Top 3 Places to Take a First Date in Los Angeles

A first date can be an occasion to relish for years to come. The choices of places in LA to begin your journey are near endless; like counting sand at the beach. No matter your style or preferred taste, the perfect evening awaits you. I am recommending a three tier date combination that is low key, low cost, and high on excitement: a view, exotic taste, and laughs = enchantment.

A view.

On a clear day, the Los Angeles basin flaunts its immensity like no other U. S. city. The entire distance between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean can be seen if you happen to be at a higher elevation. By night it's a magnificent glow of big city lights liken to a cluster of stars in a far away galaxy. You don't have to spend $20 million US to travel in space; you can see LA free at The Griffith Observatory from high atop Mount Hollywood.

Owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles, the newly renovated Observatory is open six days a week and some holidays (closed on Monday) until 10:00 pm. Admission to the Observatory grounds and building is free. Public telescopes are also free the evenings the Observatory is open if the skies are clear. Knowledgeable telescope guides will be on hand to assist your observing. Arrive early evening well before dark to ensure that you aren't in line too long for the telescopes. Shows are also available in the Planetarium for a nominal charge.

For a quick Grab-n-Go snack visit the Café at the End of the Universe, operated by world famous Wolfgang Puck. Memberships are also available through the Friends of the Observatory (FOTO), a non-profit organization whose role is to support the Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Observatory is located at:
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Call (213) 473-0800 or on the web at: http://www.griffithobservatory.org/

Directions
Surface streets: Travel north on Vermont Ave., straight into Griffith Park; follow the signs up the hill to the Observatory.

Freeway: Take Interstate 5 to the Los Feliz Blvd. (south) exit, travel south on Los Feliz Blvd. to Vermont Ave. turn right; follow the signs up the hill to the Observatory.

Exotic taste.

This is a first date, so steak and potatoes won't do. Jazz it up a few notches at Kabuki Japanese Restaurants at the Howard Hughes Center on the west side. The ambience is just right for a night out with that special person. The menu is bursting with excitement from cover to cover.

If cocktails interest you then you know that martini's are the hip drink these days. There are the traditional favorites made from premium spirits, or try an exotic flavored Saketini made from Sake. The Shiso Plum Saketini is a delectable drink. There are a full variety of Sake's and Shochu's to choose from. Fine wines and non-alcoholic beverages are available as well.

In true Japanese style your choice of appetizer can come from the garden, the range or the sea. From the Garden, try the Garlic Edamame - delicately sautéed Edamame with sea salt and garlic. From the Range, the Sesame Chicken marinated in sesame and ginger sauce lightly fried is a winner. From the Sea, the Cured Salmon with Kiwi and Orange can seal the deal. Delightfully marinated Salmon served with Olive oil and Ruby radish is a treat.

At Kabuki, the award winning Sushi and Sashimi are the best. If you prefer rolls or a hot entrée, the choices are plentiful. Why not try a Love Boat - Chicken Teriyaki, B.B.Q. Beef Ribs, Shrimp and Vegetables Tempura, Gyoza Dumpling, Broiled Mussel, California Roll and Seasoned Fruit.

Dinner for two and cocktails will cost around $80. Reservations are not accepted on Friday and Saturday evenings. Seating may take up to 45 minutes. It will be well worth the wait.

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
6081 Center Drive, # 203
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Call (310) 641-5524 or on the web at http://www.kabukirestaurants.com

Directions
405 Fwy & Howard Hughes Parkway http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=6081+Center+Dr.&city=Los+Angeles&state=CA&zipcode=90045&country=US

Laughs.

The Comedy Union is the hottest comedy club in Los Angeles, located on West Pico Blvd. near La Brea Ave. Some of the hottest and well known comedians from television and the big screen appear every Friday and Saturday night. You never know who might drop in to hit the mic. Comedians like Damon Wayans, Martin Lawrence, Honest John, Mo'Nique, Mark Curry and Tommy Davidson, to name a few, may grace the stage often.

Open 7 nights a week, Friday and Saturday show times are at 10:15 pm. Ticket price is $10 per person before 10:15 pm; $12 after 10:15 pm. Call (323) 934-9300 for reservations or visit the web at http://www.thecomedyunion.com There is a two beverage minimum.

The Comedy Union
5040 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019

Directions
10 Fwy exit La Brea Ave., head north to Pico Blvd., turn left to 5040 W. Pico Blvd. Valet parking is recommended. Next door neighbor is the world famous Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles for after hour's treats.

Enchantment.
This is a bonus. Take a late night enchanting stroll on the Santa Monica Pier.

Good night.