SĒN Baltimore Magazine - Nightlife, Local Music, Events and Podcasts

There is nothing better than hearing a yes!  when asking that possible special someone out for the first time.  Elation! High spirits! Now the question is where to go to capture and maintain the spirit of the moment?  Our charm city has no shortage of fine eateries but which ones can lay claim to the top spots for wooing and nurturing a budding romance?  The choice of where to go is perhaps even more important that what to wear.  Your choice speaks for you in ways that may not always seem apparent. 

To be considered a good first date place, it must be visually interesting.  Sure, nice linen and upper crusty décor may be nice to look at but it may not always invite good conversation.  During an awkward silence it’s certainly a relief to be able to talk about the art on the wall or the style in which the place is laid out.  A character of a place does speak to your character, if only by proxy, what you like makes up parts of who you are.  

Dress to impress, of course, and order like you know, as these sayings goes.   What if you don’t know? and didn’t bother to do research in advance?  A place with an idiot proof menu would be sublime.  How nice would it be to just point, order, and be thrilled when the food comes out?  Such a place should top the list of “must goes” for first dates.

How about a cocktail?  Maybe I’m old fashioned, but a cocktail before a meal really sets the mood, a well made one that is.  No sense rushing the night; you are after all dining, this requires deliberateness in engaging with your partner, the food, and the ambiance.   A stent at the bar does truly set things in motion.

With all that in mind, which places comes to mind?  The first one of note is Ixia.  A pretty place for sure, with its’ dreamy sheer curtains strung from the four corners of the main dining room.  The opulent chandelier mid room with dangling glass beads gives a sense of muted sophistication.  Further in is the bar area, plenty of seating on most nights as there is a lounge adjacent to it.   Art work is abound, plenty to catch the eye.  Floor to ceiling, the colors are passionate and elegant.  The menu will not disappoint regardless of your mood.  Try the lobster Mac ‘n Cheese, a must eat for anyone, at least once.  Other notables are the braised short ribs, yum!

Is wine your thing?  Off Rt. 108 in Columbia is a real gem for wine lovers.  The Iron Bridge Wine Co. is quite a place for bottle perusing.  The walls are lined with shelves and shelves of labels from every region representing almost every varietal.   If one catches your eye, just pull it down and they’ll cork it for your evening’s enjoyment.  It’s like a real nice wine cellar with tables, comfy couches, and great food.   Risotto with garlic shrimp was quite memorable, nice and creamy while still retaining a granular chewiness, clues of a well made Risotto.   Great wines and a lively cozy atmosphere is a combination certain to impress.

If heading to Baltimore do consider Salt.  Refinement with character best describes this Butchers Hill/Patterson Park gem.  Walking in you feel it, the clean lines, the vibrant colors, all speaks to the freshness of this place.  Here tasty food trumps atmosphere, real tasty food that is.  I think this is the only place in Baltimore where you can get a Kobe beef burger topped with Foie Gras and truffle oil.  Wow! Good stuff, the last time I had a burger like that was in Vegas.  Our charmed city has really stepped it up on the food front.  Vegas taste Baltimore prices, can’t beat that - go B-more!

Pazo – grand for sure, is one of those places that can magically lift from Baltimore.  The place has a feel of LA chic to it, spiced by French Quarter New Orleans opulence.  A large lounge area centers and anchors the room, a bar is off to one side, intimate seating surrounds.  Level two, against the balcony railing is perhaps the better choice for a table.  There you have a birds’ eye view of the lower level, great for people watching.  Small plates is the way to go here, choices are plenty, and its’ a great way to explore flavors, some stand outs includes, the” Pan Roasted Cod” and the “Lomo Embuchado.”

Sushi places are like hair places, everyone seems to have a personal favorite.  Most have the same elements which make them special and unique whether it is the location or the nice sushi chef, thus it’s difficult to point to one and claim it superior to the next.  That being said, I can point to one and say it is better than the next – Sushi Ya in Pikesville.  Why does it stand out? – Eric Kuo, owner/sushi chef.  This guy really takes his craft seriously, his attention to details is impeccable, freshness and creativity is to be expected.  The Kois swimming in small pond welcomes you as you enter, large statues of Buddha along with Japanese Woodblock prints adorn the walls, all hint of the relaxed and friendly ambience.  Their Tatami room makes for an inviting cozy backdrop for intimate conversations.

Success on that first date can be elusive.  A little forethought on where to go may increase your chances for a love connection.  Mentioned above are all quality choices, but of course this is not a comprehensive list in the least.  We are fortunate here in Baltimore to have such fine choices and lucky for us, the list is growing.  Perhaps Baltimore is for lovers, as charming as our charm city is, I don’t why couldn’t be.