Date Night in The New “Norm”

GACCA Article – Print Date 7.31.2020

I cannot tell you how many times lately I’ve found myself hiding in a bathroom stall, eavesdropping on someone’s conversation at the sinks (don’t judge me, you know you’ve done the same), whining in usually high pitched, nasally tones, “uuuggghhhh!!! Why did we even come out? It’s not like we can even do anything fun!!”. What’s more shocking is me bursting out of the stall, wearing a sweatshirt tied around my shoulders like a cape, shouting “that’s not true!!”, then telling them I need a drink and reminding them to wash their hands and put their masks back on as I walk out the door in slow motion like the lead in a blockbuster action film would do walking away from a massive explosion. Apparently that night I was calling myself, “Quarantina”, the caped crusader, fighting bad hygiene one good talking to at a time... I had a friend say to me a couple weeks ago, “what’s the point in going out? There’s nowhere to go!” (with a resounding harrumph). Man, are YOU WRONG! There is SO much to do and see in this apocalypt- ((record scratch)) er… I mean, pandemic world.

Back in mid-March when all this hooey went down (at the time I thought it was hooey, I stand corrected now), I distinctly remember saying aloud (to my dog... who was laying like a lump on the floor… as usual): “I can’t wait to see how creative venues will get”. And let me just say, I am so impressed with the level of creativity. So! I thought this following list of ideas might be helpful if you want to take your significant other out on the town, COVID-style. 

If you are one of 62% of the population, you know by now there is no indoor dining or drinking in the state (the other 28% still keep calling restaurants with no indoor dining demanding reservations… it’s really cute). But! That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. This is that part where we get creative and think outside the box ((putting on glasses, rolling up sleeves and pulling down the projector screen)).

Date Night #1 Idea: Gardiner’s Basin Trip. Start your night off at Back Bay Ale House for some refreshing Happy Hour Cocktails and bites. Then unwind with a one-hour cruise through the marinas and back bays of the Atlantic Ocean. Relax with your honey as dusk turns to night over the twinkling lights of the bustling city. While aboard, you will be able to enjoy your favorite drink or frozen cocktail available at the full-service bar, with nightly cocktail and beer specials featured. Book the Cruise & Cocktails option for access to unlimited house drinks, wine, beer, and soda. After you dock and recover your land legs, hop on over to Kelsey & Kim’s Southern Café and enjoy live DJ-spinning and outdoor dining with some of the best food I’ve ever had since moving to NJ.

Date Night #2 Idea: Margate City Trip. Grab a picnic basket and a blanket, then stop by one of your favorite Atlantic City Restaurant’s and pick up some delicious bites, like say, oh I don’t know... ((shameless plug alert!!!))... Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar, located inside the Tropicana Casino and Resort. Seriously not to brag, but Cuba Libre is offering pick-up and delivery AND to-go bottles of your favorite mojitos and signature cocktails! That’s a party right there, son! Aside from Cuba Libre, there are a slew of other venues doing the same, so if you think your options are limited, they’re just not. After packing your picnic basket, drive just a few minutes down Atlantic Avenue, into Margate City and have a romantic oceanside picnic at Lucy the Elephant! There is nothing more original (literally in origin, have you read their story?) and romantic than dining on the beach with a giant elephant with adorable dead eyes looking over your shoulder. Trust me it’s unique. If you’d rather forgo the picnic and just visit Lucy, by all means, and tell her I said “hi”. When you get peckish afterwards you can either hop right next door to Ventura’s Greenhouse, where they offer ocean-view outdoor dining and molto delizioso Italian fair or, drive over to the bay (it takes like 2 seconds) and have an exquisite meal at Steve and Cookie’s By the Bay for the most amazing crab cake of your life! It will move you on a spiritual level. That or the porcini crusted strip steak. I can’t decide. You try both and let me know.

Date Night #3 Idea: The Pier!!! If you’re looking to wow your significant other with thrills and excitement, then I highly recommend a romantic and thrilling night at Steel Pier. Start your experience off at Steel Pier Pub. Shaded from summer’s intense heat, this intimate setting is the perfect place on the boards to kick up your feet, sip a refreshing cocktail while listening to live music (and probably screams from the ride-goers). Once you’ve finished your cocktails (and I suggest having maybe 2 so you’re a little looser for the next leg of the night), venture over to their heliport! Nothing says “wow!” than when you bring your date on the coolest ride of the city! It is THE most exciting way to see Atlantic City, soaring along the shoreline, beaches and casinos. Afterwards, grab some scrummy boardwalk bites and maybe even a beer (hey man, you’ve earned it, you just went on a helicopter, you crazy nut!) and enjoy any number of exciting rides at the Pier (the Slingshot is outrageous but I would have to be highly inebriated to do it), or take a romantic spin on The Observation Wheel. The prices are actually far more reasonable than you’d think AND it’s a completely and unequivocally awesome experience.

Just remember, we’re still in the midst of the pandemic, so you have to remember a few things. First and foremost, you MUST plan ahead. That means, making reservations in advance. Spacing and seating is limited everywhere right now. Second, please be patient. Service can be slower because venues must keep within COVID-19 regulations. And third, DON’T FORGET YOUR MASK. You will not be permitted to enter any facility nor receive service without it, regardless of your philosphy. If you stick with these basic guidelines ((slowly peeling off glasses and retracting the projector screen)) we can surmise there is SO much to do even in semi-quarantine. As long as we are all doing our part to stay safe and healthy (yes, you too, Karen), there is no reason to stay home (unless you’re sick… please please please stay home if you’re sick). So, if you haven’t experienced symptoms in the last 14 days or been in contact with some experiencing symptoms in the last 14 days, or dreamt of being in contact with someone experiencing symptoms in the last 14 days, then get out there, pal, and show your honey a good time! And remember, kids, Quarantina says “don’t forget your mask and always always always wash your hands”. Stay safe and happy, everyone! Until next week…