By OWEN MORRIS
Not to steal ideas (OK, this is totally stealing ideas) but over the weekend on Chowhound's boards, one poster asked the question of where he could rekindle love in the Kansas City area.
Most "romantic" spots focus on making good first impressions -- those places that seem to have all the extra props from a Bridget Jones Diary movie and a view to match. That's all well and good for sweeping a girl off her feet, but do you do after that?
My favorite part of the movie Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind is when Jim Carry's character talks about "dining dead." It's when you're out with your partner and you're both tired and everything you've had to talk about you already discussed earlier in the week. You end up just eating and mumbling a line here or there and just dining dead.
My suggestions for rekindling romance at a restaurant?
First, keep expectations low. You may planning to make someone fall in love with you all over again, but as far as your date is concerned, it should be just another meal. When expectations are sky-high it's so easy to be disappointed, whereas when there are none, the sky is the limit.
At the same time, history is also a major factor. Where was the first place you two went? How about a place that's your date's favorite but you don't like? I knew a girl who was absolutely bonkers about Fazoli's (yes, that Fazoli's) and would be much happier going there than a Plaza restaurant.
Also, I like restaurants that are adventures -- places that are off the beaten path, where it's all locals. You don't want to be dining with 19-year-olds on dates or business men. You want to be dining at a place where even if they don't know your name, they'll treat you like they do.
For me, putting my own advice to practical use means taking romantic interests to places like Jardine's or Anthony's. Or even Town Topic for a quick fun blast of a meal.
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I'm not even making this up, I was going to say Town Topic, but as a joke, because, you know, I absolutely hate Town Topic.
But fo' realz I would pick Garozzo's.
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