Advertise with Googlier.com Katie Chen – Catch Matchmaking https://catchmatchmaking.com Los Angeles • California Fri, 04 Dec 2020 22:47:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.5 https://catchmatchmaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-83629483_2831868006836725_890179143721811968_o-32x32.png Katie Chen – Catch Matchmaking https://catchmatchmaking.com 32 32 Bourbon Aperol Fall Cocktails For Two, Served With Mini Baked Potatoes https://catchmatchmaking.com/bourbon-aperol-fall-cocktails-for-two-served-with-mini-baked-potatoes-2/ Fri, 04 Dec 2020 22:47:49 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10872 Although the hot summer days perfect for Aperol Spritz may be over, you can still use the zesty orange liquor to whip up a suitable drink matching the season. Here's another cocktail hour recipe for two!

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As fall is changing the colors of nature outside, let’s invite some hues and scents of ripe fruit indoors for cocktail hour! Who knows – perhaps in between the turkey basting, herb chopping, gravy thickening, pie making, and the antics of pesky relatives over Thanksgiving – maybe you need a drink? Better still when it creates a quiet moment with your sweetheart!

Although the hot summer days perfect for Aperol Spritz may be over, you can still use the zesty orange liquor to whip up a suitable drink matching the season.

Click here for another recipe for two!

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Bourbon Aperol Fall Cocktails For Two, Served With Mini Baked Potatoes https://catchmatchmaking.com/bourbon-aperol-fall-cocktails-for-two-served-with-mini-baked-potatoes/ Thu, 26 Nov 2020 20:59:37 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10862 As fall is changing the colors of nature outside, let’s invite some hues and scents of ripe fruit indoors for cocktail hour! Who knows – perhaps in between the turkey […]

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As fall is changing the colors of nature outside, let’s invite some hues and scents of ripe fruit indoors for cocktail hour! Who knows – perhaps in between the turkey basting, herb chopping, gravy thickening, pie making, and the antics of pesky relatives over Thanksgiving – maybe you need a drink? Better still when it creates a quiet moment with your sweetheart!

Although the hot summer days perfect for Aperol Spritz may be over, you can still use the zesty orange liquor to whip up a suitable drink matching the season. And, should you make this pairing on Thanksgiving day: we suggest baked mini potatoes. They don’t take long to roast, and you may already have the oven heated up. Or, you can use a mini-oven. Want it really fast? Microwave them first, then finish them in the oven. 

To make things interesting, we are flavoring our appetizer with smoky sweet bacon and hints of caramel bourbon. Should you have guests for Thanksgiving, this fragrant delight is very easy to scale up.

Bourbon Aperol Fall Cocktail For Two

• 3 ounces bourbon

• 1 ounce Aperol

• 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed

• 4 – 6 ounces club soda or sparkling mineral water

• 1 cup ice cubes

• 2 strips of lemon peel, for garnish

Instructions:

Place the peels into two old fashioned glasses, and press with a pestle or wooden stick to release the oils. Divide ice cubes into two old-fashioned glasses. Divide Aperol between the glasses. Add 1 1/2 oz bourbon to each glass, then very gently top each glass with club soda or sparkling water. Serve with a stirring stick. (Sip without stirring, if you prefer a layering of flavors, give it a gentle stir if you prefer your drink to taste consistent throughout).

Mini-baked potatoes

• 6 baby roasting potatoes

• 1 – 2 strips bacon

• 4 – 6 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• dried oregano or herbs de provence, to taste

• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat mini-oven to 375 degrees. Prep baking sheet with lightly oiled aluminum foil (optional, for easy clean up). Toss potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper.

Bake in the oven for about 25 – 30 minutes, until skin is golden and a fork pokes through easily. (Times varies from oven to oven). Give the potatoes a toss half-way through. While potatoes roast, heat a small skillet to fry bacon strips. When bacon is cooked, soak up excess oil on a paper towel. (This will crisp the bacon faster and avoids burning it). Once cooled, chop cooked bacon into bits and set aside.

Remove roasted potatoes from oven and let cool. Carefully make two cuts on the top of each potato, with the cuts resembling the letter “X”. Give each cut potato a squeeze to create an opening for the sour cream or yogurt. Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Top about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon sour cream per potato, depending on your preferences. Top sour cream with bacon bits. Sprinkle topped potatoes with dried oregano, herbs de provence, or your favorite dried herb.


