Newport, Glendale, Kenwood - 26 October, 2005 -

Choosing the right place to take a date eases the pressure and sweaty-palmed anticipation of that initial meeting. Restaurants, bars and coffee shops where you can meet over drinks or coffee are ideal. Sheri Florio, Cincinnati director for dating service It's Just Lunch, always recommends brief encounters over a full-blown dinner date. "Make the first date for an hour, or a couple of hours," she says. "That way you have a getaway if you're not having fun. But, if you are, then you can make plans to stay." She also says to pick a place that won't be overcrowded. "Go somewhere that's popular so there's good people-watching, but not too loud," she says. The It's Just Lunch company publishes regional guides ($9.95 at Barnes and Noble) packed with dating tips and advice. Here, we plucked a few good suggestions from the Guide to Dating in Cincinnati. (Visit www.itsjustlunch.com for more info.) WHERE TO GO IF YOU WANT TO MEET OVER... COFFEE AND SWEETS Grand Finale 3 E. Sharon Road, Glendale (513) 771-5925 or www.grandfinale.info The Cheesecake Factory at Kenwood Towne Centre 7875 Montgomery Road, Kenwood (513) 984-6911 or www.thecheesecakefactory.com York St. Cafe 738 York St., Newport (859) 261-9675 or www.yorkstonline.com Awakenings 2734 Erie Ave., Hyde Park (513) 321-2525 or www.awakeningsco.com DRINKS AND CONVERSATION JeanRo Bistro 413 Vine St., downtown (513) 621-1465 or www.bistrojeanro.com The Polo Grille 5035 Deerfield Blvd., Deerfield Twp. (513) 701-7656 or www.deshas.com Bella 600 Walnut St., downtown (513) 721-7100 or www.bellacincinnati.com P.F. Chang's at Streets of West Chester 9435 Civic Center Blvd., West Chester Twp. (513) 779-5555 or www.pfchangs.com

This article has been read 849 times .