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Romancing the 'burbs
By Marissa Heffley, Lindsay Kiliper and
3 great dates, West Lawrence style.
Photo illustrations: Jeff Brandsted
Brant Stacy, Jayplay writers
Thursday: Balls, Balls and More Balls
Feel like working up a sweat? Pick up your date and head to the batting cages at Sport 2 Sport to hit some balls. You can either flirt with your lack of ability or put your arms around your date to show the proper swinging technique. If you're lucky you'll be able to hit a grand slam with your talent.
After you've worked up a sweat and an appetite, head to JB Stout's Sports Bar and Grill to chow down some burgers. You deserve it.
Enjoy the appetizers, but don't take too long. Use you time to take your best shot on the pool table. Impress your date with how you handle your cue stick. After all the competition, drop your date off. Hopefully neither one of you will be a sore loser so you'll get a goodnight kiss.
Friday: Fine Dining and Wining
Pull out your freshly pressed khakis and your slip dresses for an evening of pure romance at Pachamama's.
Start the night off with wine tasting to relieve any tension. Choose from five wines and appetizers for the low price of $20. Make reservations, so you can sit on the patio watching the sunset glisten against the greens of Alvamar Golf and Country Club. This is the perfect time to slip your hand into your date's hand as you beckon a personal violinist (Fridays only) to your table. Request anything—maybe not Beyonce's "Naughty Girl," but perhaps a classical Bach tune.
After a date, meet up with friends at Clinton Lake for a campfire, some good music and good times.
Location: Pachamama's, 2161 Quail Creek Dr., 841-0990
Be adventurous with your date and try anything from a specialty duck to the veal. If the wide selection makes you nervous, the "amuse bouche" tasting might help you out. It's a nightly food tasting extravaganza that will pleasure your palate. Even if you don't know how to say "amuse bouche," give it a shot. The puckering of your lips will distract your date enough.
Price Range: Entrées range from $17-$28
Location: Sport 2 Sport, 5200 Clinton Parkway, 843-4263; JB Stout's Sports Bar and Grill, 721 Wakarua Dr., 865-5144
Price Range: Sport 2 Sport Batting Cages, $1 for 20 balls. Dinner, Entrées range from $6.49-$17
Saturday: Full of Games
It's cheap, fun and an icebreaker. Head to the pizza buffet and salad bar at Mr. Gatti's. Don't worry about dressing up or having conversation starters. Between the pizza and games, you'll have your hands and mouths full.
you feel like a little flirtatious competition, try your luck at air hockey and video games. Win your sweetie a stuffed animal or even an 'engagement ring.' Once your hands get tired, take a rest and sit in a corner booth with a view of the parking lot. Remember, romance comes in all forms!
After you've relived your childhood at Mr. Gatti's, get down and dirty with some serious poker at Kaspar's Bar and Grill Poker Night. Feel free to down a few Miller Lights and nachos. As you play Texas Hold 'Em, don't feel the need to hold back from getting close to your date.
Location: Mr. Gatti's, 3514 Clinton Parkway, 838-9913, Kaspar's Bar and Grill, 3115 W 6th St. 856-3663
Dinner: $6 per buffet
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Poker: Free on a first-come, first-serve basis. Win prizes!
Jayplay 5.06.04