It’s cool to know the difference between tapas and sushi. In fact, if you don’t know the difference, go pick up the food section of your paper and learn.
Restaurants open and close daily, meaning that there is inevitably some new (or maybe even old) place that neither you nor your date have been yet. Ask her what type of food she likes (or loathes) and make a reservation. Go on-line, or pick up a Zagat’s guide at a bookstore and peruse the options. The local burrito joint you frequent nightly down the street won’t suffice.
If you’re uncomfortable with something totally new, head to a nicer tried-and-true restaurant that lends itself to some intimacy and doesn’t require stepping over wadded up napkins to get to a table.
If it’s a place you’ve never been before, you run the risk of having a mediocre experience or eating some boring food. But you’re doing it together and it can always be joked about on your second date.
Need you be reminded to pick up the bill?
Take to the Woods
There are few more things more romantic than a picnic lunch on the beach or in the woods (bugs aside). Ask in advance what type of food she likes (sandwich type, type of cheese) and pack a picnic lunch, complete with a bottle of wine and take to the trail.
A hike is a bit more strenuous so be sure to ask if she’s up for a little off-roading. Some trails will lead to breathtaking overlooks worthy of sunset kisses and some lead to mosquito-infested creeks. Be sure to know your trail -- getting lost in the woods may not be conducive to getting a second date.
Assuming you live on a coast, the beach is an old stand-by. It could also be a good excuse to see her in a bathing suit. Be wary of sand in the food and pack a tablecloth.
Be sure to clue your date in as to what you’re doing; high heels don’t go well with sand or trails.
Once again, take note of the weather and have an alternate plan. A picnic lunch on your apartment floor with candles can also work.