From experience: Things and places to avoid doing, going or eating on a first date in Philly

Loud, Loud, Loud

I know when it comes to tequila… for men it always seems like a great idea. We girls drink too much, get flirty and then who knows?  (Is anyone else having a flash of Gretchen from the Real Housewives of the OC?)  Anyway a loud, Mexican restaurant is definitely not the place for a first date.  Recently a very nice man took me to dinner at El Vez on 13th street.  Seemed like tons of fun!  Loud loud loud.  I never heard a word he said nor the specials from the waitress which was seriously dissapointing.  Bottom line:  Save the loud tequila drenched bars for later, booty calls or nights out with boys. 

Religious or Politically themed events, movies or exhibits

My Worst Date Ever story involves a double date where we went to see Mel Gibson in “The Passion of the Christ”  It was incredibly not romantic.  Gentlemen… please save your feelings on God and politics at least until date 3.  The worst feeling in the world on the first date is one of “Oh no if I don’t agree he’s not going to like me!”  Avoid it.  I don’t care if you spent 500 bucks on the tickets for Tom Knox for Gov fundraiser.  Take your mom.  Don’t assume because I’m under 45 I’m a democrat.  Mmk thanks. 
Bottom line:  Politics and God are never safe subjects

"Fun" dates that really aren't that fun

So this is all about coming from experience.  I go on lots of dates.  I’ve been on bad ones and really great ones.  Some of the worst were involving “day trip” ideas that were meant to be really fun but just kind of sucked.  Last spring I was asked on a date to lunch at XIX at the Bellevue.  I wore a beautiful sundress from Lilly Pulitzer… really put some effort into the hair and broke out the 4 inch wedge heels.  So after an amazing lunch… he says “Oh by the way I thought we could do something fun so I got tickets to the Ride the Duck tour.”   WTF?!?  Ride the Duck?  So we get on the boat where i immediately step/sit in a puddle of nasty water, ruin the white sundress and ultimately look like I peed myself.  The street part of the tour commences but then theres the river portion… there goes my beautifully blow dried hair! 
Bottom Line:  keep “fun” dates and stylish dates separate

Ps: He didn’t look pleased when he stepped in the nasty puddle in his Ferragamo loafers either!

Garlic Breath....

Italian restaurants are usually a great pick for a first date.  Low lighting, candles, wine.  Really sets the tone.  However.  As much as i LOVE Villa di Roma’s broccoli rabe… it it loaded with garlic.  Pay attention to what you order because if it gives you bad breath you can just forget about the night getting any further.  A few months back a date took me to Positano Coast and after the night was through gave me a big wet garlicky kiss that almost make me vomit. 
Bottom Line: Stick to the marinara and avoid the temptation of garlic and oil sauces