a quick cheat sheet

Your guide to getting the best me, complete with date ideas and locations, gifts, and etiquette

the best way to unravel my layers is over an indulgent meal, somewhere we can linger and share flavors and stories that allow the evening to naturally break the ice. i don’t like being rushed; i prefer when my dates revel in each moment and give us time to unfold slowly, appreciating every coy smile and gaze. why run to the finish line? everyone knows the real pleasure lives in the release that comes after hours of slow-building tension.

we can begin our night at one of these locales:

la cuchara - basque
clavel - mexican, mezcal
the duchess - pacific islander/asian fusion
food market - american
grano - italian
ammoora - syrian
charleston - southern/french fusion
toki underground - ramen
marta - new american
magdalena - new american
sotto sopra - italian
la barrita - argentinian
bar dali - tapas
The Dara - Thai
Comptoir Du Vin - French

but if the tension is too heavy to wait that long:

dutch courage
ash bar
fadensonnen
idle hour
bloom’s
grand cru
w.c. harlan
mama koko’s
club charles

then we can end our night here:

Baltimore

Hotel Ulysses
The Ivy
The Four Seasons
Hotel Revival
The Sagamore Pendry

Washington, D.C.

Lyle
Riggs Hotel
pendry Washington DC
SIXTY DC
Swann House

Philadelphia

Lokal Hotel Old City
Anna & Bel
Westin
The Bellevue
The Guild House

for the ones that speak gift-giving:

I never, ever expect gifts or treats, but I always genuinely appreciate them.

the easiest and most practical gift is an extra monetary tip, but something even as small as a fun beverage or snack would make my day. I ask that any clothing, footwear, or fragrance items not from a wishlist are approved before purchase.

here are a few other things that would get you extra special treatment:

food and beverage:

  • gourmet chocolates (please no chocolate + fruit combinations!), extra points for hazelnut

  • fresh fruit

  • gin, chartreuse, mezcal (although I try to be low/no alcohol these days)
    A couple great replacements are Ghia and Recess

  • charcuterie assortments

  • loose leaf teas, store bought or home-grown


big + for smoky and earthy flavors!

Collectibles:

  • fresh floral arrangements (my favorites are peonies, poppies, anemones, and ranunculus, but i would be so happy with anything). I love dried flowers as well!

  • vintage/vintage vibe porn (playboy, esquire, penthouse, etc)

  • oddities such wet specimens, vintage photos and paintings, skulls/bones, vintage medical prints, taxidermy, and animal pelts

  • vintage furs

hand-picked gifts: