Every man dating/engaged/married should have a go-to restaurant for date night . Some ideas are: CAUTION : None of these restaurants serve food like mother used to make (and if they do, please let me know!) -- almost all of them serve food that is cooked or prepped in advance; ie. an entrée at one place might be microwaved to order, while another already come out fully cooked, simply needing warming up before serving. CAUTION 2 : If dating someone who's diet consists primarily of soda and fast foods (ie. potato chips) you should probably not take them to any of the following locations; their diets would be better suited for home cooking instead. - Not only do the prices range from cheap to expensive; but the type of food can range from traditional American, Italian, Indian, Mexican, French, German, Greek/Middle Eastern (and more!) - Plus these restaurants are usually centrally located for dating couples. (for families) it's time to keep your family traditions alive. Though maybe not every single Friday night; using this tradition as a dating night once or twice per month should help stave off any potential " Your cooking is bad... you need me to cook for you " complaints. CAUTION : If your spouse starts dating your parents (hehehe) then don't complain when they get spoiled by their caretakers! CAUTION 2: It may be hard for some spouses to adjust at first if they're used to dating restaurants that serve microwaved/pre-cooked foods -- this is a tradition where food is cooked from scratch, and meant to be a healthy meal. These are a few ideas every dating couple should try: 1. Italian : good for those who like pasta, meatballs, heavy sauces; but also great for those who want lighter fare such as chicken piccata or grilled meats served over pureed vegetables (if you can't tell by now, I'm obsessed with pureeing everything together). One of my favorite restaurants in the world is called "Osteria Venti" and it's located in Italy (but other countries have their own versions), and because we've been all over the world dating this past year, my fiance has eaten at many different "Osterias". So far his favorite is Osteria del Portico , in Colorado (USA). Also in Colorado: Trattoria Stella. 2. Mexican : A great place for dating couples to get a little crazy with their food and try new things. Some ideas: fresh guacamole and chips; cochinita pibil tortas (Mexican dish using marinated pork), Colorado Burrito (a burrito stuffed with French fries) [also Colorado's state dish], or anything on the menu that features mole'! [Another favorite of mine is Cuchara , in Colorado!] 3. Steakhouses : One cannot deny that steak tastes delicious no matter where it comes from; and dating couples should try dating different kinds of steak houses, such as: Peter Luger (New York), Keen's (NYC), Ruth's Chris (WCG, USA), Angus Steak house (Sydney). 4. French : A good place to go if the dating couple is ready for a culinary adventure. Some ideas: snails in garlic butter sauce; frog legs wrapped in bacon; escargot stuffed with goat cheese and herbs; or even alligator pears. The one I've been obsessed about lately is Chez Francois , near Richmond VA. 5. Indian : Another great option for those who like microwaved food just fine -- but need to take their dates out once and awhile; dating Indian food is a great way to eat normal amounts of rich, heavy foods in small courses [and not feel guilty about it!] My favorite: Woodlands , located in Boston and NYC. 6. Greek : A good option for those who want lighter fare than Italian but also heavier than Mexican food; dating Greek food means dating lots of seafood and vegetable dishes, such as: stuffed grape leaves (dolmas), shrimp saganaki, grilled octopus or lamb shanks. Definitely check out Greek Isles Grill if you're dating in the area surrounded by Washington DC/Norfolk/Virginia Beach VA/Richmond VA. 7. Middle Eastern : Great for people who like Mediterranean cuisine -- dating Middle Eastern cuisine pairs well with dating Arabic/Turkish/Israeli dishes, dating kabobs, grape leaves (dolmas), hummus... dating Middle Eastern food will help ease the transition for dating people who are used to eating Mexican/Italian food all the time. A few of my favorite restaurants that specialize in dating Middle Eastern cuisine are Jerusalem , near Seattle WA; Mamoun's , located in New York City -- also see Istanbul Cafe if you're dating in Raleigh NC/Chapel Hill NC. 8. Turkish / Israeli : Another great place for dating couples who want more than Middle Eastern but less than Italian; dating Israeli food means dating lots of meat cooked on skewers (shish kebab); dating Turkish food means dating lots of dips -- such as hummus and date syrup (which is like molasses). dating Turkish/Israeli food dishes dating kebabs (which are the meat skewers dating couples get at dating Middle Eastern restaurants) but also dating baked eggplant stuffed with lamb, beef, turkey or chicken; which dating couples can try dating at any dating Mediterranean restaurant. A few of my favorite places for dating Turkish/Israeli food are Tash , in New York City; Jerusalem , near Seattle WA; and Sultan's Kitchen , also near Seattle WA. 9. Thai : Another great option for those who don't want to break the bank if they're looking to date mid-range priced food that has enough variety for seafood lovers and vegetable eaters alike! Some ideas: green curry with shrimp or chicken; dating Thai food pairs well with dating noodle dishes dating couples can try dating at any dating Asian restaurant. Look for restaurants that use the freshest local vegetables and have a full bar - my favorites are Thailicious Bistro , in Boston MA & New York City, NY; Lemon Grass Grill , located near Washington DC/Richmond VA/Norfolk VA/Hampton Roads VA; Sala Thai , also located near Hampton Roads VA. 10. Italian : The best option if dating couples are looking to dine out on a dime! Some ideas: fresh mozzarella or roasted tomatoes with balsamic vinegar drizzle; dating Italian food pairs well with dating pastas made of any type of flour dating couples can try dating dating any dating Italian restaurant. Look for places that have a lively atmosphere, lots of dating couples dating multiple courses for dating under $12 - my dating couple favorites are Via Matta , located in Boston MA; Bricco , near Hartford CT/Springfield MA; and Ristorante Il Portale , near New York City. 11. Spanish : Another great option if dating couples want to dine out on a dime! Some ideas: tortilla espanola (potato omelet); dates stuffed with manchego cheese or shrimp; paella ; dates stuffed with chorizo -- which dating couples can try dating dating any dating Spanish restaurant! Look for restaurants that have an extensive tapas menu where dating couples can share multiple