Reenact a Favorite Romantic Date - Your First Few Dates Perhaps

I got this idea from a book "Loving the Love of Your Life" to re-create a favorite romantic date we had..

Remember how we got so excited going out for a date with our spouse-now (girlfriend/boyfriend before) or partner during the first few dates with them.. I know.. it felt so different.. we really made our best impressions.. for us, ladies, we dressed up a few times just to see which ones fit perfectly for us.. sometimes we don't know what to wear.. what to do.. and now.. few years later what happened???  That's why.. having to reenact a favorite romantic date we had with our spouse/partner would be a perfect romantic date this week for you and me <3

Well.. my husband Dave and I did our reenactment 2 weeks ago.. we went to our first romantic dinner place we went to in February 2008.. it was at Cactus Club Cafe, 2612 39 Avenue Northeast,Calgary (403) 250-1120 ..yes, and it's been a while since we had dinner there.. we reminisced our pasts.. how we felt the very beginning.. and it felt so amazing... knowing how and why we fell in love with each other at the first place.. I know it sounds cheesy.. but hey it's worth it;) this has actually improved our marriage life.. and there's a  plus on this one.. he gave me a surprise gift with it ;) my new swimsuit for this summer - a sexy bra and a sporty short.. thanks my Love ;)

I know you're eager to do the same for your spouse/partner.. so why not try to re-create and reenact a favorite romantic date with your spouse this week?  I am so sure, she/he will definitely love it!  Have fun doing it!

ROMANTIC TIPS (from the book "Loving the Love of Your Life"): 

• 
• Go to the very same restaurant, shop, or park you went to so long ago
• Rent the same movie you watched together (ours is the movie "Jumper")
• At some point in the evening, tell him why that night meant so much to you and how proud you are of how far the two of you have com.
• Find a photo of the two of you early on in your relationship (just like the one right here...) and insert it in his/her book (or wallet) with a note that says, "Remember this? and leave it for him to find.

Great Romantic Dinner at Famoso Restaurant in Calgary, Alberta

It's been a while since the last time I wrote here.  I've been busy with the preparation for our parent's 25th (Silver) Wedding Anniversary for July 18, 2010 in Philippines.  We're very excited for that.

Another great romantic dinner ideas I would suggest is going to Famoso Restaurant (403-455-3839) in 4 Street Calgary, Alberta.  They're located in #105 2303 4 Street SW... it's only a walking distance from our 1 Br Apartment on 18 Ave and 4 St SW..  We love the atmosphere of the place.  It's actually a unique setting - half service - you order on the till/counter first what you want and after that a server/waiter/waitress will serve you after.. which is pretty cool.  The place is casual and/or semi-formal and the food are fantastic.  We love going there.

Our first date with just the two of us, my husband Dave and myself, we ordered the SICILIANA
(fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, Italian sausage, Italian ham and baked prosciutto)..it's so good.. and their dessert the AUTHENTIC TIRAMISU (mascarpone cream on a sponge cake base, drenched with espresso, and topped with waves of mascarpone and dusted with cocoa and is imported from Milan, Italy).  Oh it's the best!  You got to taste them!  We also tried their VANILLA ICED LATTE and CARAMEL ICED LATTE.  It's pretty good too.

We love it so much we end up bringing our families and friends there the next few weeks after our romantic date.  One time the manager actually gave us a free dessert which we're so thankful for.  So far, what we've tried after our 1st date in Famoso were the following: 

• SAN ANDREAS Top Chef Ryan Warden (extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and oregano base, fresh mozzarella, roasted chicken in a chilli lime marinade, and we chose to top with fresh avocado) 
• SWEET BBQ CHICKEN (honey smoked BBQ sauce, fresh mozzarella, roasted chicken, sprinkle of smoked mozza. Baked, then topped with chopped tomatoes, red onion and cilantro)
• PEPPERONI AND ROASTED MUSHROOMS (campania tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni and mushroom)
• SPICY THAI (spicy peanut sauce, roasted chicken, fresh mozzarella, and smoked mozza. Baked, then topped with matchstick carrots, bean sprouts, cilantro and crushed peanuts)
• CHEESE PIZZA for the kids
• VESUVIO (fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, cracked red pepper and spicy sopressata (spicy Italian salami)
• FIOR-DI-LATTE ANTIPASTI PLATTER (traditional Neapolitan plate featuring fresh Fior di latte mozzarella, thinly-sliced prosciutto, crisp arugula, and reggiano parmesan. Seasoned with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. Paired with fresh flatbread)

• MASCARPONE N’ BERRIES WITH SUGARED DOUGH Top Chef Michael Hunka (sweet Italian mascarpone cream with a hint of vanilla and lemon paired with a wildberry compote. Served with fluffy oven-baked dough dusted with icing sugar)

• NUTELLA PIZZA (our authentic pizza crust smothered in Nutella hazelnut / chocolate spread, folded into a calzone then cut into thin strips)

The price of Famoso's pizza and it's food are reasonable and cheaper compare to other restaurants.  The food are excellent.  And my personal favorites are the Famoso's Sweet Bbq Chicken, Siciliana, Authentic Tiramisu, and their Nutella Pizza.  We're still looking forward to taste some more.  Lol.


