Top Chef Masters * First Date Dinner

Bravo's 'Top Chef Masters' sizzle for 60 of our Matchmaking daters!

We had the pleasure of hosting Bravo's 'Top Chef Masters' and their world-renowned chefs for a very special, 'First Date Dinner'. See if our Matchmaking daters found love or fell in love with their dishes!


Top Chef Masters' - *First Date Dinner *

Written by: SpeedLA Dating & Matchmaking

A Little German

Perhaps it’s my German roots, my propensity to indulge in a few fine beers, or the excellent Bavarian fare on the menu, either way, I think Die Bierstube on Roosevelt and 61st is a great place for an informal date, especially if you know your date isn’t squeamish about sausage (although there is a cucumber salad on the menu, which sounds excellent).

Honestly, this bar and restaurant serves very authentic German beer and food, and at what I would call a very good price (every item of food on the menu is below $10.00). The beers are about a dollar or two more than you would expect to pay at U District bars a few blocks away, but the atmosphere is much more conducive to conversation (it’s quieter) and if the focus of your date is to get sloshed for cheap, it’s probably time to move on anyway. I know that when I am out with someone new (or even if we’ve gone out a few times before) I much prefer to sip my drinks slowly and pay attention to my date, and Die Bierstube serves up the perfect beers to savor.

Pick any of the 15 draughts on tap, or 22 by the bottle, and you’ll be happy you didn’t settle for any average American macro brew you could have had elsewhere. When I am looking for a dry and crisp finish, with a light body, I grab a half of a liter of the Bitburger Pilsner. For more flavor, and a smoother sweeter pull, reach for the Franziskaner WeissBier. After a few visits to this gem, when you become better acquainted with the staff, ask about “the vessel”, but don’t tell them I told you, and bring friends along!

Die Bierstube also serves a full selection of premium spirits for those not interested in beer. Recently, friends have recommended the Gurken Martini, created using a unique cucumber infused vodka. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed a few Saturday morning Blutig Marias (or Bloody Mary), but beware, this drink is mixed with a special pepper and chili infused vodka, and really does a number on the sinuses.

Die Bierstube - Seattle

Written by: Samuel Fisher - SpeedSeattle Dating Resident Blogger

A Bit of Vegas in Your Backyard...

Feel like taking a risk? Bringing your guy or girl to someplace fun and lively? You’ve done the coffee date. You’ve done the movie date. But you really want to get to know each other better.

Then it’s time to take up gambling. Really! There are a handful of tribal casinos in the Seattle area that can offer good food, live music, dancing, and—of course—games of chance. The Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn is newly renovated, with a large non-smoking area. The Tulalip Casino in Everett is a little classier, with a posh hotel and resort next door (great after you win big and want to get pampered). But the place you really want to try with your date is the brand new Snocasino in Snoqualmie.

Located just off I-90 at exit 27, the Snoqualmie Casino is a little slice of Vegas right in your backyard. There are 5 different restaurants to choose from—but you’ll really want to try the Falls Buffet. At $21.95 a person, it’s a little pricey, but the array of international cuisine is well worth it. After dinner, mosey over to Club Sno. Fridays and Saturdays feature some of the best DJs in the Northwest, and the rest of the week features live music, Karaoke, or other events. It’s always crowded, even on weeknights, so be ready for a party atmosphere.

There are several bars and lounges in the casino, including the Lit Cigar Lounge, perfect for kicking back and relaxing to get away from the crowds. Drinks are inexpensive (presumably because intoxicated patrons are more likely to lose money gambling—not you, though!).

And don’t forget the games. There are plenty of slot machines, but you and your date will want to stick with table games, like Craps or Blackjack. They’re more social, more interactive, and have better odds of winning. Plus, teaching your date the dos and don’ts will give you plenty of opportunities to chat and get to know each other. Win or lose, you’ll both have a great night.

Snoqualmie Casino - 30 Miles East of Downtown Seattle

Written by: Chris Akerman - SpeedSeattle Dating Resident Blogger