Katie Chen (LinkedIn) is the owner of Catch Matchmaking, a boutique dating, relationship consulting, and matchmaking agency is Los Angeles.


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Mid Autumn (Moon) Festival! Let’s Take A Tour Of The Moon! https://catchmatchmaking.com/mid-autumn-moon-festival-lets-take-a-tour-of-the-moon/ Sat, 03 Oct 2020 02:42:26 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10759 In celebration of Mid Autumn Festival, take a narrated tour of the Moon! This 4K high resolution video combines footage from several NASA missions. Amazing to watch on a big screen TV!

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In celebration of Mid Autumn Festival, take a narrated tour of the Moon! This 4K high resolution video combines footage from several NASA missions. Amazing to watch on a big screen TV!

Known under different names in Asia, the Mid Autumn or Moon Festival has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years. This most romantic festival is one of the highlights of the year across China and many parts of East Asia. It is celebrated when it is believed that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size, coinciding with harvest time.

Want to learn more about the Moon Festival and legend of Chang’ E? Read our article!

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Pineapple Punch, Served With Kalua Pork Sliders https://catchmatchmaking.com/pineapple-punch/ Sat, 03 Oct 2020 00:52:22 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10747 It's time to bring back an old school ritual: cocktail hour! Our version of the German fruit bowle includes pineapple fruit. One sip and you’ll realize why this - fizzy, light, not too sweet - fruit bowle is so popular at German garden parties and barbecues. Join us and discover the romantic secret of transitioning from the busy workday to a relaxing and enjoyable evening!

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We loosely call our cocktail by the German term, ananasbowle, which translates to pineapple punch. The German term, bowle, derived from the English word, “bowl”, is found when referencing cocktails similar to a punch. Our version of the fruit bowle includes pineapple fruit. One sip and you’ll realize why this – fizzy, light, not too sweet – fruit bowle is so popular at German garden parties and barbecues. Not only is it refreshing during warm weather, you’ll love that it’s made with simple ingredients –  fruit, white wine, and sparking wine. We found that our Instant Pot Kalua Pork recipe pairs well with the sweet and sour taste of pineapple in our cocktail. The pork recipe is also adapted for the home kitchen. The traditional kalua pork method involves a whole pig  cooked slowly underground and is not a practical option for today’s reduced capacity gatherings! While neither recipes are authentically German or Hawaiian, both were travel-inspired and contributes to comfort-making during a travel-restricted pandemic year.

Ananasbowle Ingredients for two people:

  • 1/2 contents of canned pineapple (chunks), strained and reserve the pineapple juice
  • quarter bottle dry sparkling wine
  • quarter bottle dry white wine

Instructions:

Chill sparkling wine, the night before serving. Combine strained pineapple chunks and white wine in a glass vessel and refrigerate overnight. Using a glass bowl and just before serving, add equal parts chilled sparkling wine to wine-infused pineapple mixture. Using a ladle or large spoon, fill each glass mug halfway with pineapple chunks and top each glass with the liquid mixture. Serve with a long spoon.

Instant Pot Kalua Pork Ingredients (we made the full recipe and leftovers can be frozen):

Kalua Pork Ingredients:

  • 3 – 4 lbs. pork shoulder, also know as “pork butt” 
  • 2 strips mesquite smoked bacon or 1 1/2 tablespoons of liquid smoke (we used smoked bacon since we didn’t have liquid smoke available) 
  • 3 teaspoons Hawaiian or Himalayan salt
  • 2 cups water

Asian-inspired Slaw Ingredients:

Produce:

  • 1 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 3 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and julienned

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoon agave syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional 

Pineapple BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice, reserved from canned pineapple 
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup brown sugar, depending sweetness preference
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red chili sauce or pinch of red chili flakes

For the sliders, we used King’s Hawaiian rolls but any type of small, semi-sweet soft roll will work. 

