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Community Corner

Patch Picks: Date Night

Even if you hate romance, everyone loves a night out with the one - or ones - they love.

For many, unless it's Valentine's Day or an anniversry, romance isn't at the top of your to-do list.

A night out can be hard to schedule, but you don't have to make a big prouduction out of it all to enjoy a few hours away from the kids, away from work, or even away from it all.

And date night doesn't have to be just for the couples. Girlfriends need time together too, without husbands or kids. Plus, guys enjoy their friend time too.

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However you roll, Patch found five great spots nearby to get your date night on:

1. might not look like a romance hot spot from the outside, but inside your senses and your appetite will fall in love with Antoinetta Constantino's authentic Italian eatery. Simple yet elegant, the interior is both comfortable and classy, but the real treat is the menu and personal attention. If you're lucky, meatloaf will be a special and Constantino will be in the kitchen.

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Cafe Sole, 1929 Verdugo Blvd., is open until 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and until 9 p.m. Sunday.  Don't plan your date there for a Monday night when the restaurant is closed. Call ahead for a reservation, 818-790-6062.

2. for a date night? You bet, at least for a week or so more. As part of its celebration of summer, Descanso offers extened hours Tuesdays through Thursdays, staying open until 8 p.m., inviting guests into a twilight world filled with calming nature, meandering paths, and even a cocktail lounge. The Camellia Lounge serves botanic-inspired mixed drinks, wine and appetizers in the teahouse located in the Japanese garden.

The special summer hours and events come to end August 25, so be sure to book your date soon! See Descanso's website for more information or call 818-949-4200.

3. Take your date old school with a visit to the Montrose Bowl. The 50's-style bowling alley offers open bowling Monday nights, but you'll have to tally your own scores. The alley serves beer and hot dogs, but if you want to a have pizza delivered to wow your date, just call a day ahead to work it out. You can even buy a bowling pin to commemorate the evening. Call the Montrose Bowl for more information, 818-249-3895. Montrose Bowl is located at 2334 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose.

4. For a luxury movie experience, head to Pasadena's Gold Class Cinemas at One Pasadena, located at 42 Miller Alley. Gourmet dining, fine wines, and an upscale atmosphere combine a stylish dinner out with a film by offering cinemas, a restaraunt, and a loung all under one roof. Not your typical theater, guests can purchase tickets that inlcude a fully reclining chair with pillow and blanket, as well as in-theater food and beverage service. Robin Leach would love it, and so will your date. See the cinemas' website for more info, photos, menus, and to purchase tickets.

5. Add fire to your date night with dinner at . The Japanese Steak and Seafood house offers a variety of dining options, from a sushi bar to a full shabu-shabu experience, where your teppan chef will fan flames, toss spatulas, and grill your dinner in front of your eyes.  The restaurant feels posh without being stuffy, and if you're nervous about how things may go, you can sit at a communal table for camaraderie.

Sakura, 985 Foothill Blvd., in the Town Center, takes reservations and walk-ins. See the restaruant's website for more information or call 818-790-1013.

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