Green Lake Style!

Nestled in between Phinney Ridge to the West, Wallingford to the South, Roosevelt to the East, and Licton Springs to the North, lies Seattle’s favorite urban oasis- Green Lake. This 259 acre lake and the surrounding park is one of the best date options the city has to offer due to its cost, versatility, and overall aesthetic pleasantness.

Minutes is all one needs to leisurely stroll the 2.8 mile paved path surrounding the lake, but this is really the bare minimum required for the date. This can be great for first dates, because after 45 minutes of walking and talking with that new someone, you’ll be sure to know whether the date will swim or sink. If after a minute stroll things are going well and you don’t feel the urge to get back in your car and hightail it out of there, there is still plenty to do. Here is where the variety of options in the surrounding area really has the potential to make the date excellent.If you’re hungry after your walk, head to happy hour (3pm-6pm then 9pm-close) at Duke’s Chowder House at the north end of the lake. The menu boasts seven generously priced yet stiff cocktails at $5 a pop, while both wells and draughts are each $3. A selection of excellently crafted appetizers is available for only $5 each (I recommend tuna wasabi quesadilla). The roomy south-facing deck is a great spot to soak up rays and mojitos in the summer months.

If seafood and drinks isn’t your scene (or the weather isn’t cooperating), jaunt over the East end of the lake for a smooth and piping beverage from the Starbucks on 71st and Green Lake Drive, or if you favor the trendier and independently owned establishments, venture one block North to the 72nd Street Café and take in the local art displayed on the walls while sipping on one of the best cappuccinos the neighborhood has to offer, or nibbling at a unique panini crafted with gourmet cheese and artisan bread.

These ideas are literally a tiny fraction of activities the neighborhood and park have to offer, so explore on your own, or check back soon for more ideas and variations on the Green Lake date.

Written by: Samuel Fisher - SpeedSeattle Dating Resident Blogger

The Seduction Shuffle

Alright, so you and your significant other are about to enjoy one of the perks of a perfect match -- otherwise known as 'getting busy.' You've got the candles lit, the curtains drawn and the massage oil standing by. Sweet, sexy sounds are streaming in from your iPod, and everything's perfect. Until the next track comes on.

Nothing can ruin the mood quite like your date finding out your iPod is just as likely to play Miley Cyrus as Marvin Gaye. Of course, you can always build a 'passion playlist,' but that takes time. And, if you've got any sort of sex life, that playlist will probably play itself out after a few rounds of play. The last thing you want to do in the bedroom is get stuck in any sort of routine, and nothing says stale faster than finding yourself choreographing your moves to the same predictable rhythm every time you get it on.

That's why God (or Cupid) invented Pandora. Using its proprietary music genome technology, Pandora will automatically build a custom playlist based on any artist or song. Basically, Pandora hones in on certain traits of the tunes you give it, and uses those traits to pick a whole playlist of similar songs. If you're into rhythmic drums, hard bass lines and minimal vocals, it'll build you what amounts to an entire radio station of that particular kind of music. If uptempo jazz beats and classical orchestration are more your thing, then that's what you'll get. And, with almost a century's worth of music in their database, Pandora will keep serving you up with something different every time you turn it on. With Pandora, you'll always have a new playlist to put on when you're looking to get turned on. And anyone who has ever gotten it on to the sweet sounds of a Sade or a Sam Cooke knows that nothing makes the mood quite like a little mood music.

Basically, if variety is the spice of life, think of Pandora as cinammon for whatever you're baking in the boudoir. Because a little sugar in your bowl is good and all, but sugar and spice is just so much more nice.

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Getting Cheeky with FOX News!

SpeedLA Dating had the pleasure of hosting Fox News & Good Day LA. When it comes to cheeky - there is no substitute! We are chuffed to have such trendsetting singles and are thrilled to be bringing our unique brand to LA.

We have changed Speed Dating and brought a new way of Matchmaking to Seattle. Where we felt other companies lacked with have set out to redefine. For our events, we bring our charismatic hosts, Complimentary Make Over's for the ladies, the absolute best venues, plate after plate of gorgeous nibbles and cash prizes - our SpeedLA standard. Spoil yourself in our popularity and let us be your Matchmaker. With an audience of thousands from our Dating, Networking and Televised events - we bring together a personalized, straightforward approach to Matchmaking in Los Angeles & Seattle.

Fox News & Good Day LA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMhmpHLYBMU

SpeedLA Dating & Matchmaking

http://www.speedseattledating.com/

Fancy a go?

