“Rom-coms,” or romantic comedies, exist in a wildly unrealistic parallel universe, where Nora Ephron is God and wealthy bachelors fall in love with prostitutes. Still, we all swoon at the stories of this alternate reality…I’m looking at you too, boys.
Star in your own rom-com for a night–engage in witty banter over Spanish tapas at Jaleo. Must-haves include the arroz de pato ($11), espinacas a la catalana ($7), gambas al ajillo ($9), and croquetas de jamon Serrano ($8). Try to refrain from having a “When Harry Met Sally” moment.
Once you’re sure you’re not planning your engaged date’s wedding, grab an outdoor flick. Cost? Zero dollars. Cozy up on the lawn with a blanket, bottle of wine, and fellow lovebirds. Total cost per person? A thrifty $35 a pop. Hurry up and ask that special someone out on this effortless date. If you get married, ask Awkwafina to be a bridesmaid.
Lisha grew up in her potty-mouthed grandma’s soulful kitchen, asked for a bread-maker on her 11th birthday, loves whiskey and once ate a whole spit-roasted guinea pig in Ecuador. Lisha has been a GMF contributor since 2011, and now lives in Oakland, CA, where the intersection of food, identity, and community has sparked her interest in sustainable and equitable dining. When she’s not working as a finance professional and dance instructor, Lisha is side-hustling as a biscuit entrepreneur.