Date Night Delights: 3 Recipes to Remember

You did it—you met that lucky someone (or maybe just swiped right on a whim), and now you’re at the stage where you’re thinking, “Should I ask them to hang out?” If this is just some random person you have zero desire to impress, congrats! You can take them to Bodo’s or direct message them for a last minute hookup at 2 A.M. on a Saturday night. But for those who love-at-first-match or are genuinely into this person, here are three recipes guaranteed to impress. And trust me, I know they work—because I’ve been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of all of them!

The Star-Crossed Cinema Stunner (Guaranteed Cuddle Bonus)

Ingredients Needed: 

• A bit of patience (because yes, they might have ghosted you for two weeks but you’re brave enough to reach out again).
• A decent Instagram DM game to get their attention back. 
• Movie tickets (ideally for something scary, trust me). 
• A solid stargazing spot nearby, bonus points if it’s an observatory and bonus points if her major is astronomy like mine.

Recipe: 

1. Set the Scene: Start with a casual yet intriguing DM on Instagram. Something like, “Wow, midterms were crazy. Let me take you out this weekend.” Midterms are not why she ghosted you, and yours aren’t even until next week but you want them intrigued—make the fact they left you “on delivered” seem like it was “on accident.”
2. The Right Blend of Venues: Is she a party girl? Movie-at-home kind of shut-in? An academic? Well might as well do something that checks off all three. Pick a low-key bar to start, something intimate but relaxed. Next, choose a suspenseful movie, or even better let her choose the movie, setting you up for maximum cuddle potential during the classic “scary scene” arm-grab movement. The main victim of the movie was me to this trope.
3. Challenge Accepted: After the movie, surprise them with a quick game—whether it’s a round of chess or pool at the bar, the key is fun, not competitive. Don’t sweat the outcome; if they win, be a good sport, and if you win, take it with a playful grin. You’re setting up a vibe of friendly, easygoing connection.
4. Seal the Night with a Kiss (and Stars): End the night with a romantic view of the stars at an observatory—a perfect, thoughtful touch if it connects to their major (so if they major in psychology bring them to a psych ward for patient-gazing). Whether at an observatory or just a quiet spot with a clear view, let the atmosphere carry the mood. If everything’s feeling right, go in for a kiss—just kidding, it’s 2024—let her go for the kiss, the best garnish to every dish is a dash of patience. 

Double Date Mini-Golf Madness (A Guaranteed Laugh) 

Ingredients Needed: 

• Your best friend (for backup) and her best friend (aka your best friend’s date). 
• A mini-golf course that has some quirky water traps for extra entertainment.
• A silly matching outfit with your best friend (your dates are not going to show up matching but they’ll laugh at the fact you both are wearing it).
• A healthy sense of humor and sense of competitiveness. 

Recipe: 

1. Invite Some Friendly Competition: Start off by inviting her and her best friend to a double date, complete with mini-golf. If you’re tempted to make it a theme night, maybe think twice unless you’re ready to fully commit yourself. If your date and her friend roll up in regular clothes, don’t make it weird—just roll with it and own the look. Nothing says “good sport” like joining the fun, even if the theme falls flat.
2. Set a Chill Vibe: While a little competition spices things up, go easy—no need to go overboard. Whether you win or lose, your date will be too busy having a blast with her friend to care much about the score. Be playful, keep it light, and don’t stress if you fumble a few shots; they’ll be laughing with you (probably).
3. Handle the Water Trap Like a Pro: If your ball ends up in a water trap, resist the urge to go full splash-zone. Instead, just give it a gentle nudge. Watching her crack up as you avoid the drenched look will definitely add to the fun. And if you end up soaking wet anyway? Embrace it—nothing warms hearts like laughing off a mishap.
4. Be Part of the Memory: Let her enjoy the evening, surrounded by the people who make her feel at home. The mini-golf may be silly, but it’s the good-natured chaos that will make the night memorable. She’ll remember the laughs and, more importantly, how much fun you were just being yourself.

Mother Teresa’s Veggie Soup Miracle (w/ a side of Khaki’s)

Ingredients Needed: 

• A car (or a personality charming enough to convince them an Uber is worth it).
• A quick call ahead to Bizou’s (because long waits aren’t cute).
• A photo of you, “piss-drunk” at Ellie’s (ideally in khakis—because nothing says “good time” like stained pants).
• An awkward $60 in small bills (makes you look like you almost have it together).

Recipe: 

1. Preheat the mood: If you’re driving, hotbox the car just enough that your date is slightly confused but amused. Alternatively, request that the Uber driver hits his vape so much that by the time your date gets in, they’re too distracted by the cloud of mystery to notice how nervous you are.
2. Parking Pro Tips: Please, for the love of first impressions, pay the parking fee. No one wants to be stuck circling while you awkwardly ask strangers how to settle a ticket. If disaster strikes and you get one anyway, don’t ignore her suggestion to pay it online—like the ticket says (trust me, it’s not charming after the third time).
3. Simmering conversation: Conversation feeling a little bland? Toss in your secret ingredient: the legendary photo of you, khakis soaked, and tell the history behind the term “piss-drunk.” Trust me, no one can hear that story without laughing, and it’ll cook off any leftover awkwardness.
4. Seal the deal: Pay for her veggie soup and bread. Sure, you don’t have to, but you don’t want this date cooling off too soon. Didn’t feel the spark? Use your leftover cash when a guy approaches asking for food. Your date will think you’re basically the reincarnation of Mother Teresa—and hey, it worked on me. That’s why this date landed at #3!

So, there you have it—three foolproof recipes for unforgettable dates, all guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re diving into drunk stories at Bizou’s, setting the mood with stargazing, or sharing laughs over mini-golf mishaps, these experiences go beyond just impressing someone; they’re about creating memories that feel genuine and real. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about winning them over with grand gestures or perfect moments—it’s the laughter, connection, and those little quirks that make the night truly memorable. So go out there, have fun, and remember, the best recipe for a great date is just being yourself—and having the money to pay for them.