Kalua pork slider w/Pineapple BBQ Sauce

Instructions :

Turn Saute setting to high on Instant Pot and when hot, switch to normal and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside. Turn Saute setting to high, rub pork butt with salt, and brown pork on all sides. Remove when browned and turn off Instant Pot. Pour in water, return cooked bacon and browned pork to the pot. Cover and seal, set valve to sealing position and set to pressure cook manual mode, on high for 90 minutes. Once time is up, let pressure release naturally. Remove pork and it should pull apart easily, using two forks. If pork is too tough, place back into pot and pressure cook on high for another 30 minutes, natural release.

While pork is pressure cooking, prepare the slaw and sauce.  In a large bowl, toss slaw produce ingredients together, until well mixed. In a separate medium bowl, whisk slaw dressing ingredients, until well combined and pour it over the slaw mix. Toss until combined with dressing and set aside. Refrigerate, if making ahead.

To make the slider sauce, add all pineapple BBQ sauce ingredients to a small saucepan. Gently bring to simmer and cook for few minutes until sugar is dissolved and mixture has slightly thickened. Turn off heat and allow sauce to further thicken as it cools.

Halve hawaiian rolls, fill with pulled pork, and top with slaw. If desired, season  pulled pork with some pineapple BBQ sauce before slider assembly. We served the sauce separate so that it could be spooned over the sliders, as desired.

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The Most Romantic Moon Of The Year https://catchmatchmaking.com/the-most-romantic-moon-of-the-year/ Thu, 01 Oct 2020 23:53:25 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10730 Legends about the origin of the Mid-Autumn festival are swapped throughout the night and one of the most popular and romantic is, the legend of Chang’ E.

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Full moon during Mid-Autumn Festival

Have you heard about Mid-Autumn Festival? For a quarter of mankind, this is one of the highlights of the year!

Known under different names in Asia, this harvest festival has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years. The day is sacred all over China and many parts of East Asia, when it is believed that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size, coinciding with harvest time.

The festival officially begins on 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which in 2020 falls on Thursday, October 1.

During the festival, one tradition is for families to have a big reunion dinner. Families will gather outdoors, on roof tops, in courtyards, parks or public spaces. There, they will admire the bright, full moon and enjoy mooncakes for dessert.

Of course, there are many legends and stories, and they are told throughout the night. One of most popular and romantic legends is that of Chang’ E.

There are several competing versions, and one of them goes like this:

The beautiful Chang’ E was married to an expert archer, Hou-Yi. One day, instead of one sunrise, there were ten! With ten suns in the sky every day, it didn’t take long for disaster to come upon the people. The earth was blazing! The crops were dying! The people were suffering! But Hou-Yi found a solution. With his bow and arrows, he was able shoot down nine suns, leaving just one standing in the sky. And so, he became a hero. And as a reward for having saved the Earth, he was given the elixir of immortality.

But since immortals cannot live upon the Earth and Hou-Yi didn’t want to leave his wife, he declined to take the elixir of immortality. He knew very well that others would want to get it, so he gave it to his wife Chang’ E, to hide and safeguard. But then, in an emergency, and to prevent the elixir from falling into the hands of her husband’s enemy, Chang’ E took the elixir.

And when she swallowed the elixir of immortality, she lost her place on Earth. So she floated off towards the moon, where she would spend eternity. And ever since then, on this day every year, a lonely Hou-Yi sets a table full of delectable foods. And he spends the night under the bright, full moon, longing for the chance to see his lost wife appear on the moon’s surface.

And therefore, Mid-Autumn Festival has come to symbolize romance, reunion, and a time to reminisce about lost loved ones.

At Catch, we strongly encourage the participation in all beautiful ancient festivals. What could be more romantic?

You could set out some delicious foods, and when night falls, invite your significant other or a date for an outdoor picnic. Then, look up to the sky and enjoy the full experience of this tradition.

You could even put your kitchen skills to test and make your own mooncakes – a quintessential item for this festival. By the way, they are excellent with green tea!

How about taking a narrated tour of the Moon and its features? This 4K high resolution video combines footage from several NASA missions. Amazing to watch on a big screen TV!

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LACMA Demolished!! https://catchmatchmaking.com/lacma-demolished/ Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:15:00 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10725 We are shocked to learn that one of our favorite dating spots is no more! Read all about it!

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We are shocked to learn that one of our favorite dating spots is no more! Read all about it!

LACMA demolished!

