A Fun Twist to Date Night

Many couples, especially those with kids, venturing out on date night opt for dinner and a movie. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it’s quiet in comparison to the usual calls at home of “Mommy, mommy, mommy” or “Daddy, daddy, daddy.” Often times, dinner consists of selecting one restaurant and timing it such that the couple makes it to the movie theater in time to score decent seats and maybe some dessert in the form of popcorn or candy. Why not put a fun twist on dinner and a movie?

Instead of selecting a specific restaurant to dine at, add a twist to date night by ‘restaurant hopping’ before the show. In theory, a couple shares small portions of food at three or four restaurants, thus leaving room for several tastings and flavorsome food typically absent from a movie theater concession menu. A couple can sit at the bar or outside and partake in an appetizer, small plate, or dessert at each restaurant.

Restaurant hopping encourages couples to try somewhere new, appeases both palates, provides a sampling of new and different foods, and serves as conversation fodder. Luckily, Knoxville offers a several great options for restaurant hoppers. The Market Square/Gay Street area, the Old City, or Turkey Creek (see http://knoxvillemarketsquare.com/, http://www.tasteofknoxville.com/neighborhood.html, or http://www.easttennesseedining.com/kreview.htm for restaurant listings) boast a plethora of restaurant choices and available shows at the Regal Cinemas, Tennessee Theatre, or Bijou Theatre.

If Market Square/Gay Street becomes the destination of choice, an assortment of savory and sweet foods awaits a couple with empty bellies and exploratory palates. The couple might stop at Oodles Uncorked and enjoy the bruschetta with fresh, plump, juicy tomatoes topped with basil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese followed by a tastefully unique smoked duck breast quesadilla with caramelized onions and manchego cheese at La Costa, and ending with a pair of delectable cupcakes from the Café 4 bakery. Or, they might begin at Nama Sushi Bar with an artfully crafted, fresh, spicy tuna roll followed by a mouth watering smoked cheddar and onion slider at Latitude 35, and ending with an All-American banana split at Marble Slab Creamery. Or, the couple might opt for smooth and velvety hummus with veggies at Tomato Head followed by Pesto Shrimp and Grits at Trio, and finish off with a creamy yet salty snack of avocado tequila salsa and rainbow chips at Cocoa Moon/Koy Fusion.

The restaurant hopping combinations are endless with a myriad of food options available to a willing eater. So, why wait – go ahead and make a date! Take the opportunity to try new foods, experience new restaurants explore the community, and turn a routine date night into a fun evening full of conversation, laughter, and well-deserved time spent with each other. Bon Appetit!