Khao San Road -326 Adelaide West, Entertainment District

This restaurant is named after the famous street in Bangkok, and rightly so.  This place is just as busy as a its famous namesake.


Gents, this is a great place to start the night and it's casual but not a hole in the wall. Think 'dinner and a movie' type of date. This is a great hidden gem if you want to impress her with truly authentic Thai food. Those in the know about Khao San Road are DIE HARD FANS.


Ladies, you can wear flats here.  Enough said!


Dating Cheat Sheet:


Reservations:  Due to the high volume of diners (this place is PACKED every night of the week) Khao San Road only allows 2 reservations per hour and only if booked at least two weeks in advance.  Otherwise, you are SOL and will have to wait in line like the rest of the backpackers.  Don't expect to just waltz in and be seated. Even the phone lines will be busy during dinner hours.  Pick up orders are a good alternative if you are inclined to eat in with your date.


Atmosphere: Great positive energy.  Lots of people and expect the noise to be in the background but not too high that you can't enjoy the conversation.  The more accommodating you are, the more likely you are to score a seat quickly, but be warned that you may end up sharing a table with strangers or eating at the bar.


Wardrobe:  Jeans and t-shirt.  You may see a few suits here after work but it's mostly a more casual downtown crowd.


Menu: Small menu. the 'Street Style' Pad Thai is one of the best in town. The curry selection is limited but packs a lot of flavour and the portion sizes are plentiful. The garlic tofu is a highlight and you can't go wrong with the squash fritters, one of Khao San Road's most popular appetizers.   The dessert menu is the only sticking point with this place. But given it's location, if the date is going well, you have your excuse to extend your time together by suggesting a nightcap in the Entertainment District.


Conversation Starter:  Try the Thai Iced Tea, a sweet but unusual drink that seems quite popular. But be prepared, it is quite sweet.  If you have ever been to the actual Khao San Road, now is the time to impress her with your knowledge and get some help by sneaking a glance at the Thai phrases written on the chalk board near the kitchen window.  Just make sure she takes the seat facing the door so you can charm her with your linguistic capabilities.


Datenight of the Week: Wednesday, but expect to wait regardless of the night you go on.


DatenightTO Verdict: 2nd date spot.  Too noisy for a first date and too relaxed for a 3rd or 4th date.  This is the time to get to know your date and enjoy a good conversation.


Keep in Mind: Khao San Road is closed on Sundays and the line up only thins out around 9pm.


Make us proud!


Chivalry & Courtship

Barque Smokehouse - 299 Roncesvalles Avenue

Smoking takes on a whole new meaning at Barque Smokehouse where you are immediately hit with a waft of barbecued delicacies as you walk through the door. 


Gents, if you want to see if your girl can get down and dirty with her hands without batting an eyelash then this is the place for you. Show her how you put the word MAN into ro-MAN-tic.
 
Ladies, if you want to treat your man to a special night out, this is one of those places that you can drag him away from the hockey game for. 


Dating cheat sheet:
Reservations: ESSENTIAL....we mean, call at least a week in advance!!! Even if it is a Monday...this place is packed all the time!!


Atmosphere: Very casual and get ready to eat with your hands. This is Toronto's first Smokehouse and it doesnt disappoint.


Wardrobe: Casual.  Gents- jeans and T-shirt is just fine.  Ladies- Same as the gents.  Don't wear anything you would be upset to get dirty.


Menu: $100 will get you the two person sharer (with enough sides and meats to make you both happy) and alcohol. If you have some room to seal the deal, the homemade pecan pie is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. 


Conversation Starters:  Ease into your meal with a maple-glazed, bacon-rimmed Ceaser and be sure to taste the different dipping sauces with your complimentary popcorn. It will be difficult not to notice what your neighbour has ordered so embrace the voyeur in you and be sure to comment about the various aromas surrounding you.  


Night of the week:  Friday night with reservations but because the food and atmosphere has such a comfort vibe, any night of the week works.


DatenightTO verdict: This place requires you to be very comfortable with the person sitting opposite to you so this is 3rd or 4th date place, or at least wait till after you've seen each other naked.  


Keep in Mind: Barque also has a stellar brunch....in case your date goes exceptionally well.


Keep making us proud,


Chivalry & Courtship