DATE RATER
Blind date
First date
Seal the deal
Special occasion
Double date
Relationship date
The basics: This cozy wine bar in the heart of Little Italy may be located in a small space, but it has a lot to offer in the way of charm. Settle in on a comfy couch as you get acquainted; pendant lights with colorful paper shades are dimmed to a date-appropriate level. BeviAmo’s wine list features mouth-watering descriptions, so start with a glass ($5-$15) and go for the bottle ($23-$165) if the date goes well. Not in the mood for vino? The menu also features more than 50 martinis, so even the most finicky drinkers should be able to find the perfect blend.
Noise level: Patrons are friendly, but generally keep to themselves. Though house music provides a background groove, it won’t preclude you from intimate conversation. If you prefer to get the 411 on your date in a quiet setting, make sure you arrive before the DJ, who shows up after 10 p.m. most nights. The corner, makeshift DJ booth is essentially the top of a baby grand piano. A pianist only tickles the ivories on Friday nights; various live acts perform on Thursdays.
What to order: So many choices! Keep your first date playful and set the tone for flirting with suggestive martinis such as the Buttery Nipple ($9), made with Stoli Vanil vodka, butterscotch schnapps and Irish creme; or Sexual Chocolate ($12), made with Stoli Ohranj, Stoli Vanil, and chocolate and orange liqueurs. A cheese board ($9) and tiramisu ($7) are the only nibbles here, but if you’re really hungry, bartenders will happily provide the menu for nearby Francesca’s so you can have some tasty Italian fare delivered.
Icebreaker: Ask your bartender to point out the stone tribute to the Roman god of wine, Bacchus (known as Dionysus in Greek mythology), above the bar.
Gina B.'s inside tips:
>> Wednesday nights set the tone for romance with live piano and violin music and $5 wine pours.
>> Drink $5 glasses of bubbly and bob your heads to the DJ’s smooth house beats on Saturdays.
>> If you hate relationship games, but love Monopoly, check out Sunday Funday for board games and half-price bottles.
[ RedEye sex columnist Gina B. is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com
