Spring Date Series

We have your guide to fun, informal, and best of all inexpensive dates around the city! Our Date of the Week (DOW) is the hippest, most high class fast food joint in town: Shake Shack.

Yes, it IS worth the hype. Perhaps not the most glamorous date, what says 'I'm silly and fun' like old-fashioned burgers and fries. Go all out with the famous, made-to-order Shack Burger ($4.75) and the most delicious cheesy fries ($3.75) to share. Note to all: I skipped the shake on my first go-round...do not make this mistake! The to-die-for custardy shakes, while a bit pricey at $5.25, are worth every penny and every sip. Lines can be long, so we recommend off-peak hours. Go original at Madison Square Park or skip for the newer, table-inclusive UWS locale. Before you go, check the monthly Custard Calendar, where each day of the week features a specialty flavor...my April pick is Pineapple Upside Down Custard, yum!
Bonus: Serves beer and wine.
Estimated Date Cost: Under $30

Katwalk

What: No, it's not the name of a gentleman's club, but a rockin' bar/lounge in the Fashion District.
Where: 2 West 35th Street
Why it Rocks:
1) Sex & the City Wednesdays, featuring a big screen showing of your fave eps and fashionably monikered drink specials...Mr. Big shots anyone? Bring a group of 8 ladies or more and get free apps!
2) Fab outdoor seating arrangements! As Spring springs, this is a highly valued feature as all city dwellers long for some semi-fresh air
3) Music is fun and audible, but not so much that you can't carry a conversation.
4) Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 3-7, including $4-$6 specialty cocktails and $6 glasses of wine.
Bonus: It's charitable! Katwalk encourages guest bartending gigs where they donate 10% of drink proceeds to the charity of guest bartender's choice.

Gripes:
1) You have to practically climb over piled up trash on the corner to reach the entrance
2) Remember those fab outdoor seating arrangements? See Gripe #1.
3) Stay away from the nachos, unless you are into chips slathered in fake cheese and salsa (and not in a good way).

Bottom Line:
Great place for after work drinks, especially if you start before 7! Stay at the bar unless you've reserved a table. While it does get crowded quickly, seats frequently open up.

Free Cone Day!

Free ice cream? Does it get any better than this? Today, April 21st, stop by your local Ben & Jerry's for a free scoop. Check out the B & J's web site to find the closest location and get in line! I'll be there wracking my brain (and taste buds and stomach) trying to decide between Cherry Garcia and Mint Chocolate Cookie.