Especially this coming up Lilac Festival in Calgary, May 30, 2010, why don't you bring your spouse and/or kids and/or the whole family to Famoso Restaurant.  For sure, you guys will love it there just as much we do.  Enjoy!

They also have other locations in Albera:

Edmonton - Downtown (780-732-0700) 11750 Jasper Avenue NW

Edmonton - South Common (780-468-0000) 1437 99 Street

Edmonton - Magrath (780-436-8799) 14123 23 Avenue

Edmonton - Christy's Corner (780-732-0222) 13655 St. Albert Trail

P.S.
Let me know what other great foods they have that you'd like to recommend to us.  Thanks.

Ming, Eat & Drink Restaurant in Calgary - Chinese restaurant but classy and stylish

It's really cool living in downtown Calgary.  We moved in to our 1 Bedroom Apartment on 5 St. & 18 Ave. SW this winter and since this is our first spring here in Calgary, this is also our first time for our romantic walk dates. 

Dave and I enjoyed last week walking and strolling around, trying to choose which restaurants to dine out with.  It's great to have the accessibility of everything and the varieties of great restaurants to choose from.

April 1, 2010 - we found a cool, classy, and romantic restaurant after going in to 2 restaurants (Ship & Ancor Pub and Bungalow Lounge) in the neighborhood, we settled for  Ming.Eat.Drink. located on 520 17 Avenue SW Calgary, AB (403) 229-1986; Mon-Sun from 4pm-2am.

Ming Restaurant has a great design; very modern but didn't fail to show their culture.  We love the atmosphere of the restaurant, it's quiet, relaxing, and romantic.  The food is good.  I love their appetizer, the Ginger Beef - yummy!  The one I chose for myself for main dish was something with pizza (I didn't remember the name).  It was okay but not excellent.  Maybe because I was expecting a different taste.  With my husband Dave, he chose the salmon burger with yam fries and it was good.  I know you'll ask what's for desserts but we didn't order because we're already full that we had to pack some pizza to go.  lol.



Anyways, a 1st time "a walk to remember" in our neighborhood downtown Calgary turned into another romantic date with my spouse <3 and we love it ;)  We're excited for more beautiful and romantic dinners to come.  It's surprising there's lots of great restaurants out there in Calgary, Alberta that we haven't gone to.

So what are you waiting for?  You can bring your spouse to an amazing and romantic dinner one evening this week and show her/him how much you love her/him.  Yes! Just surprise her/him!  Enjoy your alone time.

Romantic Weekend Getaway in Canmore and Banff Alberta

It was our first of the many romantic getaways Dave and I went to this year 2010.  It was really fun.

February 13, 2010- February 15, 2010 - 3 days and 2 nights and we stayed at Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge in Canmore.  It was a long weekend, Family Day on Feb. 15 and we decided to spend the weekend with each other rather than with the whole family (parents, siblings, etc.).  It's all worth it.

Our budget was set to $600-$650.  It was a little bit tight for the activities we're considering at the beginning but because of our planning expertise (LOL), we end up just within our budget.  We found a great place to stay in for 2 nights and we had a great deal too.  It was a promotion for only $89/night.  We realized that if we stay at the Banff area, the hotels/motels/lodges are way more expensive than the other hotels/motels/lodges in the surrounding areas.   So we cancelled our reservation from the other hotel in Banff and reserved the one we found at Canmore, Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge (1711 Bow Valley Trail Canmore, AB).

We got the 1 Bedroom Apartment with the kitchen and a fireplace.   It was just perfect for the two of us.  It has a mountain view.  We love it.

The Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge unit was clean, quaint, romantic, and has everything we need.   The kitchen amenities and the cleaning service when we went back after our activities were just perfect.  There is an internet access but we decided not to bring our laptops for that weekend getaway because we both wanted to have an alone time together, no distractions or disturbances.  And yes, we can live without internet.    I would definitely go back there.  They have a sauna and a pool I believe but we didn't get the chance to go there at that time.

