Overview
Dating is tough, we all know this. We try to act like it's chill but admit it: the prospect of your taste being judged by someone you like is daunting. And as a result, we tend to overthink dates and overcomplicate them. It's good to be a little prepared but when you've planned an evening to the hilt, it can only disappoint you (not to mention distract you from your date). If you want to experience those memorable, miraculous, out-of-nowhere-amazing dates that somehow last forever and are over too soon, we have some advice: stop thinking so much. Opt for a spontaneous date that you'll both be surprised by, and see how much pressure that takes off.
And because a surprise date can only be made better with a little sparkling, we spoke to Henkell, purveyors of fine bubbly, to get the 411 on sure-fire dates you don't have to overthink.
SAY YES TO THE QUEEN VIC NIGHT MARKET
Be brave and invite that cutie to the Queen Victoria Night Market on a random Wednesday. There's no need to overthink this one — the Night Markets are premium date territory. Waiting-in-line chat times, a few bevs, the joy of food samples and a high chance of a Lady and the Tramp noodle-smooch scenario are all good date fodder. We do recommend you kick it up a notch and impulsively order everything you see (the weirder the better) because there's nothing better than riding the rollercoaster of flavour together.
MINI GOLF AND PIZZA IN THE CITY
Channel your inner kids and head to Holey Moley in the city for some putt-putt action (and prepare to rattle off your favourite Caddyshack lines in-situ). Walk-ins are welcome, or you can you can book on the fly (helpfully, the website shows available tee-off times). But even if mini-golf is booked out, there's lots to do — like karaoke and pizza. Queue up the Don't Stop Believing or better yet, Don't Go Breakin' My Heart, and belt it out together. Impressed 'em with your crooning and want to keep the night going? Make sure you have some Henkell Blanc de Blancs on ice to keep the good times rollin'.
TAKE A MINI FOOD TOUR OF LYGON STREET
There'll be no bookings needed and no logistical management necessary for this date — all these phenomenal venues are on the same block. Start at Milk the Cow on Lygon (across from Cinema Nova) for an appetiser cheese board (or fondue, if you're not wearing a white shirt). Then head to Heartattack and Vine next door for Venetian bites. The bar food menu is always changing, and you can buy bites by the piece, AKA cicchetti. For a larger dish (and again, only if you're not wearing a white shirt) order the meatballs. Finally, walk back past Milk the Cow and jump in the line for Pidapipo to grab a cone of Melbourne's best gelato to enjoy (maybe over a glass of Henkell Trocken?) in the neighbouring Carlton Gardens.
EMBARK ON A BELLARINE ADVENTURE
If you want a truly memorable adventure date (with minimal planning required and a guaranteed good time), head out of town, just past Geelong, to the Bellarine Peninsula for a lazy afternoon of seafood and bubbles. The journey is only an hour and a half away, but the Bellarine feels like another world. First head to Port Arlington and drop in at Advanced Mussel Supply. At its Little Mussel Cafe (where you won't need a booking), grab a mussel bowl or mixed platter to share. Once you've had your fill, head to the famous Point Lonsdale lighthouse to watch the sun go down over a glass of bubbly.
GO TO GAOL FOR A NIGHT
Before you try to be too spontaneous with this one, you should gauge whether your date would be thrilled with a spooky night out or traumatised for life — it's an important distinction. If the former, book into an Old Melbourne Gaol tour. Tickets can be booked on the day (partly in the interest of spontaneity, partly to avoid nightmares in the lead-up) and you can choose from the ghost tour, The Hangman's tour or A Night in the Watch House — just make sure to bring a brave face. After an eerie evening of history, character acting and nervous sweating, calm the nerves over a glass of Henkell Blanc de Blancs together.
Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion.