Roadtest: Date Night

Let’s face it; you just don’t have a choice in some things. Winter will always come around, Sydney Buses will always be late (especially when it rains) and every single year you will feel pressured to do something for Valentine’s Day.

This may seem like a great way to celebrate a relationship, but don’t be fooled because every year Valentine’s Day gets cheesier and cheesier. So is there a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day that isn’t lame?

 

The Standard Date with a Twist

What could be more typical than dinner and a movie on date night? This idea however, involves taking the clichéd date and mixing it up a little. Don’t bother going to some boring sappy drama and pretending you’re having a great time. Instead choose a movie both of you will enjoy, or why not try a violent slasher film and enjoy the much emptier cinema? But if you insist on seeing the rom-com, make the most of it by seizing the opportunity to spot guys awkwardly trying to put their arms around their partners. Of course, you won’t be challenged to find a dinner spot after the movie with all of our local cinemas being near some of the best food in Sydney.

Palace Cinemas, Norton St Leichhardt – Dendy, King St Newtown – Event Cinemas, Burwood Rd Burwood

 

The Cheap Date

(Not that it’s a bad thing). Yes Valentine’s Day is way too commercial, and there’s no good reason to spend exorbitant amounts of money, especially when you and your squeeze don’t normally do so. Plus, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year and keeping it low key will help you start the working week off with no hangover. Have a look around for meal deals that’ll help you pinch the pennies. Or why not take a romantic stroll at sunset in the park? Or along the Iron Cove if you want something similar to a beach? You can always encourage your significant other to spend the money you’re saving on a nicer present…

The Empire Hotel, Parramatta Rd Annandale has two for one meals on Sundays. Get there early to avoid the queues

 

The Drinking Date

C’mon, you live in the Inner West, it’d be a crime to not take advantage of all the great bars around the area! Of course, you could just go for the standard schooner or sauv blanc but why not make it an occasion and go a little upmarket? Be like the cool kids and head to Earl’s Juke Joint in Newtown for great cocktails and the chance to freak a date out by convincing them you’re going to a butcher’s shop (the original front of the building is still intact). Or try Different Drummer in Glebe for moody lighting and a great atmosphere. Really, the Inner West is your oyster on this one.

Earl’s Juke Joint, King St Newtown – Different Drummer, Glebe Point Rd Glebe