.. the Greek Toast is one my favorites!
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re: The Cameraman
Agreed, but we need an opportunity for him to impress her with his cooking so that we get to the *last* date.
My DH and his roommates invited me and a few friends over for a Shabbat lunch. Incidentally that was several years before we started dating.
Matt sweetie, you can go do some studying or something while your Cyber Parents figure this out for you.
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Figured I'd give you guys an update--going to go to a Pottery Painting place in Brooklyn, and then probably to a cafe of sorts. (I've heard Amazon Cafe, might be good). Again, I'm hesitant about dating in the same area where she lives, but during the week- it's my only option. Olga's would have been good--but since it closes at 9, i don't think it'll work out.
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re: berkiebtvs
Amazon is open pretty late, so it's a good option. It's always crowded though- even late. The portions are pretty large... I can never eat more than half of a salad. Personally, the paninis are my favorite- they use the Israeli sesame rolls- I love the grilled cheese.
At this pottery painting place do you have to pick up whatever you painted a week or so later? If you do, good option for planning another outing..
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re: berkiebtvs
The purpose of this is to put some food in front of her that YOU cooked.
Are you working on Sunday? Have a picnic and bring quiche (very easy!) and salad or chicken and potato salad. Get a small tablecloth and some chilled wine and plastic wine glasses and go to a park someplace and grab a table. (Um, I don't know what the law is in NYC - you might have to drink the wine out of a paper bag. OK, a bottle of Martinelli's.)
You didn't just take out your credit card, you shopped, chopped, cooked and made something nice for her. Trust me on this one...
I still say go for the beach...
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So...I ended up at Tea for Two Lite, as per some suggestions from some friends. (I got sushi, and she got ravioli) Actually a pretty good place, and we ended up at a table closer to the back, so it felt more private. I think it went well, because we agreed on a 3rd date!
So now where to go for the third date? I think I may have to venture outside of Brooklyn for this one (probably a more activity oriented date for #3---so it might not be appropriate talk for the Chow boards---but I will take suggestions !!)
Matt
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re: berkiebtvs
What would you do with a buddy? Ball game, go roller blading, miniature golf, a museum? You want your young lady to be your best buddy, take her where you like to go. Show her where you'd want to take your kids.
DH and I went canoeing, bike riding and to a museum. When he took me to Disneyland (it was more affordable in those days) I realized that day that living with him would be a lot of fun. He seemed so stogy up to that point.
We have done all of these things with our kids.
Show her what life with you will be like. Have FUN!!
Just my opinion, but I am married long enough to be your mother.SoCal Mother
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re: berkiebtvs
queenscook
Aug 26, 2010 08:22 AM
In my circles, it would be perfectly acceptable to ask the woman what she would like to do; it's not up to the guy to decide everything. Just sayin'
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re: queenscook
I thought of that but then he runs the risk of having her say "I've really wanted to see this new show that just opened up on Broadway and then have dinner at <insert name of very expensive Manhattan restaurant.>"
On the other hand, that might make the 4th date moot. Do the boys still pay for everything? (I have a need to know: I only have boys.)
I'd say wait for the 4th date for Lady's Choice.
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re: berkiebtvs
Someone else mentioned getting takeout food. For an activity oriented date.. you could pick something up to go and have a picnic in Central Park. You could go boating or rollerblading there too. Or walk from the east to the west side of the park and have lunch around 72nd street.
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re: berkiebtvs
Another thing to impress her, cook her something. DH invited me with a whole gang of other people for a Shabbat meal. Instead of paper plates and cold takeout, we had a real lunch on real dishes on a real table with a real tablecloth.
Knocked my socks off.
(Don't worry Matt, we'll all help.)
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re: SoCal Mother
I appreciate the feedback and help. Outdoor activities are very difficult for during the week, (I won't get to to start the date until 7:30-8:00), and I'm still at the point of having to pick her up first (the gentleman thing to do, and I don't mind- but it makes things difficult and takes time to drive to the place---but I digress). So starting the date, coupled with I get up very early the next morning (5 am or so), puts me in a pickle of sorts. I would love to leave brooklyn, but by the time I pick her up, drive some place, and drive back, it's going to be a longggg night! (which I guess I will do, if i have to)
Anyway, next date is Wednesday, and I'd like to do something semi-interactive and laid back. I was thinking a pottery painting place, which totally isn't my thing, but I guess that could be fun???(although the place closes at 9)
Do that and then Ice cream or something?
Matt
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re: berkiebtvs
Sounds good to me too. Why not ask her if she'd prefer ice cream, coffee, cake or pizza after? Try "I was thinking of Shimon's Ice Cream after, but there's Reuven's Pizza in the same neighborhood."
I don't know Brooklyn too well - I just really like the boardwalk in Brighton Beach and Coney Island. IMHO there is nothing in the world as romantic as the ocean although I just realized that the sun doesn't set over the ocean like it does here...
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Buy takeout someplace and go for a walk on the boardwalk in Brighton Beach. Then go down to Brighton Beach Avenue, buy her a babushka doll and then take her to Starbucks to see the posters with the drinks described in Russian.
Unless she's Russian...
(Well I AM a Californian. How could it possibly be romantic if there's no ocean involved?)
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re: vallevin
Well but the problem in NY is that the tables are so close together, how can they possibly talk? DH and I were once in a (kosher) Indian restaurant in NYC where we were pretty much sharing our table with a shidduch date.
The boy was trying to impress the girl with his (lack of ) knowledge of my husband's field. It was embarrassing.
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If you are looking for light dairy or desert only, you may want to consider Orchidea in Boro Park (48th St. and 12th Ave.)
May you soon be zoche to have your dinners cooked at home by your lovely wife. (That has to be one of the weirdest brochos but hey you never know :)
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re: Himishgal
queenscook
Aug 24, 2010 02:55 PM
I don't know about weirdest, but certainly sexist. How about a brocha with a more Chowhound mentality, a site where there are many men interested in cooking: May you soon be zoche to have a home where you share the cooking with a wife and have family and friends to share your food with.
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Cafe Venezia is nice if you're looking for a dairy restaurant.
Good food, nice atmosphere, not terribly expensive.
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Try El Gaucho, on 18th Ave and E 4th St. Or if you want somewhere out of the way, where you're not likely to be spotted by people you know, try Olga's on Smith, which is on Smith St, oddly enough, between 4th & 5th Sts (nearest subway stop is Carroll St on the F and G). Be aware, however, that Olga usually closes at 9
