Hello again, loves. It’s been a while. I’ve missed our time together, but I have something very special for you today. Read on for the scoop.

 

 As someone known to have my finger on the pulse of this city, I guide my FLUENT clients to the hottest tickets in arts, culture, and dining. When it comes to my personal friends, however, though they may be in the know in their daily lives, these guys – and girls - often come up guessing in the realm of a romantic rendezvous. Over and over, a friend sets a date with a desired companion, only to fall short when it’s time to execute a perfect plan. Of course, a basic dinner simply will not cut it in today’s fast-paced dating world. Sound familiar? Never fear. Below find my personal, highly sought-after suggestions for unforgettable dates. All of these ideas have been tried, tested, and are guaranteed to make you look like a romance rock star. Grab a cocktail and prepare to take notes. And don’t forget to always have a back-up plan in case of weather, whim, or who-knows-what.  

The Unexpected Lunch  Who says romance has to wait ‘til after dark? Most people don’t think of lunch dates beyond business, but I have found that if you start your loved one’s day off right, your night will reap the benefits. You feel me? Following are a few luxe lunch spots that I personally recommend. I suggest always making reservations. Urban Flower - Grange Hall: This funky floral and gift boutique also has one of the sexiest restaurants in Dallas. Call ahead and have them design an arrangement to grace your table. For ladies, especially, a return to the office with a custom bouquet will earn you major date points. Parigi: Light, airy, and lovely, this bistro is a local legend for good reason. Pray for sun and ask for a seat on the patio. You and your date will loose yourselves in great wine, seasonal dishes, and excellent people watching. Le Bilboquet: A jewel box of a restaurant, this spot features authentic French cuisine in a cool, casual atmosphere. Don’t miss the Endive Roquefort Salad or Wagyu Burger et Frites.  

The Perfect Picnic  Next up, while the weather isn’t exactly spot-on for outdoor picnics right now, feel free to bank this idea for a couple of months ahead. Or, you can always take your picnic inside for an added twist. Then, follow these three steps to picnic perfection. 1. Location: Visit www.dallasparks.org and prepare to have your mind blown by the many beautiful parks here in Big D. After scoping a spot online, visit it in person to make sure it’s just right. Or, as I mentioned before, an indoor picnic can be especially memorable. 2. Menu: Of course, you can always make your own food, but to keep it easy and classy, try stopping by Eatzi’s, T.J.’s Seafood Market, or Scardello Artisan Cheese. Each of these local spots will prepare a picnic when called in advance. Oh, and don’t forget the wine. 3. Special Touches: It’s the little extras that make a picnic truly perfect. Make sure you pack blankets, candles, wine glasses, plates, flatware, and napkins. Skip the paper and use your real plates from home. Your date will appreciate the thought. Or, for all the glory and none of the hassle, you can always hire my company, FLUENT, to plan your picnic. I’ll take great care of you, and we’ll make sure every detail is perfect!  

Dinner & Movie Upgrade Finally, while plain ol’ dinner and a movie are nice, we are trying to be unforgettable here. So, if you have been there and done that, take your date in a new direction: Go west, my friends, go west! Folks from Dallas sometimes forget what fun Fort Worth can be. It’s the perfect mini-road trip to your next dinner and a movie, with yours truly as a tour guide. Read on for my personal Cowtown suggestions, and plan wisely, because you have a 40-minute drive there and back. Hmmm… maybe an overnight stay is in order? Dinner: I recommend starting the night in the West 7th district. Choose from Waters Coastal Cuisine, Thirteen Pies, Terra Mediterranean Grill, and Dallas export Tillman’s Roadhouse. Then, head to Dude, Sweet Chocolate when dinner is done. Movie: Brant and Brady Woods of The Green Room, Trees, and The Gypsy Tea Room fame have brought back – and updated - the old school movie experience at the Coyote Drive-In. You won’t believe how great it feels to watch a movie on the silver screen from the comfort of your car. And speaking of cars, if you really want to show your date a night to remember, rent a convertible from Platinum Motorcars. Happy Date Night, Loves!     Jackson is the President of FLUENT, a premier luxury lifestyle management company based in Dallas. As the past Corporate Concierge for Barneys New York, Jackson is recognized as one of the most respected concierges in all of Dallas. From the social and cultural scenes, to dining and entertainment, this Dallasite truly has a finger on the pulse of his city. For more on Jackson, visit our Contributors Page. Jackson date night image, credit Thomas Mosely/Art of Mind Productions, LLC.