Dinner and a movie?

(written for Dinner4date )

For decades, it has been the tried and tested method. You have a meal and get to know each other a little better then you relax and watch the big screen, allowing you to continue to enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of an entire night of conversation.

That said, it’s also the obvious choice, so if you’re the one coming up with the idea for your date, is dinner and a movie too dull? Will your date think you haven’t put any thought into it?

The truth is that dinner and movie is a good, safe bet, particularly if you are in the early stages of dating. Everyone likes to eat and most people like the cinema. The key is to choose the right restaurant and the right movie.

When choosing your restaurant, make sure that it’s somewhere romantic. Your date will not be wowed by burger and chips – unless it’s the newest, most chic and trendy burger joint in town (and maybe not even then). There are countless small and cosy restaurants around and opting for somewhere a little off the beaten track will show that you have done your research.

If you know a particular cuisine that your date likes, that’s a good start, but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new either. Even restaurants serving, for example, the most spicy of foods, are fully aware that it’s not to everyone’s taste so will have a range lighter alternatives on offer. Sure, Italian, Chinese and Indians are great, but what about Thai, Moroccan or Portuguese?

A simple Google search will set you in the right direction. Don’t pay too much attention to reviews – while they can be an indication of what is good, many people who take to the Internet after what they consider to be a bad experience are just letting of steam. If you are concerned whether you’re making a good choice, ask around and see if anyone you know has been. You can also check out their menu online or go along and check the place out first.

Looking at the photos online or visiting beforehand will also give you an idea of the décor and atmosphere of the place. You want somewhere that will be comfortable but not too noisy or overcrowded (another reason why avoiding the current most popular choices could work in your favour). If you do arrive and find there are only a few other diners, ask for a table by the window or in a corner that’s more private and where you’ll be less aware of how many other customers are in the room.

When it comes to the menu choices on the night, let your date lead with their thoughts, particularly on items that you are likely to share, such as a starting platter or tapas (at least that way, if the food doesn’t turn out to be great, your date will have shared in the decision making and you can take joint responsibility!)

The same applies to your movie choice. The latest Blockbusters will be well covered in the press, but there are often smaller independent films that are well worth watching and may also been less crowded (again a nicer atmosphere for a more romantic evening). As before, don’t rely too heavily on the reviews – go for what you think sounds interesting and what might appeal to your date.

At the end of the day, you can pick the most popular restaurant and film of the week, but it doesn’t guarantee a great meal and experience. You are not the one cooking the food or directing the screenplay, after all. If it’s not all that you had hoped, laugh off the negativity and instead concentrate on the positives parts of the evening (the company is, of course, a good starting point!)