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An Inspirational Story https://catchmatchmaking.com/an-inspirational-story/ Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:18:00 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10718 Sure, the COVID pandemic has a major impact on our live lives. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be bad! ‪Here’s a Los Angeles Times story about how 20 weeks […]

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Sure, the COVID pandemic has a major impact on our live lives. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be bad!

‪Here’s a Los Angeles Times story about how 20 weeks of quarantine healed a 12 year marriage.

We’re not surprised that this couple is also taking advantage of the slower pace to bond over cocktail hour!

What is your bonding ritual?

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Don’t Let This Crisis Ruin Your Relationship Goals https://catchmatchmaking.com/dont-let-this-crisis-ruin-your-relationship-goals/ Fri, 24 Jul 2020 23:39:27 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10574 Coronavirus infections are on the rise again. But whether you want to find someone new or improve an existing romantic relationship, don’t wait. Love cannot be timed or rescheduled. In fact, this might be the best time to find (or rekindle) it. Read the article to find out why.

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Just a few weeks ago, coronavirus infection numbers were falling across the U.S. Those of us in major cities were looking forward to a gradual and safe reopening of our entertainment venues. We were anxious to see our friends without apprehension, and go out on dates without eerie feelings and fears.

The Catch office was already getting busy with calls and emails from people wanting to go out again, and our team was beginning to wonder how we would handle this spirit of enthusiasm responsibly and safely, despite our staff being reduced and working remotely.

But it turned out differently. With infection numbers breaking new records in many states of the U.S., the local government decided to once again close all bars and nightclubs, museums, as well as all public indoor entertainment and including indoor dining at restaurants. Word is that these limitations will last for a few weeks, but nobody knows for certain. Even many of the outdoor dating activities we suggested in a previous article were not possible for the 4th of July weekend, and some still aren’t.

Now What?

During the last couple of weeks, I have been listening to many clients, friends and people in my network, consisting of both singles and couples, straight and gay, old and young. Here’s what I learned.

Although we are often told that “we are all in this together”, the reality is that each one of us is experiencing this crisis in different ways. The only commonality is that in one way or another, we are all stressed and aggravated, and we all suffer.

Our relationships and love lives are normally among the most important occupations in life. As of now, there are some who have put their desires on hold for the time being. If this is you, and you are happy as you are, then that’s perfect. Now is the time to pursue your personal hobbies, get to know yourself, reconnect with your friends, and do all the things you can do without endangering your health.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio (IG)

As long as it sparks joy – now is the time to do it! This is also a  great time to learn something new, and to work toward becoming a better person, a better date, and a better life partner – and we’ll be discussing this path in future articles.

But I also heard from people who are not happy and fulfilled with their current relationship status, yet can’t find the motivation to do something about it. It almost seems to me that some people have settled into what I call “comfortable depression”. By that, I mean feeling of resignation and lethargy in the hope that they can “just wait it out”, which somehow seems less draining (and potentially disappointing) than actively doing something.

Photo: Mikoto (IG)

Get Off The Road To Nowhere!

I’m finding it difficult to convince our clients (and people in general) that when it comes to happy  relationships, the “wait and see” approach is the proverbial road to nowhere. My take on it: There is not one day, not one hour, and not even a minute to waste. How come? Because the odds of love are wildly unpredictable. Love is completely beyond what we humans can create or mindfully control. Love may only offer you one, rare chance. And if you miss the turn, it’s gone, and you’ll find yourself on the road to nowhere. Get off that road, right now!

Photo: shy sol (IG)

To illustrate: A client picked a great lady who seemed perfect from him. I contact her as we normally do, shared my client’s pictures and bio, and she was eager to meet him. This seemed very promising! But then, my client hesitated due to the dating restrictions we all face. And guess what? While my client was trying to “wait out” the crisis so the two of them could have a perfect date, this beautiful lady met someone else and is now in a steady relationship. Much to my (professional) frustration, my client lost out on a golden opportunity.

Love Is Unique

Love and romance are unlike anything else in life. Our whole life depends on it, and one chance meting and one single split-second decision can result in a lifetime of happiness. Or in a lifetime of misery. That perfect stranger crossing your path might only be within reach for a mere seconds, then gone forever. With odds that high, we simply can’t rely on fate dealing us multiple chances. Sometimes there is only one, and that’s all we get! One chance. You can miss it if you blink.

