In addition to Valentine's Day being an opportune moment to plan something special with your sweetie, it's also a time to start the journey to rekindling your love of local dining if you're not quite feeling it, or amp it up if you are.
Here are a few of my restaurant dating tips with some examples of how to put them into action.
1) Break the routine.
I'm just as guilty as the next person of ordering favorite items from my go-to places when I am not on the clock. Try to strike a balance if you can — if you are a creature of habit, just about anything seems less exciting after a while. If you are stumped, ask your server for guidance.
2) Work your network.
Where are your friends eating? Have they been to any great restaurants lately? Had any great meals they would recommend?
I bumped into a fellow foodie earlier last week at Ghostlight Coffee, where I had switched up my usual fig vanilla black pepper latte order for a refreshing tangerine lavender honey latte that I fell in love with (see suggestion No. 1). During our conversation, he hipped me to a new spot that recently opened in the Blue Jacket bookstore in Xenia called Table of Contents Cafe. Not only do I love the name, but it sounds like I will love the food. Fantastic homemade soups, sandwiches in a great atmosphere were his words paraphrased.
And because of that tip I discovered Blue Jacket Books will be celebrating a decade in business on Feb. 26 with what sounds like a pretty cool party from 5-8 p.m. I'll definitely be out that way soon, it sounds like it's definitely worth a visit. Thanks for the tip, David!
3) Go on an adventure.
Make a list of area restaurants you've been meaning to go to and haven't yet and venture out of the neighborhood. It's time.
Song's Sushi at 5515 Airway Road in Riverside is an example of a restaurant that's worth the drive to try out.
This welcome addition to the Dayton dining scene, which celebrated its first birthday at the end of January, features a menu packed with wonderful Japanese and Korean dishes. This is a destination that begs for exploration with many interesting dishes to choose from.
In addition to great food they have great specials that won't break the bank. Wednesday night is Saki night — where you can get a small Saki for $1 with any meal purchase over $10 and with the purchase of sushi rolls $7.25 and up you can buy one and get one half off.
The Bibimbap, Bulgogi and the large Korean pancake packed with fresh seafood is not to be missed.
If that's not your thing, what about the new Spent Grain Grill at Warped Wing Brewing Company or the new location of Arepas & Co. that moved into the space Olive, an Urban Dive was once occupied? Find something new to love and plan an adventure today.
4) Head to an old favorite you haven't been to in a while.
If you've had your fill of new adventures lately, then maybe what you need to have sparks fly is a classic you haven't been to in a while. Make a quick list in your head of your top ten favorite restaurants in town. Which one deserves a visit? Go back to the basics of what you love to remember what you have.
5) Do your homework.
Spend a few minutes researching, it will likely pay off with a fresh, new find. Are you still trying to eat healthy in the new year? A few searches and clicks and you might have come across Cedarland Bakery and Restaurant at 4515 Linden Ave.
This little gem serves up authentic Middle-Eastern and Lebanese dishes with falafel, hummus, shawarma, stuffed grape leaves, kebbe, kata, cause and baklava that will have you dreaming about your next visit.
The building and decor isn't much to look at, but what's happening in the kitchen will delight and surprise you and the bill will be easy on the eyes.
6) Pick good company.
Some of my favorite meals have been elevated thanks to terrifically great company. Choose wisely — it makes a difference.
7) Have fun.
The $1 Tuesday burger promotion at Bar Louie at the Greene on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to close is quite the deal. Head there and then head to a discounted movie night across the street. It may not be the best burger you've ever had, but it's one of the best $1 burgers you have. Look for affordable opportunities to enjoy yourself when you are dining out and let loose. The more you let yourself relax and enjoy things the more you will. It's not rocket science.
8) Date your city, date its restaurants.
At her TEDxDAyton talk in 2013, London Coe spoke passionately about dating your city and getting to know it better. I would argue a big part of that is dating your city's restaurants. I am hoping today is marked with a great meal for you and the realization that there's a lot to love about our restaurant community. If it's not, it's time to start exploring!
http://youtu.be/WFFTZihNHos
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