What's your idea of a perfect date?

Can you actually even have a date that starts early in the morning and ends after dinner and that too with the same person? It’s not entirely possible, a lot of experienced people would say. But then again, the hopeless romantics that we are, there’s always a slight chance of it actually working out. Read on…

Rubi Chakravarti
When you’re 18 years old it’s enough to hang out, but when you’re older than that, you don’t want to ‘just hang out’ on Brigade road and drink coffee and look into his googly eyes anymore. I really don’t believe in the concept of the perfect first date, it creates unrealistic expectations. Today it has less to do with the heart and more to do with the pocket. A date that starts at 9am and ends at 11pm — who can afford it?

Sunshine boulevard: If you go for a walk, you’ll get run over by auto rickshaws. Just go for a romantic metro-ride, pick her up early in the morning and cover Bangalore from above like you’ve never seen it before — like the palace grounds for example. Then get off on the last stop, get on your public transport and cover your way back — it could be a giggle. Find your hole-in-the-wall place, with steaming hot coffee and get breakfast. Make it a day off to go discovering together, and make it fun. Make things special for her; ask her about her interests and ambitions.

Noon away: If I really like you, a Porsche doesn’t matter — so just do small, down to earth things like going for a Ferris-wheel ride or go boating on Ulsoor Lake. Visit the guys who sell boiled peanuts on the street, get some together and pick out the black ones for her. Think about her; it’s not all about flowers and chocolate. Work from the heart, rather than from the pocket.

Sun down: Go to a small coffee-shop, or a small bistro like Rogue Elephant. They have a garden café; where you can share a massive Sundae. Girls are suckers for ice-cream. Then, you can tell her about yourself. Tell her you’ve got a surprise for later, just let her unwind for a while and then go for a relaxed candle-lit dinner and get to know the little things that make you, you, and her, her.

Zoheb Yusuf
Sunshine boulevard: Our city doesn’t have a night life, and the day is the best time to enjoy Bangalore. I would start by buying some fresh flowers for my date,  pick her up and take her to Koshy’s for breakfast. After a quick breakfast, I’d head to Lavelle Road or UB City, for a stroll, looking at the beautiful stores. I’d keep an eye out for what she likes in any of the stores.

Noon away: After looking at the shops, I would take her upstairs to the food court for lunch at Toscano. I’d order a bottle of wine and some good Italian food, for a perfect, lengthy lunch, enjoying the Bangalore weather. At this point I’d make an excuse,  go down to the stores and pick up what she liked the most. I would surprise her with the gift. Then, I’d take her for a late afternoon movie, after which we  could go for a cup of coffee. In the meanwhile, I would book a relaxing couple spa, where both of us can relax and be pampered. 

Sun down: For the evening, I would book at outdoor table at a Japanese place like Harima. I’d drive her there for a great candle-lit dinner. Finally, I would end the day going to Corner House, my favourite ice cream joint, to get a quick take-away of cake fudge with chocolate ice cream. Nothing goes better with ice cream than a long drive. Then I would take her for a spin around the city showing her beautiful Bangalore with no traffic! Ultimately, as the clock strikes 11pm, I would drop her back, wishing her goodnight. I believe dates should not become too hectic so I would make sure whatever we do, we get to relax and spend quality time with each other.