By Devika Pathak
'"Love is a taste of paradise." Sholem Aleichem
Does he have a serious Tarantino obsession? Is her idea of fun bungee jumping off the top of the Burj Khalifa? Would exploring ruins and forts make his Sunday, or is her masseur her BFF?
With our ideas, tailor-made to suit your sometimes not-so-easy-to-please beau, you can be sure you're taking your significant other on a date that will be right up his/her alley. Different strokes for different folks - so we have organized our suggestions basis the different types of people you might come across in your ever-expanding love life. Find your taste of paradise by getting date night, absolutely right!
The Sports Fan
Not all of us are lucky enough to be good at sports, but being a fan counts just as much! Whether you’re dating a Virat Kohli or a Maria Sharapova, here's where or how you can let their sporting spirit loose.
Underdoggs {beer pong and darts} | Combine a pseudo-sport with some proper drinks! Be it to watch that football final, or just throw some darts around; a beer in hand always helps. Once you’re done getting your game on, head over to La Tagliatella and indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine.
Where | Branches at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj and Ambience Mall, Gurgaon.
Cycling Around Town | Delhi ByCycle organizes five different tours around the city every day, from 6.30am - 10am - a great activity for couples who don’t mind working up a sweat. With routes ranging from Nizammudin to Civil Lines and beyond, this is one of the best ways to discover the city. And of course, you’re going to have to replace all those calories you worked off with one of our great brekkie recommendations.
Read more about Delhi By Cycle.
Find our breakfast recommendations here and here.
The Adrenaline Junkie
{Image courtesy: tripadvisor.in, wildhimalaya.com}
If your daring darling finds the thought of jumping off planes, riding around in the dirt and climbing mountains exhilarating - then here are a few ways to excite his or her senses.
Zip-lining in Neemrana | Open every day of the week, whizzing past the beautiful Neemrana Fort Palace is a great place to watch your significant other's face light up with the adrenaline rush. About 100km from the Delhi Airport, Neemrana Fort is one of the oldest heritage resorts in the country, built in 1464. With over a kilometer of zip lines and two wicked swimming pools, this might be the most fun romantic risk you ever took.
Escape Delhi | Although the weather seems to be cooling down, there is still time before autumn sets in and we can enjoy outdoor activities in the city. For times like these, a great little organization called Escape Delhi runs fixed departure trips, as well as customizable journeys. Some of their thrilling adventures include biking in Ladakh, an expedition to the Alaknanda River, and trekking to Chandrashila Top. Planning everything from travel, to accommodation and meals, this is the perfect escape for a couple of thrill seekers looking for uninterrupted action {interpret that as you may!}
Read more here.
The Movie Buff
{Image courtesy: luxpresso.com, dineout.co.in}
Love the Coen brothers? Can’t get enough Lynch? If you’re not a fan of the commercial fare available in Delhi cinemas, then this is just the thing for you. Apart from regular screenings over the weekend at Alliance Francaise, the Italian Cultural Centre and the Instituto Cervantes, here are some other options you can treat your boo to.
Directors Cut and Dinner | Sink into lazy-boy recliners in the 'as good as private' PVR Directors Cut in Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, to catch a relaxed weeknight film, or make a day of a Sunday by following it up with spectacular Iranian kebabs at Mistral.
Iron Curtain* | If more privacy is on the cards, The Iron Curtain is back in action, and has options for an even more romantic scenario. Book out the venue for a one-on-one date and bring along your favorite DVD. Whether it’s the Godfather or the Notebook, you won’t be interested in what’s happening on-screen once you get all cuddly. Follow up with a dinner with a view of the Hauz Khas lake at gastropub Mia Bella.
Where | 19, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village
The Shopaholic
{Image courtesy: myshopstory.com}
If she owns a different pair of shoes for every day of the week, or he collects graphic tees, you're probably going to want to explore shopping as a date option… get used to carrying her bags maybe?