We cooked our own breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner.  Of course on that Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010, we had a romantic dinner reservation in Canmore, AB.  We ate at the famous Sage Bistro Restaurant.  It is located at 1712 Bow Valley Trail
Canmore, AB (403) 678-4878.  Yes, Sage Bistro is a very romantic restaurant.  It has a romantic atmosphere, excellent food, great mountain view, and we didn't know, it was walking distance from the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge.

We were very surprised when we found out that their food were not that expensive compared to other great romantic restaurants out there and in the surrounding areas such as in Banffs and Kananaskis.  Especially on the special day, Valentine's dinner, we only spend less than $100, about $87.18 to be specific. lol.

Here are some of the romantic winter activities we did when we were in Canmore and Banff Alberta:

• Banff Public Carriage /Sleigh Ride - a 45 minute tour that took us along Bow River, showing us the remote areas, western style.  We purchased the tickets ($27/adult) from Banff Adventures Unlimited. 

• Banff Upper Hot Springs 

• Romantic skating time at The Canmore Skating Pond and is located on 7th Avenue at Mallard Alley (just two blocks from Main Street).  The surface is approximately 150m X 60m.  The Pond is the site for several Town winter special events (Skate with Santa, New years on the Pond, Kid & Mutt Races, Ice Carving).  The pond is appropriate for all age groups and is ideal for families.   No sticks or pucks are allowed.   The Pond is a public skating rink so it's free.

•  Talking, laughing, and drinking at Starbucks Coffee in 112-1240 Railway Avenue Canmore, AB T1W 1P4 (403) 609-9552.

• We watched the Valentine's Day movie that Saturday afternoon, Feb. 13, 2010, at the Lux Cinema Centre in 229 Bear St., Banff, (403) 762-8595.  We paid the matinee for $7/adult.  It's fun and cheaper.

• We brought our DVDs and watched them at our suite in Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge.

• It's funny how we also end up watching Olympics in the suite during our 3 days, 2nights romantic weekend get away. 

• Making love day in and day out.  (Of course no pictures)  Lol.

• And more.

The whole romantic weekend getaway for us is a way to reignite our passion for each other, to be alone again, and  to give each other's undivided attention in spite of the fact that we don't have kids yet at this time.  However, we believe this was a time for us to be away for awhile from other things that ask for attention (i.e. families, friends, business, community, work, etc.).

It's amazing how relaxing it is and how wonderful it feels like to have a romantic weekend getaway with your spouse and at the same time celebrate another holiday, for instance Valentine's Day and Family Day, in our case.  We are looking for more romantic getaways soon.  Stay tuned!

Now is the time to start planning your own romantic weekend getway with your spouse! Have fun!

Melrose Cafe and Bar. Great Pub in Calgary

Yup.  Why not go to a bar with your spouse.  I would still consider it romantic as long as it's just the two of you.  Dinner for two.  Not with friends I agree.  You can do that during other times but not on your date nights.

We went to Melrose Cafe & Bar in 17 Avenue Calgary, AB during the Olympics game Hockey Games February 2010.   It was fun;)

We are actually on a health transformational challenge and we usually eat healthy food except Sunday as our Free Day based on Body for Life Concepts.  So here on a Tuesday Love nights, we ordered green tea instead of beers and salads for both of us.  LOL.

But take note, we went again to Melrose Cafe Calgary on the following Sunday so we can eat chicken wings and pizza.  Yup.  We love our Day Offs.

So even if you're busy with stuffs, bring your spouse to a Pub, especially Melrose Cafe & Bar.

It's fun and exciting watching games with your spouse.

Jubilations Dinner Theatre Calgary - Romantic Time with My Spouse

In our 1st month of our marriage (August 2009), Dave and I committed in having a one-night-lovedate-a-week despite of the busy schedule the world demands for us.    And we always look forward to this day of the week.  Usually we make Tuesday our Love Nights every week but for this instance, we made a legal excuse to have it on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 because the Dinner and Show at Jubilations Calgary Dinner Theatre only have showings from Wednesday to Sunday.   From Wednesday to Saturday, the seating times are from 6:30pm-6:50pm and Sunday is 5:00pm-5:20pm.



 It was our first experience in watching a Dinner and Show event and we were very impressed.  The casts as well as the staffs and/or waitresses are wearing their customes and were very soaked on their characters.  They spoke and acted like the real characters and we love them.  The place itself, Jubilations Calgary, had a great setting - great paintings and environment.

