Hot August Date Nights

Hot August Nights are finally here after months of mild summer weather and it's just in time for the hot rods  to roll into town. 

Are you looking for a place to cool off after spending the day at the upcoming Good Guys show?  Here's a list of establishments that made my top date night list.

Tommy T's Comedy Steakhouse is the hottest spot for any couple looking for an evening of belly laughs and cocktails. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. There is a two-item minimum required. A full dinner menu is available.

The Tommy Burger is incredible and the steaks are amazing.  However, I recommend skipping the fried calamari, which was served overcooked and literally inedible when I last ordered it.  I brought this to the attention of our server, but received nothing more than an apology. 

Regardless of the sub-par calamari, and the occasional drunk heckler that is rarely tolerated by Tommy, my date night experiences there have been relatively positive.   Thus, Tommy T's Comedy Steakhouse comes in third on my Hot August Date Nights top three.

Comedian, Christopher Titus will be headlining August 26th through August 29th. Titus has made many television and stage debuts but is most well known for his one-man show, Norman Rockwell Is Bleeding.  Christopher Titus' jokes address controversial topics such as custody battles, insanity,  heart attacks, and fist fighting his father.

Date night list contender number two is Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware shop that offers a variety of cooking classes for all skill levels. No matter what your cooking experience may entail, the friendly staff is available to make a culinary chef out of the most inexperienced student, even if only for the night.

On Aug 28, Pans on Fire is hosting a Night in Marseille.  This is a hands on cooking class with a French influence.  Students will learn to create a rich bouillabaisse and other French dishes.   Most of classess are treated to fine wines which are paired with their culinary creations.

Although the cost of this event initially seems relatively expensive at $75 per person, it is comparable to dining in a fine French restaurant.  Add in expert culinary teachers and an appetizing cooking experience with your sweetheart, you'll be guaranteed a priceless date night adventure.

Longtime Pleasanton resident Geno Orphanopoulos had this to say when I asked him for the best date night spot in town.

"It's every Friday Night from 10pm to 1pm at Barone's with Kid Kangol's Karaoke," he said.

I couldn't agree more. That is why Barone's tops my list of Hot August Date Night establishments.

Barone's offers a number of activities for date night couples including romantic dining experiences, live music, and dancing.   During the summer months, they provide karaoke night for those willing to rock out in front of perfect strangers.  But, when I recently inquired about karaoke, I was informed that last Friday was the final karoke night until next summer.

Live music is performed on Thursday and Friday evenings outside on their back patio.  Friday and Saturday evenings, Barone's also provides live piano music indoors to accompany their fine dining menu.

Department of Rock, a bay area classic rock band, will be performing at Barone's on Thursday, August 26th for their weekly "Music Under the Stars" gathering on their back patio.  Be prepared to hear the "Agents", which is what they referred to themselves as,  play classic titles from Journey, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Def Leppard, Foreigner, and many more.

In addition to entertainment, Barone's has a unique menu specializing in Italian seafood cuisine. Pair your entree with many of their fine wine selections at a candlelit table and you've got a recipe for a steamy, romantic date night.

Whether you're in the mood for comedy, cooking, or cuisine, any of my top Hot August Date Night selections are sure to rekindle the romance with your special date.