Browsing Category

Food

Dining, Food, Lifestyle

Valentine’s Day: How To Plan Guide For Guys

January 31, 2009

As I talked with my friends, one of the questions that I was asked was what my Valentine’s Day plans were. While a lot of guys may say that “we are still two weeks away from Valentine’s”, two weeks goes by in a flash. With that said, here is my advice to all boyfriends and guys that are planning to take out that special someone.

1. Even though the girl says that you don’t have to do something for Valentine’s, you should anyways.

Named after Saint Valentine himself, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by couples all over the world. While it’s true that girls will say that you don’t need to do anything for Valentine’s and that “being with you” is enough,  truth of the matter is that Valentine’s isn’t just any other day. Whether its a quiet homemade dinner for two or a night out, girls will appreciate the effort no matter how big or small it is. Here is a simple comparison that my female friend told me:

“Valentine’s is like another birthday for us. Everyone says you don’t need to get them something, but inside everyone wants just gifts and a party”

2. Time Management

Just like what they taught you in school on how to manage your time, it can also be applied to Valentine’s Day. Whether you are planning an all day event or dinner and a movie, it is important to have it all planned out ahead of time and not 30 minutes before you are about to pick them up. A helpful tip is to take into account the little things such as how long it takes to get ready, how long it takes to get to the restaurant, and what time or how long the movie is. Planning ahead will help make things go smoothly.

3. More Than Just Friends?

For some, Valentine’s will be just another day to share with a loved one. For others it can be much more. From telling that co-worker your true feelings, to being more than ‘just friends,’ Valentine’s is a chance to start a relationship or rekindle one. With that in mind, it is important for guys to know what type of tone they want to set for the date. If it’s telling a girl what you feel for them, make sure you actually have something to say aside from “I like you.” For the guys that are just trying to spend more time with their girlfriends here is my advice to you: turn off your cellphone. It is great that technology is at the tip of our fingers, but it doesn’t have to be 24/7. For some this is extremely hard, myself included. This Valentine’s I will at the very least keep my phone off at dinner. Yes, the score of the Laker’s game will have to wait.

4. Where, What, & When To Eat?

An essential part to Valentine’s Day is the meal. Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, it is important that you do it right and plan it in advance. If you try to book reservations today, you might be lucky enough to catch a table for two, but if you wait a week before, you will join the hundreds of others who will resort to ‘Standby’ at restaurants. Most restaurants now offer the convenience of booking reservations online. Not only does it save time, but you can see reviews and suggestions for restaurants as well. It’s hard to make an excuse when every restaurant in town takes reservations online.

Many upscale restaurants offer a special Valentine’s Day Pre Fixe Menu. Depending on your budget, these could be great deals. It is important to note that many restaurants that offer a special Valentine’s Day Pre Fixe Menu require a credit card along with reservations in case of cancellation. Most will allow you to cancel up to February 12 by 5PM, otherwise you would be charged a cancellation fee which is set by the restaurant.

In regards to what time to eat, that is entirely up to you. While there is no set time as to when to eat dinner as everyone has their own preferences, one should keep in mind these points:

  • Any post/pre meal activities : If you plan on watching a movie after dinner, take into account how long dinner might last.
  • Traffic : If you book dinner in downtown LA, expect traffic. Give yourself time to get to the restaurant.
  • Ambiance : If you book a restaurant near the ocean, book it around sunset time. If you want a quieter restaurant, you may want to go for an earlier or later dinner before the rush starts.

I have put together a list of Restaurants in the Los Angeles Area that might be of use for those of you still looking for Valentine’s. Please remember when calling any restaurant to ask if they have Pre Fixe Menus.

1. Yamashiro

1999 N Sycamore Ave
Hollywood, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 466-5125

2. Lawry’s The Prime Rib

100 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 91101
Phone: (424) 354-3409

3. The Raymond Restaurant

1250 S Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: (626) 768-3268

4. Moondshadow’s

20356 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: (424) 644-6450

5. Cicada Restaurant

617 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 488-948

Reservations Online: OpenTable.com

While it may seem time consuming and difficult to plan out Valentine’s Day, I am reminded by my female friend that

“when you are upset about how guys have to do everything for Valentine’s day..just remember…popping out babies is left to the girls”

I’ll stick to planning Valentine’s any day.

Career, Dining, Food

Etiquette 101

November 9, 2008

For most of us, sitting down at a table and eating breakfast, lunch or dinner is a time of relaxation and leisure. It is during this time, that we also exhibit some of our most ‘un-attractive’ manners and table etiquette. From talking with food in our mouth to leaning or slouching in our chair, many of us forget the table manners that our parents tried so hard to teach us.

While some may see no need for table manners in our own ‘personal space’, it is important to have some knowledge of them in the event that you need them as for example during a business luncheon or a formal dinner. So let us refresh on some key pointers that will help us seem ‘civilized’ at the least.

Table Setting by tracyhunter.

Continental vs. American

No, the title is not in some reference to a sporting event but rather in reference to the two different styles of eating etiquette.

