~Congratulations to Valerie Wagner for winning the "Most Creative Date" contest at our Playable Launch Party! Valerie and her boyfriend, Dave, won a unique date night experience worth writing about, and we thank them for providing the following story of their spectacular night at the West Coast Tavern...

BLOG: My boyfriend Dave and I decided to go out for dinner one Thursday night, about a month ago. We had been invited by a friend to come out for a cocktail first at Confidential, to celebrate the launch of a new website. Upon arrival, we were asked to fill out an entry form for a contest which was to describe the Most Creative Date you’ve ever been on. Well, that was a no-brainer for me, being that Dave and I have been on some very creative and romantic dates. We spent about 5 minutes explaining the details of a memorable date for the contest, and went on our way enjoying the launch party.

About a week later, I received an email to congratulate our win! Molly, the President of Madam Enterprises *playable hours*, gushed over our entry and told me that our date was ready to be claimed. She asked if Dave and I would be available for that upcoming Friday night, for a lovely dinner for two and tickets to an Independent film. I then became nervous, due to the fact that Friday nights are impossible for both my boyfriend and I. We both work in the restaurant industry, and have always worked Fridays. However, knowing how special this night would be, and the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary night out on the town – we went for it. I assured Molly that we could get our shifts covered and crossed my fingers that it could be done! Thanks to two wonderful girls that stepped up to work our shifts, we were secured the evening to accept this date night.

Friday arrived and we set out to West Coast Tavern in North Park. The minute we drove up, we loved the place. It was such a great concept for a restaurant! The 1930s Birch Theatre is connected to the restaurant, which was spectacular! They even have the marquee, where they now display the name of the restaurant and the current film playing in the attached theater. West Coast Tavern is right on the main street in North Park, University, and it has an open feel to it. The outside patio has table seating with fire rings in the center of a few of them. The moment you walk in, you can feel the hipster vibe, and I noticed the bar was packed! Lots of low lighting and brushed metal hangings give this bar a low-key and young appearance. The host stand is outside, and we were welcomed with a smile and taken right to a high stool table in the dining area. This is when the night got interesting.

Once the server came by, he graciously explained that the West Coast Tavern prides itself as a bourbon bar. They feature many specialty bourbon drinks, but also have a full bar and many fine choices for wines by the glass. I myself am not a bourbon fan, but Dave decided to try on of their specialties “The Mule”. I went for a glass of Chilean Pinot Noir, which was smooth and delicious. The server also told us that their menu includes mostly small plate items, and he advised us to choose a few to enjoy together. We decided on the Dungeness Crab Fondue, The Crispy Eggplant Sliders, and the Tavern Chicken ‘n Waffle”. All three of these plates were very affordable and unbelievably tasty!! We both couldn’t believe how delicious the Fondue was; we especially enjoyed the fresh green apples they serve along side the bread. The waffle was ridiculous! I am in love with bacon waffles, and to add fried chicken and maple syrup to an already amazing dish… I was floored. Lastly, the Eggplant Sliders were heavenly. Roasted red pepper and goat cheese send your taste buds into orbit. We are still raving about the food to all of our friends.

The best part of the night was the owner Eric, and his wonderful staff. My boyfriend Dave recognized Eric immediately, who introduced himself at the very beginning of our evening. Dave remembered Eric from many years back as a bartender at the Tavern in Pacific Beach. Eric was so pleased by that, and he later brought us a couple shots to cheers the success he is finding in this new venture. What a great guy! We were absolutely stuffed by the end of our meal, and couldn’t wait to move on to the next part of our date. The theater was playing an indie Italian film, and it was a packed house! The star of the movie was in the audience, as was the director of the film. We thoroughly enjoyed the movie “La Vera Leggenda di Tony Villar”, which was in Italian mockumentary and subtitled. Dave and I love cultural films, and this one in particular had the guts to poke fun at Italian stereotypes. We were laughing all the way through.

After the movie, we went back into West Coast Tavern to have a final cocktail and thank Eric for a wonderful evening. He was so glad we enjoyed ourselves, and we absolutely did. Dave and I can’t wait to go back to this incredible spot in North Park.

Thanks Molly for the phenomenal evening! We had a fabulous time, and now have another creative and romantic date to tell all our friends about.