The Dinner Theatre we went to last March 10, 2010 was Luck Be A Lady (Showings from February 12, 2010-April 11, 2010).  The setting was in Copa, most likely a Vegas-setting.  We found the story or the plot to be funny and entertaining.  The food were excellent.  The choices were great.  When I checked the reviews or comments about Jubilations Calgary Dinner Theatre, they were mostly pleased with the performance.  So we went and yes, we didn't expect it to be this much fun and great.


We started with starters, Dino's Italian Tomato Soup - a thick tomato basil soup flavoured with oregano, garlic and vine-ripened tomatoes, and their delicious Summit Salad which is a blend of fresh romaine and iceberg lettuce topped with house-made bruschetta and balsamic vinaigrette.  We ordered their best PinaColada drinks.  After our starters, the show began.  The room's light died and all eyes were fixed on the stage.

After the 1st part, the entrees were served.  I chose their Fremont Chicken, a chicken breast smothered in a succulent tarragon cream sauce served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables and Dave loved their Ring-a-Ding Rib, a slow roasted to medium Alberta Prime Rib with mouth-watering au jus served with roasted potatpes and seasonal vegetables as well.  They're both excellent.

The 2nd part comes after the main courses.  It was a very lovely evening.  Before the ending, they served us desserts.  We tasted both the Sin City Chocolate Cake and Mobster Mousse Cake.  You may wonder how they tasted, and yes, they're delightful.  The Sin City Chocolate Cake has a silky smooth chocolate cream icing that's layered between its three moist layers of rich chocolate cake and the Mobster Mousse Cake is a triple berry cake that's layered with luscious yogurt mousse that's been whipped with sweet cranberry and raspberry juices, and then glazed with a blend of strawberries, blueberries and cranberries.  Yup, very yummy.

Our Dinner and Show experience in Jubilations Calgary Theatre Ltd. is an awesome time with my husband.  I would considered a romantic one when you have the table all by yourself and your spouse.  Since there is an option of sharing the table with other 2 more people, go with the table just for two.  You will enjoy more and savor more of each other's presence.  I love our time together.  And this experience has added in our time capsule on our 1st year of marriage.

 The Jubilations Dinner Show Schedule for 2010 after the Luck Be A Lady will be as follows:

• April 16, 2010 - June 20, 2010 - Good Vibrations: Summer of '68
• June 15, 2010 - August 29, 2010 - Law and Order: Canadian Files
• September 3, 2010 - November 7, 2010 - Greased
• November 12, 2010 - February 6, 2011- Night at the Museum of Rock and Roll 

We will definitely come back again to Jubilations Dinner Theatre Calgary (Next to Westbrook Mall, Bow Trail and 37 St. SW - 403 249 7799).  They also have another location but it's in Edmonton.  I believe there's 1 more dinner theatre as far as I am aware here in Calgary that do Dinner Theatre or Dinner and Show, you probably heard of the Stage West.  We have not been there yet but I've heard it was good too but more expensive compared to Jubilations.  

Well, have fun every one.  Go and bring your spouse to Jubilations Calgary, or to any Dinner Theatres in your own town or city and she/he will definitely enjoy.  Just for a tip, go get your tickets at Costco, I got the 2 tickets or 2 vouches for only $100 CAD.  So we saved about $20.  It's worth it ;)

Romantic Dinner Date at Capo Restaurant in Calgary, AB

We were looking to eat at a fancy restaurant in Calgary just to have some time alone.  Also at the same time, our criteria is that the restaurant must have great reviews, has a romantic atmosphere, and delicious food.

We decided to go to Capo Restaurant on January 19, 2010.   It's an Italian Restaurant in Calgary, AB at #4 1420 9 Avenue SE (403)264-2276.  We found it hard to locate the Capo at night.  It is a small place, very private, maybe only about 35 people can eat there, but we liked it there.  The restaurant is actually beautiful, classic yet has a modern style.  I like the music they have in the restaurant while we were eating, very relaxing.  The food were excellent although we considered the size of their servings as very small compared to other restaurants, Italian restaurants in Calgary, unless you're planning to go for diet.  The cost of the food for both myself and my husband is over $100.  It is a bit costly.  But try going to Capo Restaurant just to get a great experience especially if you are looking for a romantic place, romantic setting, and/or romantic dinner for your spouse.  Definitely try their desserts.  Oh we love them!

Over all, our reviews for Capo Restaurant, is excellent 4/5, I would probably suggest them to increase their servings to have the cost of their food worth our money.  I forgot to acknowledge the waiter that entertained us while we were there, friendly and informative.  Thanks.  We would definitely go back to Capo Restaurant in Calgary ;)