The first, Continental, is considered to be the less formal of the two and some believe to more ‘efficient. Using the Continental style of eating, the fork is never moved from the left hand when eating. When eating and cutting food, the index finger is placed on the back of the fork and the knife is kept in the right hand. It is also noted that when cutting the food, the cut strokes should be made in one direction only (top to bottom). When using continental just remember, right hand – Knife & left hand – Fork.

The second, American style, which is most commonly used in the United States, is similar to Continental style. Similar to Continental style, the fork is in the left hand and the knife in the right hand when cutting. Your index finger rests on the back of the handles and you should cut several pieces of your food. After cutting, you will rest your knife on the edge of the plate with the sharp edge looking into the plate.

The big difference between American and Continental style is that after you rest your knife, you switch your fork to your right hand.

Tips

Whether you use the Continental or American style of dining, here are some helpful tips that may help you make a great impression in front of your boss or parents in-law.

  • -Used utensils shouldn’t touch the the surface of the table. Balancing them on the corner of your plate is a better place.
  • -Most dishes will be accompanied by the appropriate knife. For example: steak and seafood. Don’t use the butter knife to cut that 12 oz. New York Steak
  • -Most upscale restaurants go for the cloth napkins, which means you only get one. Try dabbing the mouth when needed which will your napkin last longer. (This doesn’t apply to Buffalo wings. We all know that’s just impossible.)
  • -If something is even remotely out of your reach, ask for some assistance from someone at the table.
  • -Sit up straight and don’t lean your elbows heavily on the table.
  • -It is best to wait till your party is served all there dishes out of courtesy.
  • -Be on time. Being early also shows that your dinner/meeting with your guests is important to you.
  • -In most cases, if you are the one inviting, it is suggested that you pick up the tab. No clear rule here
  • -Napkin should be placed on your lap when you sit at your table and placed on your chair or to the left of your plate when going to the restroom or stepping away from your meal as to show you will return.

The next time you sit down to a business luncheon or an important dining engagement remember to enjoy your dining experience. Also don’t forget one of the key elements to succeess: always be confident and composed. With that said, bon appetit!

Dining, Food, News, Uncategorized

Lace Em’ Up

November 7, 2008

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people are trying to find ways to offset the ‘feast’ on the 27th. One of the most common ways is for people to hit the treadmill at the local gym the day after as not to feel guilty for indulging in that extra slice of pumpkin pie or there grandmother’s mashed potatoes. One of the alternative options to going to the gym is to run. By running, I am not referring to just running a few miles the morning after, but running a marathon.

For most of us, we associate a ‘marathon’ with hours and hours of sweat, pain and exhaustion without any end in site. While this maybe true in some sense, that is not always the case. Our perception of marathons are often attached to the LA Marathon or the NYC Marathon, both of which are highly competitive and take months and months of training for. For the hundreds of us not ready to throw on our Nike’s and pretend we’re Usain Bolt, there are alternative marathons that might be just right.

In the LA area as well as in other cities across the country, individuals can sign up for 5K/10K Run/Walk event taking place the morning or the day before Thanksgiving. In Long Beach, Calif. for example, Long Beach will host its annual 5K/10K Turkey Trot Run/Walk with its proceeds going toward Community Action Team. Not only are individuals able to get a great workout before the ‘feast’, but they can help a great cause as many of the marathons have the proceeds of the registration fees go toward helping there respective cause. This is a great way to start off your Thanksgiving day by staying healthy and helping others at the same time.

What are some ways you plan to work off the Thanksgiving feast?

Dining, Economy, Food, News

More than just cars…

November 3, 2008

When most consumers hear of AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California) they think of roadside assistance. It is true that AAA is well known for there roadside assistance services, but not many are aware of the great perks that accompany being a AAA member. Apart from there insurance and travel services, AAA members can save at many locations just by showing there AAA card.

So just how much does it cost to be a member of AAA?

Aside from the first time sign up fee of $20.00, consumers can choose from three different membership levels, each with different levels of service offered. The most basic level, Classic, costs just $47.00 a year. In comparison to the various discounts and perks of being a AAA member, this is a bargain.

Perks

Shopping                     Entertainment                         Dining                     Accommodations
Barnes and Noble          Sea World                                  Chart House              Best Western
Circuit City                    Universal Studios Hollywood      Hard Rock Café         Hyatt
Dell                               San Diego Zoo                           El Torito                    Hilton
Target                           Lego Land                                  Joe’s Crab Shack       Marriot
The UPS Store                Anaheim Ducks                         Kelly’s Coffee            Westin
New York & Company    Aquarium of the Pacific             Sweet Factory            Starwood Hotels
Sears Optical                 Discovery Science Center           Rainforest Café
Blue Nile                        Knotts Berry Farm                      Wetzel Pretzel
Enterprise                      LA Kings                                    Circle K
LensCrafters                  LA Sparks                                   Disney Dining
Motorola                        LA Clippers                                Dream Diners
Payless Shoes                USA Today
Reebok                          Bally Total Fitness
Sit N’ Sleep

These are just a few of the man places and services that you can get a discount at by simply showing your AAA card.

In what some have called an ‘economic crisis,’ AAA helps us save a little money so that we can save it for a rainy day.