Photo: Jens Johnsson (IG)

We all know that single person who has spent years and years, even many decades, “waiting for the right one”. It’s the most common theme our team gets to hear!

There always is one good reason or another. People tell themselves they are “too busy”, or “not ready”. They attest they’ll “start looking seriously” but only after some goal is met — whether it is graduating from college, getting that job or promotion, or loosing those extra pounds. 

Meanwhile, as they see their old friends getting hitched one by one (and often becoming former friends), the procrastinators begin to either doubt their own qualities, or wildly exaggerate them. And in some complex cases, they fluctuate between the two, which leads them into a swamp of internal conflicts. The longer this prevails, the more difficult the job becomes for us matchmakers and counselors. Before we professionals can help, we must first help with disentangling the complex situation and make clients aware of their self-imposed (but subconscious) barriers. Unless these are mitigated, it is nearly certain that “the perfect one and only” can never be found.

Be Bold

The statue of Eros basking in the late afternoon sun in London’s Piccadilly Circus.

If there were deities of love, as the Ancient Romans and Greeks believed, they surely favored bold and decisive action, not a laissez-fair attitude. You snooze, you loose. Through war, famine, fires, floods and pestilence – love does not stop for anything. It waits for no one. It can grow and flourish in the most forsaken times and the most forbidding circumstances. It can neither be banned nor banished.

Today Is As Good As Any

Experience taught me that whether you want to find someone new or improve an existing romantic relationship, the best time is now. I mean today! Don’t wait. Don’t let the aggravations of our times, don’t let the restrictions on dating venues and couples activities bother you. These are just inconveniences. Love doesn’t give a rat’s ass about convenience. Love needs neither fancy stuff nor grandiose gestures. Love always finds a way – on one condition: it must truly be wanted. 

Gustav Klimt: The Kiss, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 1907–1908.
Österreichische Galerie Belvedere

In fact, the timing could not be any better. It is precisely in times of crisis that the human longing for companionship and true partnership grows stronger than ever.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio (IG)

Solitude has a tendency to remind us how much of our time and energy we waste on circumstances we can’t change, on people who aren’t our friends, and on things we don’t need.  These are the times when we realize that a home cooked meal, shared with a loved one, tastes better than poring over a fancy restaurant menu with someone we don’t care about.

Photo: Daria Shevtsova

The isolation this crisis has brought us also gives us a chance to reflect and reevaluate, to look inwards, and to figure out what truly makes us happy. Loving and feeling loved has always been one of those universal sources of happiness. That’s true in all peoples of the Earth, and it’s been true since mankind’s earliest beginnings.

Take my advice. Seize the day. You have nothing to lose, but you have much to gain: your own love and happiness.


The author, Katie Chen is a professional matchmaker and relationship expert. She is the owner of Catch Matchmaking Inc., a boutique dating agency and relationship consultancy in Los Angeles, California.

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Six Post-Pandemic Dating Ideas https://catchmatchmaking.com/six-post-pandemic-dating-ideas/ Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:53:52 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10542 Whether you are single or in a relationship, you have probably been longing to go out again. But where can we go on dates in this post-pandemic reopening phase? Read this article! We share six of the best outdoor dating ideas, and give specific tips on what to look out for.

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Pandating, Part 2

Have you had enough of sitting at home? Ready to go out again? This article outlines some of the current options.

In Part 1 of this article, I shared some general guidelines about going on dates in the post-pandemic environment. Now, let’s look at some specific date ideas. (Just like Part 1, this applies to both singles and couples).

Since all states and counties have their own rules, the overall situation is rather complex. But there are some commonalities: right now, outdoor dates are the safest bets. And generally, this means: shared activities. Here are a few ideas:

1. Botanical Gardens

The Huntington, San Marino

Here in Los Angeles County, we are blessed with some of the world’s most interesting gardens, such as the The Huntington, The Arboretum, the South Coast Botanical Garden, Descanso Gardens, as well as many smaller ones. They are allowed to be open, but they limit the number of visitors, which makes them even better for dates. They have restrooms and convenient parking areas, and (usually) concessions and food. Some, like the Huntington Library, even have a cafe, a tea room, and restaurants (check for restrictions).