Diva Kitsch | The newly opened Kitsch in Defence Colony carries brands like Stella McCartney, Rag and Bone, DSquared and Saint Laurent, while housing Ritu Dalmia’s newest escapade on the first floor. Now we aren’t saying you need to treat her to a new pair of YSL Tributes, but having a look never hurt anyone {or did it?}
Read more about Kitsch here.
Meherchand Market | Stroll down the Meherchand Promenade, where you can check out funky knick-knacks and designer outposts like Pia Pauro and Masaba Gupta. Short and sweet, this road has a range of options to keep you on your toes. Unwind after with a glass of wine and a delicious meal - Chez Nini has recently released a brand new menu, and Café 88 still has one of the cutest patios we have ever seen. What shopaholic wouldn't buy into this idea?
Shahpur Jat | Shahpur Jat houses some fantastic stores- funky and eclectic accessories at House of Blondie, to gorgeous shirts and blouses at Sahiba Singh. This small village is also home to designers Alecca Carrano and Olivia Dar. Top off your date with a delicious Bihari meal at The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe, or keep shopping at The Second Floor Studio or The Wishing Chair.
Read more about Shahpur jat.
The Party Animal
{Image courtesy: buzzintown.com, rediff.com, blogs.wsj.com}
Is your better half the one usually dancing on tables, never without a drink in hand? If so, we've covered every night of the week as far as places to party are concerned. This is to the ones who like to live, young and wild and free!
Tuesdays at Fork You* | Insanely good burgers, easy going atmosphere, and easy on the pocket - free drinks for ladies from 9pm till midnight!
Wednesdays at Keya | One of the original party spots in town, Keya is packed on Wednesdays, so make sure you get there early and secure your spot by the bar, cause the music is going to keep you at it all night long!
Thursdays at PCO | Our favorite, not-so-secret pass code only spot is the place to be on a Thursday night. With some of the best cocktails in town {wine cup, old fashioned, need I say more?}, the vibe is just right to cozy up to your lover at this low-key, speakeasy style bar.
Fridays at Pangaea | Newly opened, in what was formerly F-Bar, is the internationally renowned center of hedonism and all things sinful. With one of the best djs in the city, Pangaea is the place to see, and be seen. Dress to impress, and impressed s/he will be!
The Historian
Delhi is chock-a-block with history, and we here at LBBD love helping you discover your city - especially if your significant other romanticizes Delhi the way we do. Apart from the one off walks and tours we organize in Delhi, here is a guide that is perfect for couples. Walk around and take in the ruins and monuments of Delhi, most of which you probably didn't even know existed, and if you want something even more special, contact us for a customized exploratory tour of the city.
Find out what's on offer here.
The At Home Foodie
We all have days where the thought of facing Delhi traffic is just too much to handle. Other times, our hair just won't sit right, or we just can't get ourselves out of our tracks, and into that dress. Enter private, one-on-one, at home personalized cooking classes, where you can create a gourmet meal and then indulge, without having to deal with staff or other patrons. These companies specialize in a very special gastronomical experience, and nothing helps a couple bond like a good meal, especially one they put together well…together!
Check out |
Made at home | Visit their website here.
Damson Food | Visit their website here.
The Luxe Lover
There are spas, and then there are spa…aaahhhsss. We have found the perfect combination of indulgence and more indulgence; a great deal for you and your luxury-loving beau. Crème, situated above Olive, offers 60 minutes of pure pampering, followed by a decadent three-course meal at one of the most romantic courtyards in the city. Running Tuesday through Saturday, the deal comes at a luxuriously affordable price as well!
Crème | One Style Mile {above Olive Kitchen and Bar}; Contact | {011} 26644777/26645777
Read more here.
Need great places for manicures & pedicures? You have ample options here. Gentlemen, rejoice! A few of these spaces are male-friendly.
*Editor's Note | Most places at Hauz Khas Village have been shut down for the time being, so we recommend checking their current status beforehand.