Spring Date Series: Star Trek at the Ziegfeld

This week's DOW (Date of the Week...it'll catch on) is to embrace your inner Trekkie and head over to the Ziegfeld Theater to see Star Trek. In business since 1927, this 1600-seat theater is a must for all New Yorkers. The theater is expansive and emanates old Hollywood theater glam. It's not often that movie viewing is a real treat as it is at the Ziegfeld. The massive screen, large, comfortable seats (so hard to find at movie theaters these days), and wonderfully ear-piercing surround sound makes this theater worth the extra $2.50. The Ziegfeld is not for just any movie, especially at $12.50 per ticket, but I will recommend viewing a film that needs to be seen on the big screen. And since Star Trek is kicking off the summer blockbuster season whether you are a long time fan or Trek virgin (like myself), it seems like the most opportune time to bump up your movie viewing experience.
With popcorn & soda to share...
Total Date Cost: Under $35

Spring Date Series: Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

The two shiny new baseball stadiums are rejuvenating the ballpark experience for city dwellers. Our Date of the Week (DOW) is grabbing your hat and jerseys and heading out to the new Citifield for a Mets game. Leave behind your team prejudices in favor of having a fun night outdoors. After all, I always prefer Yanks over Mets, but I’m in a split team household and quite frankly I haven’t been to the new Yankee Stadium yet (and yes, that review will be coming next week).   This week, the Mets play at home from May 6 through May 13 against Philly, Pittsburgh and Atlanta and we recommend taking advantage of the long home stretch (I’ll be there May 6!). Hop on the 7 train out to Citifield, take a peek at the new stadium, and spend the evening yelling your head off and doing the wave (come on, you know you want to). About 1000% better than Shea Stadium, Citifield has an old, rustic baseball park aura, where I felt as though I was walking into a game from baseball’s past. Don’t skip out on exploring the stadium, especially the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.     

Of course, the new pricing scheme is that different quality games go for a different quality price. So, when the Mets play the Yanks (I mean, who DOESN’T want to go to that game?) even the ‘cheap’ seats could run up to $30 a ticket, and that’s if you can score them. However, this week the Mets play the Phillies (last year’s World Series Champs. Ack.), you can score $19 seats. Perhaps not the most glamorous seat in the house, don’t fret as the new stadium doesn’t really have a ‘bad’ seat. I was there in the 500 section on April 24th, and here’s the view from our seats:    

Going after work? Bring a couple of Red Bulls and bag o’chips to share for the ride out to Citifield. After all, you MUST get hot dogs once at the game. While there’s only one Shake Shack and Blue Smoke location, Nathan’s hot dogs and fries are available throughout the stadium, even from your seat! Hurrah! A word to the wise: ditch the uber long lines at Shake Shack and Blue Smoke for the real thing in back in Manhattan.   

Budget Breakdown: 

Approximate Ticket Cost: $35 total 

Subway Ride: $4 per person, roundtrip (but ‘free’ with a monthly Metrocard!) 

Bud or Bud Light Beer: $6 

Nathan’s Hot Dog: $4.75 

Nathan’s Fries (to share): $4.75 

Ice Cream in Helmet Cup (my personal favorite, also to share): $6 

Total Date cost: Under $100

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