Walk around, take pictures, sit down at the benches or in the grass – there’s plenty to do and talk about on a date!

Caveat: To limit the number of visitors, there are reservation systems in place now. Please study this on the respective web sites and call ahead! Also, be sure you understand the opening hours, as they may be different from regular hours.

2. Beaches

Santa Monica Beach

What could be more romantic than a walk at the beach? You can do that now at many of California’s beaches – but make sure to do your research before a beach date. While walking is generally allowed, sitting down or picnicking may not be.

Caveat: Many of the beach parking lots are currently closed, so be sure to have a parking strategy. Beach cleanup and trash pickup have not been kept up, and many of the public restrooms are closed.

3. Public Trails

Topanga State Park, Santa Monica Mountains

Walking, hiking or biking can be great dating activities. Luckily, most trails are available again.

Caveats: Same as with beaches. In addition, some of the trails are getting quite busy, especially on the weekends. Make sure you know where to park, and be aware that in California, parking fees may be due even when parking alongside an access road. (For such places, you need to get the parking permits online or at ranger stations).

4. Parks

Balboa Park, San Diego

While many (but not all) parks are open, not all activities are allowed. For instance, if your date includes a picnic, please make sure to research if the park of your choice allows it. It might be a good idea to go and see the location for yourself before you invite someone on a date. (Are the restrooms available and clean? Are there vagrants in the park? Is the park well maintained? Are the trash cans emptied?)

5. Drive-In Movie Theaters

Paramount Drive-In, City of Paramount

While indoor movie theaters remain closed in most densely populated areas, an old-fashioned alternative could be fun right now: Drive-In theaters used to be a fad from the 1950s. They then faded away until there was a resurgence in the 1980s. Sadly since then, many have been replaced by real estate developments. Due to the Coronavirus, they are currently experiencing another revival. According to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, there were 305 local drive-in theater options across the United States as of October 2019. 

Here are some in California:

City of Industry: Vineland Drive-In Theatre
Paramount: Paramount Drive-In
Concord: Solano 2 Drive-In
Imperial Beach: South Bay Drive-In
Lakeport: Lakeport Auto Movies
Montclair: Mission Tiki Drive-In
Riverside: The Rubidoux Drive-in
Riverside: Van Buren Cinema 3 Drive-In
Santa Barbara: West Wind Drive-In Theatre
Sacramento: Sacramento 6 Drive-In
San Jose: Capitol 6 Drive-In

Caveat: You are not doing the “social distancing” thing if you are in car together, but if your date is a member of your household or otherwise safe, you are good to go. To be safe(r), plan on staying in your car, bring your own food (where allowed) and avoid the public restrooms.

6. Outdoor Sports

Los Angeles Country Club

If you spent time learning an outdoor sport such as tennis, golf, pickleball, tennis, archery or shooting – here is your chance to shine by inviting your date to join in your hobby. You’ll be the instructor! Most of these types of facilities are open again (yes, with restrictions – you probably guessed it). Not all require club membership, and some are available and open to the public.

Los Angeles Country Club

Caveat: Besides the prerequisite skills, you’ll also need to provide the equipment and have the necessary patience to introduce a newcomer. But with the right person, this shouldn’t be a problem!

Regardless of whether it’s a first date, a date with your boyfriend or girlfriend, or a date with your wife of 60 years: At Catch we feel that inviting someone on a date constitutes an implicit promise to show the other person a good time. This requires effort and care. 

When our agency sets up dates for clients, we can do the necessary research on their behalf. If our team is not already familiar with the location, we inspect it beforehand or talk to the management to sniff out potential pitfalls.

If you are planning your own date, think of it as a production. Don’t just leave things to chance. (For example, some venues accept neither cash nor swiped credit cards right now, but want contactless methods of payment). Try to foresee what would make your date happy, plan for it, and prepare for contingencies. Especially in these crazy times, we cannot emphasize it enough: think it through, email and call ahead, make reservations. In short: do your homework!

On the plus side, just about anything that gets your love interest out of the house for something fun is most likely to be welcome now. As matchmakers, we deal with odds. And your odds of getting a “yes” when asking someone out are now better than ever!