Pink on Pike

The chemistry is there, the awkward career questions have been answered (or in this economy, dodged), and the initial follow-up calls were made. Bars and restaurants are the go-to first date venues in a budding romance. In the beginning stages, you may get to a third or fourth date and find awkward minutes still lingering. How to keep yourself entertained and, if necessary, distracted, without leaving the comfortable haze of dim lights and a cocktail? Pink Door.

When it opened its doors in 1981, The Pink Door provided more than an authentic Italian meal for its patrons. Nestled in the core of Pike Place Market, Pink Door has attracted its guests for nearly 30 years with its cozy and eclectic environment.

Walk inside the restaurant and the romantic, lively ambiance is consuming. Once my date and I narrowed down our drink from their extensive wine list, we shared the leporati prosciutto di parmato start. Soon, your eyes drift up to the burlesque trapeze artist. Yes, in the restaurant. Burlesquing and trapezing her way over your head throughout your meal. The entertainment - she, as well as the music – is always free, and guarantees a good conversation starter. The food is delicious, and won’t break the bank. After dinner, my date and I wandered past the dining room to the patio, where we took in gorgeous views of Elliott Bay.

You won’t see a sign, but you will see a pink door. And inside, you will have a great time, even if your date’s not one.

http://www.thepinkdoor.net/

Written by: Rebecca Gelbart - SpeedSeattle Resident Blogger

The Honey Hole

Cheap, quick, and DELICIOUS.

Nestled among coffee shops and vintage stores in Capitol Hill, Honey Hole Sandwiches is one of those gem of a spots that you will label in your go-to folder for a date or an out-of-town visitor. You know, the mental list of restaurants, parks, attractions, bars, and general Seattle what-not that will deliver a good time, every time, without any disappointments or fancy strings, just plain ol’ fun and dependable.

The Honey Hole is known for their sandwiches, first and foremost. Between the day and night menu, cold and hot, vegetarian or not, the choices are endless. The first time I went, it was a rainy summer day, and I channeled my past Hawaiian summer vacations by ordering the Buford T. Justice, a tangy pulled pork sandwich drizzled with pineapple BBQ sauce and melted provolone on a French roll. To add to my delight, I complemented the scrumptious treat with a Two Beers Blonde Ale. Yes, that’s right. Honey Hole is not just a jazzed-up Subway, but boasts a fully stocked bar as well.

Honey Hole also serves burgers, salads, and other light fare, but as they say, their sandwiches are “almost legendary.” The second time I returned, it was a casual evening visit to start the night off. My date and I shared the onion ring and French fry platter, and the mouthwatering taste overruled any concerns I had had before with my bikini body. The lights were dim and we selfishly snagged a larger booth in the front but were the couple who sat annoyingly close. I gadged him out while sipping on a blueberry lemondrop; he gadged me while drinking a Pacifico. I’m originally from Southern California, and anywhere that I can get a sandwich and a Paicfico for $9 has scored a place in my heart. Honey Hole, I adore you.

703 east pike street

Seattle, Wa

206-709-1399

11am-2am 7days/wk

Written by: Rebecca Gelbart - SpeedSeattle Dating Resident Blogger

Fancy a Go?

We at SpeedLA Dating are tickled pink to be so sought after by the press and media. Thousands are finding themselves getting cheeky at an alarming rate! Recently, VH1 stopped by to see what all the fuss is about. Cheers to the production and producers for choosing SpeedLA Dating.

VH1 - SpeedLA Dating Promo

Find out if NBC/Oxygen's "Bad Girls Club" found love or just got plain cheeky!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubgkKy-3LNU&feature=channel_page

To view more of SpeedLA Dating's Videos -

http://www.youtube.com/user/SpeedLAdating1

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Are you havin' a laugh? Is he havin' a laugh?

Laughter is the best aphrodisiac! So get those endorphins flowing and take a trip out to Jet City Improv. Jet City performs at the University Theatre, on University Way NE. The show is an interactive performance, where all of the scenes, games and songs are based off of suggestions by you, the audience.

This isn’t your High School’s theatre—it’s fast paced and professional. Think Whose Line is it Anyway plus cheap drinks, minus Drew Carey. The actors are talented and fun, and they’ll keep you laughing through the entire performance. In fact, I thought it was better than the live improv show I saw in Vegas, but that one cost 5 times as much! Jet City Improv will only set you back $10 per ticket, and the drinks cost the same as you’d find at your local dive bar.

This is a great cheap date, and a great way to break the ice with the lucky guy or girl you bring along. The show is on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 pm, with an early show on most Saturdays at 8 pm.

Check out http://www.jetcityimprov.com/ for more details, official show times, and directions.

Written by: Chris Akerman - SpeedSeattle Dating Resident Blogger