Life & Style | Relationships
Budget Casanova
It's the recession, honey. Lorraine Chandler tells you how you can still impress her by looking generous on dates without having to spend a whole lot of money.
- By Lorraine Chandler, Freelance writer
- Published: 11:20 May 26, 2009
- Image Credit: photos.com
- Treating your significant other need not cost a fortune.
You've met the most beautiful girl in the world, and you're on cloud nine because you've actually snagged a date. But wait a minute...You suddenly remember that because of your horrible new pay cut and your mounting credit card bills, there's no way you can treat her to a flash night out.
The best things in life might be free, but it's kind of hard to convince a new girlfriend of this. If you think you can impress her with a kebab at the cornershop or a curry at your local dive, you're probably going to be going it alone and pretty quickly. But wait& there's more than one way to have a cool date without breaking the bank.
Get cozy in a cafe
Check out the hip and stylish Casa Café (04-3444214), located in a converted villa behind Jumeirah Plaza. Brunch on Fridays is only Dhs50, including a shisha.
Take her to Shakespeare and Co. (04-4224558) at Al Manzil, , where you get a fabulous view of Burj Dubai. It's not cheap, but a nice meal for two and a couple of juices will set you back about Dhs250.
Take a long, lazy lunch together on Sundays at More Café in Garhoud (04-2830224), where you can eat half a kilo of fresh prawns, dipping sauce and a side salad, all for Dhs62. You might find that neither of you feels like going back to the office afterwards.
Remember; most unlicensed cafes are heaps cheaper, and you'll also save on the drinks bill. Check out Dubai Marina, especially Fashion Lounge (04-4270268). Afterwards, you can take a romantic stroll along Jumeirah Beach or Dubai Marina. Just remember to stay out of the malls.
Snazzy dining for half the price
If you really insist on eating at top-notch hotels, never pay full price. If you plan on many dates either with one girl or many invest in an Entertainer Fine Dining book (www.theentertainerme.com), which is chock full of two-for-the-price-of-one coupons for classy places like Asha's, The Cellar, and The Observatory. If you want to avoid looking cheap, you can pass the voucher to the waitress while your loved one is powdering her nose.
The early bird gets the low bill when it comes to eating out. Some top dining joints offer as much as 50 per cent off bills if you're willing to eat a bit earlier. Call your girl from work and say you can't wait a minute longer to see her. At the ever-stylish fusion restaurant Teatro, food is half price between 6pm and 8.30pm.
Vista in Express by Holiday Inn (04-4275500) also offers early bird menus, with a three-course meal for Dhs120. The stylish rooftop restaurant has stunning views over the Palm and Burj Al Arab, not to mention fab service and décor, so it's an ideal place for a first date.
The elegant Glasshouse (04-2271111) has a brilliant promotion on Monday and Wednesday evenings, with drinks at only Dhs10 when you order a two-course meal.
Anyone who's ever had the sumptuous (and pricey) brunch at Dubai Meridien's Yalumba (04- 2170000) will be delighted to hear about the new 99 dish buffet (Sat, Sun, Mon, Wed) costing only Dhs99
A boat for two
Every girl loves a boat trip, preferably on a yacht. Since your budget probably won't stretch to that, head down to Dubai Creek. Start your date with a leisurely stroll around Bastakiya to admire the quaint old buildings. Wander around Majlis Gallery (04-3536233) and the only art hotel in Dubai, XVA Gallery (04-3535 383). Then have a cool fruit cocktail at Basta Art Café (04-3535071). Just as the sun is setting, hire a private abra at Dubai Creek for a half-hour. The magic of Dubai Creek will cast a spell on you both, and all for just around Dhs60.
Sand, sand everywhere
If your girl is the outdoorsy type, you can have a fab time at the beach, but don't bother paying Dhs600 to get into some swanky hotel beach. With a little sweet talking, you can convince her to head to the open beach in Umm Suqeim for free. Pack a coolbox with some sophisticated little treats, and you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the sun, sand and sea.
If music be the food of love
If yourn girl is a classical music lover, get in touch with the Dubai Concert Committee, which holds free monthly concerts by international artistes at Crowne Plaza Dubai. If you can't get on to the popular mailing list, you might still get a spare ticket by turning up ten minutes early. Go to www.dubaiconcertcommittee.com.
Get on the big wheel
What's more romantic than a ride on a big wheel? Head over to Qanat Al Qasba (www.qaq.ae) in Sharjah on a weekend night to soak up the relaxed, festive atmosphere. The Eye of the Emirates is 60 metres high and, very importantly, air conditioned. Stroll along the canal and then take an abra ride to cool down. Eat some very reasonably priced food at Lemongrass (06-5565366) or Masala Craft (06-5566284).
Take the ice
You don't have to fork out big bucks to experience some ice during the sizzling summer. Head off to Al Nasr Leisureland (04-3371234) and pay Dhs15 each to strut your stuff on the ice rink. You can hold her hand without any of the usual awkwardness, and if she's a first timer, she'll be only too delighted to hang on to you. Sure-fire winner.
It's the recession, honey. Lorraine Chandler tells you how you can still impress her by looking generous on dates without having to spend a whole lot of money.
Text: Lorraine Chandler, freelance writer: Image: Grapheast
Top tips for cheap dates
-Be creative; putting some thought into a date gets more brownie points than just splashing out with money
-Read the listings regularly to check out special offers
-Avoid fancy hotels and licensed premises like the plague
-For daytime dates, get out of Dubai. Go snorkelling on the East Coast or culture-hunting in Sharjah
More from Relationships
More from Life & Style
The defintive men's magazine for the UAE
Life & Style editor's choice
-
Ten simple ways to love yourself
Just a few small changes to your day can make a big difference
-
Style story: Make waves with beachwear
Life's a beach in this summer's gorgeous new swimwear
-
2012 Ford Focus: Smashingly good
The all-new Focus turned Imran Malik Hulk-green with rage at one point