The author, Katie Chen is a professional matchmaker and relationship expert. She is the owner of Catch Matchmaking Inc., a boutique dating and relationship agency in Los Angeles, California.

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For Singles And Couples: How To Navigate The Post-COVID Dating Reality https://catchmatchmaking.com/for-singles-and-couples-how-to-navigate-the-post-covid-dating-reality/ Mon, 08 Jun 2020 01:29:50 +0000 https://catchmatchmaking.com/?p=10513 When public venues across the country are reopening for dates, both singles and couples will face new challenges when going out. Here is some advice on how to navigate them.

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Pandating, Part 1

It finally looks like public venues across the country are about to reopen. This means that many of the traditional entertainment and dating spots will become accessible again – at least on a limited basis, and depending on the location. And with restrictions. So how should we all navigate what’s turned into a very complex situation?

Unfortunately, this being an election year, everything has become politically polarized. We now have one side accusing the other of purposely wrecking businesses and making everyone dependent on government handouts. Meanwhile, we have another side practically accusing the first of mass murder for pushing for a reopening too soon. Even wearing protective masks (voluntarily or by mandate) has become subject to partisan quarrels.

A date isn’t a meeting of the minds. It is a meeting of the hearts.

While controversy is great for social media and debates, it is poison for dates. Why? Because dates are supposed to be romantic, enjoyable, and stress free. They are supposed to connect, while controversy and fears divide. No kind of rational reasoning is part of the magic formula for “chemistry” between two people. A date isn’t a meeting of the minds. It is a meeting of the hearts.

This applies to first dates as well as dates with your long term partner, husband or wife.

But how?

But how can we possibly flirt and create romance while looking like a bank robber? And how do we mitigate people’s fears, impatience, and the whole awkwardness of the situation? As a matchmaker, I’m already having to deal with this issue on behalf of clients. These days I find myself mediating between parties trying to negotiate what activity is safe (and legal) enough, when and where to wear a mask, and what kind of mask (how do you even eat with that?), and how to get around showstoppers and inconveniences. (How nice that the beach is now available for walking! What? The beach parking lots and public restrooms are chained off, and the trash is piling up? Now what?)

Frankly, this is challenging, new terrain for all of us. Here’s what I would suggest for now:

  1. Let’s not criticize anyone for being “overly concerned” or “paranoid”, or “killing others” by spreading a deadly virus. That just makes people defensive and ruins every date. And we never know the root of someone’s fear. What if the person has just lost a friend or family member to the virus? What if a person’s economic livelihood is about to be ruined?
  2. Let’s not be overly picky and complicated. We might not be able to eat our favorite food or do our favorite dating activity right now. Talking on the phone or via video chat might not be ideal. Nothing is. But we can also accept this as a challenge to make the best of it. Perhaps this is even a welcome opportunity to see how a potential life partner is able to cope with a crisis?
  3. When ordering food at a restaurant, I asked the waiter how they prepare their chicken. “Nothing special,” he explained. “We just tell them they’re going to die.” Humor is very much part of the magic formula of a great date. Even dark humor. If you can find a way to crack jokes at the absurdness of “pandating” — great! (I’ll tell you a trade secret: a sense of humor and the ability to make the other person laugh are among the most requested matching qualities I hear at work).
  4. Don’t focus on the negative while on a date. This is your time to be entertaining, witty, interesting and flirtatious. Can you put your problems aside and be lighthearted about them while on the date? Trust me: Especially right now, everyone needs cheering up. Nobody ever asked me for a downer date.
  5. Let’s demonstrate patience, compassion and understanding. It’s been inconvenient, worrisome and traumatizing for everyone, but in different ways. Since a date is about bonding over a shared experience, it is also an opportunity to listen to the other person’s experience with this crisis, and to learn with genuine interest, but without judgment.

These are just my views. I’d love to see yours on our social media, so that they may hopefully be inspiring and useful to others.

In Part 2 of this article, we’ll look at some specific “pandating” ideas, their advantages and pitfalls.


The author, Katie Chen is a professional matchmaker and relationship expert. She is the owner of Catch Matchmaking Inc., a boutique dating and relationship agency in Los Angeles, California.

Photos: Gustavo Fring

The post For Singles And Couples: How To Navigate The Post-COVID Dating Reality appeared first on Catch Matchmaking.

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