Around the World in Eight Great Dates

     Dinner and a movie again? Does it seem that creativity and romance are fading as the responsibilities of parenthood dominate your thoughts? This year, replace the ordinary with something new and fun. Take a journey around the world this Valentine’s Day as you enjoy one of these eight creative date ideas… all without leaving Kansas City!

• For a romantic evening with an Italian flair, dine outdoors on the balcony at Figlio, an authentic Italian restaurant known for delicious handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza (209 W. 46th Ter., KCMO, 816.561.0505). After dinner, take a Gondola ride on Brush Creek with Ambiance on the Water (816.365.7101). Finish the evening with dessert at Balsano’s Gelato Café (428 Ward Pkwy., KCMO, 816.931.4010).
• Enjoy the robust flavors and rhythm of Brazil with dinner and a concert. Eat a churrascaria meal of skewered fire-roasted meats at Fogo de Chao on the Plaza (222 W. 47th St., KCMO, 816.931.7700), or Em Chamas in the Northland (6101 NW 63rd Ter., KCMO, 816.505.7100). On Feb. 12, the Sons of Brasil are performing dynamic Latin music at Longview Community College as part of the International Art Series, with Samba lessons during the first 30 minutes of the performance. Call 816.672.2000 for more information. 
• Experience the Philharmonia of the Nations, performing at Yardley Hall (at the Carlsen Center of the Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., OPKS, 913.469.4445) at 8:00 on Feb. 13. With musicians from more than 40 nations and five continents, the Philharmonia will perform Mayler’s Symphony No. 1, The Titan and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1. Nearby restaurants include Ichiban Sushi (11809 College Blvd., OPKS, 913.451.1910) and Ricco’s Italian Restaurant (11801 College Blvd., OPKS, 913.469.8405). 

• Embark on a trip to the Orient at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., KCMO.). The Nelson-Atkins is home to an extensive collection of Asian art and admission is FREE. The gallery is open until 9:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. To explore the Nelson as you never have before, click here to download our “Nelson Scavenger Hunt.” For dinner, there are several excellent choices nearby. GoJo Japanese Steakhouse serves some of the best teppanyaki and sushi in Kansas City. The chefs prepare the food on a hibachi right before your eyes (GoJo Japanese Steakhouse, 4163 Broadway St., KCMO, 816.561.2501). For delicious Chinese, eat at PF Chang’s China Bistro on the Plaza (102 W. 47th St., KCMO, 816.931.9988). For variety, try Red Snapper, a Pan-Asian restaurant that serves my favorite Phad Thai and a delicious red snapper fillet (8430 Ward Pkwy., KCMO, 816.333.8899).
• This may be All-American, but it is also all fun! Comedy City (in the Westport Flea Market, 817 Westport Rd, KCMO, 816.842.2744) is home to Kansas City’s original improvisational comedy show. It is fast-paced and based entirely on suggestions from the audience. Every show is clean, funny and one-of-a-kind. For dinner, the Westport Flea Market serves burgers, sandwiches, nachos and other traditional American favorites! 
• Give your taste buds a treat as you feast on Mongolian Bar-B-Q. Following after the Mongol tradition of feasting to celebrate a successful day of hunting, diners create their own bowls of stir-fry and watch as chefs cook the food over a hot griddle. Legend has it that centuries ago Genghis Khan and his hunters would prepare a buffet after a great day hunting. They would slice meat with their swords and cook it on their shields over a hot fire. BD’s Mongolian BBQ puts a modern twist on the ancient tradition. Eat at one of two locations (11836 W. 95th St., OPKS, 913.438.4363, or 19750 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence, MO, 816.795.5430). 

• Fancy Ireland? O’Dowd’s Little Dublin Restaurant feels Irish because it is. Nearly all of the woodwork was handcrafted and imported directly from Ireland and the establishment features live music every night. Bring a hearty appetite -- because O'Dowd's Little Dublin has the best Irish eats in the city! From fish and chips to corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew, O’Dowd’s serves great traditional dishes. Dine on the Plaza or at Zona Rosa (Plaza: 4742 Pennsylvania, KCMO, 816.561.2700; Zona Rosa: 8600 NW Prairie View Rd., KCMO, 816.268.6333).
• What would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate? Andre’s Confiserie Suisse serves the finest chocolates in the Swiss tradition right here in Kansas City. You may shop for delicious chocolates and pastries or enjoy lunch, served from 11:00 to 2:30 daily in the Tea Room at one of Andre’s two locations (Plaza: 5018 Main St., KCMO, 816.561.6484 or Overland Park: 4929 W. 119th St., 913.498.3440). Ice Skating is believed to have originated in Switzerland-- at least the oldest pair of skates was discovered there--so it seems appropriate to complete your date with a spin on the ice at the Crown Center Ice Terrace (2500 Grand, KCMO, 816.274.8411) or The Ice at Park Place (117th & Nall, Leawood, KS, 913.663.2070).

Kansas City mom Kristina Light and her husband, Ron, enjoy trying new restaurants around town.