DATE SPOT: La Pomme Rouge (click for address, hours, maps and more)
DATE RATER
Blind date
First date
Seal the deal
Special occasion
Double date
Relationship date
The basics: Beautiful decor, smooth beats and unusual period-piece seating options give you plenty to talk about on a first date at River North lounge La Pomme Rouge. The crowd is diverse and mostly urban, though the location means the occasional tourist does stroll through. Pretty people gather at the back bar for mingling and exchanging numbers, but if you’re already on a date, start at the front bar where you can settle into one of the comfy booths for more intimate conversation. Feeling frisky? Move your tryst to one of the private booths, draw the curtains and heat things up.
Conversation factor: A lively crowd fills the space on weekends, when La Pomme Rouge converts from a lounge-restaurant to more of a dance club vibe. The noise level varies depending on where you are. You’re in the party mix in the back. In front you can still hear the music, but you won’t have to scream in your date’s ear to be heard. And if you’re occupying one of the private booths, well, let’s face it: Do you really care about what’s happening in the background?
On the menu: Partake in a tasty signature martini such as the tart apple Pomme Pomme ($12) or the creamy, coffee-flavored Cafe et Beignet ($12), complete with mini-doughnut garnish. There’s also wine and champagne by the glass or bottle. If you’re feeling fancy, order the caviar, served on a block of ice with a cute mini-bottle of vodka—though that’ll set you back anywhere from $250 to $350 (market price), so you might want to make sure there will be a second date before splurging.
Icebreaker: When you walk in, make a beeline for the first bar. The back bar (where the liquor is stored) here is from the 1800s and was carved from a single tree in
Gina B.’s inside tips
>> Monday night is movie night, which makes for a fun twist on the standard dinner-and-a-movie-at-the-multiplex date. Recent movie selections have been “The Usual Suspects” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Consult lapommerouge.com for the lineup.
>> There is a coat check—it’s just tucked away on the lower level.
>> Street parking is scarce, so valet could be your best bet. There’s also a self-park lot directly across the street that has reasonable evening rates for the area.
[ RedEye sex columnist Gina B. is a Metromix special contributor. ]