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By SHARON KENNEDY WYNNE
Published February 9, 2005
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The people behind the national dating agency It's Just Lunch have put together a guide to dating in Tampa with its own "Top 10" lists of places to go, things to do and what prospects are likely to be there when you arrive.
You get the feeling when reading the Guide to Dating in Tampa (10 Finger Press, $9.95) that this is a cookie-cutter book with the words "in Tampa" sprinkled in to make it sound local. And sure enough, there are 50-some dating guides published by the matchmakers for cities and regions across the country.
But the basic tips and no-nos they offer is sound advice. For men, leave the bling at home, listen attentively and don't look around the room at other women. For women, leave the hoochie mama outfit at home, don't ask how much he makes and don't have more than three drinks in one sitting.
The basic premise is to just get out there. Join a club, take up a hobby, take a class or whatever it takes to occupy space in the dating world. Once there, work your magic by striking a confident pose, making eye contact and starting off a conversation with flattery.
It seems almost counter intuitive. If people follow this advice, they don't need to pay hundreds of dollars for IJL's dating service.
But on to the fun stuff: the lists. Peppered throughout the advice are lists, such as the best singles bars, the best bookstore coffee shops (too many chains, unfortunately), the best happy hours, the best pre-date spas and where to have that first-date lunch. Mel's Hot Dogs seems like a questionable suggestion, unless you are trying to show how unaffected you are by the sushi bars of the world.
But the list of creative dates is worth considering. Why not go rock climbing or hit the casino instead of that awkward "I don't know, what do you want to do?"
5 best places for a lunch or brunch dateValencia Garden Spanish Restaurant: Classic Cuban dishes at this W Kennedy Boulevard staple.
Front Porch Bar and Grille: Great for Sunday brunch.
Noodle Lounge: Draws a high-class lunch crowd to West Gandy.
Wright's Gourmet House: Great eats make it a delectable deli.
Mel's Hot Dogs: Ultimate in laid-back eating, and the food is good.
5 great dates- A round of golf at Westchase Golf Course followed by a drink at the clubhouse.
- Stroll the surf at St. Pete Beach, followed by a drink at the Undertow or an art film at the Beach Theatre.
- Dress up and go bowling at Splitsville in Channelside, where the retro lounge offers white truffle pizza.
- Hop on board a charter fishing boat. The worst that can happen is you have a nice day on the water. But if you catch something you can take some fresh fish home for the grill.
- Go on a photo safari at the Big Cat Rescue, a 42-acre wildlife sanctuary that lets you hand feed a tiger or take a night tour to watch the hunters in action.
Best places to flirtDavis IslandYacht Club: Holds dozens of regattas where you can meet the seaworthy and the date worthy.
Tampa Museum of Art: Exhibits, wine tastings and benefits bring out the elite.
The Gorilla Theatre: An arty crowd is drawn to this eclectic mix of theater, dance and Tampa's Jazz Club events.
Skippers Smokehouse: A laid-back setting with a bandshell under a giant oak always features good live music.
Howl at the Moon: The dueling pianos create a friendly atmosphere that is a frequent stop for bachelorette parties, who come for the 64-ounce "Trash Can Punch," an $18 bucket of alcohol.
- From Guide to Dating in Tampa
[Last modified February 9, 2005, 09:30:13]
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