Holly Phillips
By Holly A. Phillips
“The meal changes every night, depending on what is fresh and in-season. Every course is a unique culinary story told dish by dish.”
While dining and nightlife in Baton Rouge is no stranger to change, sometimes it seems like the experiences are all the same. This is what leads local couples into the never-ending conversation of, “What do you want to do tonight?” “Well, I don’t know, what do you want to do tonight?”
But there are some businesses around town offering some pretty unique experiences to spice up your dating life.
Private Dining, With a View
Dining and/or drinking at Blend is a delicious and fun experience in itself, but if you’re looking for something a little different, they’ve got a private rooftop available for booking.
Located on Laurel Street, the Blend rooftop can fit a maximum of 15 people. The rooftop experience is unique to each booking, which includes extra staff, décor, and a custom menu.
“It is a very customizable experience,” said Joel Rogers, Blend general manager. “You can customize the menu, and decide whether you want it done by coursing, buffet, or plate.”
A meeting between Blend and the client is held before the booking to ensure a top-notch experience, and the price varies upon decisions made in the meeting.
The rooftop overlooks downtown, and can be an intimate experience for two (proposal spot, perhaps?), or a fun dinner party for a small group.
Knock Yourself Out
Forget dinner and a movie, why not get a couple of rounds in the boxing ring on a Friday night? If you’re looking for a unique, athletic experience, reserve a private session with a personal trainer at UFC Gym.
“Call and request a 30 or a 60-minute session with one of our trainers,” said UFC Gym owner Gabe Miller. “You can focus on takedowns, boxing, whatever you want.”
A majority of the trainers at UFC Gym are also professional fighters, so they can provide an authentic, one-of-a-kind experience for you and a date. You could even book a session for multiple people, if you’re considering a double date.
UFC Gym has two locations, one on Sherwood Boulevard and one on Perkins Road at Acadian.
Top Chef Experience
Always a spot to enjoy a fine meal and a cocktail to match, Ruffino’s also offers a few unique experiences perfect for a date night.
For starters, the restaurant offers the “Ruffino’s Experience,” which is a five-course meal prepared with local and seasonal ingredients.
“The meal changes every night, depending on what is fresh and in-season,” said Hunter Territo, marketer for Ruffino’s. “Every course is a unique culinary story told dish by dish.”
Because this special meal takes preparation, an advanced reservation is required.
Ruffino’s also offers a cooking class each month, which includes a five-course meal and wine pairings. Each class has a different menu to go alone with its theme, and participants get cooking tips straight from the chef. Because the classes are for a small group, spots fill quickly.
To make a reservation for the Ruffino’s Experience, or a cooking class, call 225.753.3458.
Experience Baton Rouge
Local Businesses Put a Spin on Date Night:
Blend
225.575.5645
Blendbr.com
Facebook.com/BlendBr
UFC Gym
Sherwood Boulevard: 225.291.5269
Facebook.com/UFCGymSherwood
Perkins Road: 225.341.3105
Facebook.com/UFCGymAcadian
Twitter @ufcgym225
Ruffino’s
225.753.3458
RuffinosBatonRouge.com
Twitter @Ruffinos
