It seems like a rule that our date nights get spun on their head every so often. We plan to go somewhere and it ends up a.) the place is closed or relocated b.) The discount is not what we thought it was or c.) The restaurant is just…gone.
That’s what happened last Saturday. We had planned to go to a sandwich shop and bring our meals down by the waterfront to enjoy. Hubby was following Waze, (this GPS program he loves on his iPhone) and we ended up in a parking lot in Kirkland.
“Where did it go?” He hates an unsolved problem. I grabbed my phone and googled the restaurant.
“Uh-oh. It says it’s closed.”
“Ah man!” Hubby was disappointed and we were stuck in a parking lot in Kirkland, not where we wanted to be on date night.
So, we took a few minutes and looked at our options. Both of us wanted something casual and affordable enough to allow for a tip for both dinner and dessert, since Hubby bought a $10 Living Social voucher for $5 at Chilly Wave in Juanita.
“Hey, what about Kidd Valley Burgers?”
“Perfect, let’s do it.” I said.
Just a few minutes down Lake Washington Boulevard and we were there.
A long time ago, in Portland, I had been in a Kidd Valley, but it’s been awhile. We walked in to a busy place, though there was only one person in line ahead of us. We were glad because that gave us a few minutes to decide what to order.
Stuart, the Assistant Manager, was behind the register. I noticed his name-tag was crooked and told him. He looked up at both of us with a serious face, flashed a smile and re-positioned his name-tag. I was impressed that he asked what we wanted with our burgers, and that he even offered to sub the usual sauce on my veggie burger for ketchup and mustard. Both of us usually remove fatty sauces and cheese from the menu to cut on calories. (We don’t want all our hard work in the gym to be for nothing.) Stuart reviewed our orders and was quick and focused, even as a dozen people trickled in behind us in line.
“This seems like a fun place to work,” Hubby said.
“You can’t beat the view,” Stuart smiled again and thanked us for coming. I liked him; he put a friendly face on the Kidd Valley name.
We grabbed one of the few seats left, right across from the wall of awards. Check them out. I guess these guys know their burgers.
Hubby was amused that someone in line had a ukulele, and tried to get him in the picture.
Our food was ready in five minutes. Just as I reached to grab my neatly wrapped-in-foil burger, and sweet potato fries Hubby blocked my hand.
“Wait-I have to take a picture so our fans can see what our food looked like!”
I should just call him “shutterbug” because he takes so many pictures on our date nights.
Our mouths watering at the smell of hot burgers and fries, we walked across the street to Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park. We just discovered this spot a few weeks ago and it’s on our favorites list. It’s got a playground, a sandy beach, roped off swimming area, dock, and tons of benches and picnic tables to eat at while enjoying a waterfront view. I shouldn’t give away this secret, but you guys really should know about this place. It’s both date night worthy and very high on the list for an all day, free family fun spot.
We grabbed a bench on the left side of the park, looking right out on to the beach. It was a sunny Saturday evening and everyone was having a good time. Two college-aged guys were tossing a Frisbee, a group of young kids were sitting in a circle eating sandwiches, and a few kids were bouncing a volleyball back and forth. This is just what we both needed after a long and busy week.
My burger was HUGE. Wow. Hubby’s bacon cheeseburger (without the cheese) was colossal too. Hubby also had sizzling hot onion rings, (he did veer from the “healthy” menu there because he’s a sucker for good onion rings) and I got sweet potato fries. We both got iced tea to drink.
Hubby pointed to the speckle of boats scattered across Lake Washington.
“That’s a whole different life out there,” He got that far off look on his face like he get’s when he’s dreaming about our future.
We watched seagulls battling for food, and stared curiously at a stand up paddler–way out past the buoys. There were endless sights to see and the people watching couldn’t be beat.
But alas, dessert beckoned. After taking a bunch more pictures, we headed toward Juanita, a hip little section of Kirkland that’s new on our list to explore. Chilly Wave Frozen Yogurt was situated in a great little spot across from Brix Wine Cafe and just a few doors down from Starbucks.
We both grabbed the chocolate flavor, since that was the one we liked best. I was a little bummed that there was only one low sugar option, but hey-this is a dessert place. It looked like a couple owned the place. They were very friendly and helpful and quick to fix a jammed froyo dispenser as well as refill an empty chocolate sauce container. We got out of there for under what we paid for the Living Social Voucher, at $9.75. I left a 20% + tip because I liked the people who worked there. Bonus: Chilly Wave has froyo customer combo suggestions listed above the different ice cream selections. I thought that was a nice touch.
Since it was still warm outside, Hubby found another park he’d been wanting to try and we walked out on to the beach, grabbed a bench and ate our dessert. Again, lots of people out and about enjoying the warm weather while they could.
This date was just what we needed to get outside and relax, as well as explore a little more of Kirkland.
The whole night cost us $25 with the half off Entertainment Coupon, $5 cost of Living Social voucher and tips for both places. So, we were a little over budget-BUT for two dinner and dessert, I’d say that’s pretty hard to beat.
Ratings:
Atmosphere (romantic appeal): 5. This kinda broke our “fast food” rule, but not really. We utilized the scenery in the park across the street to up the romantic value. Same with dessert. If the romantic atmosphere isn’t there, you always have the option to find the scenery you want and eat there.
Budget Friendly:4. We didn’t hit our budget, but we were close, and who goes to dinner and dessert for less than $30 without stiffing the servers? It’s unheard of, but we did it and left good tips. That just feels good to know.
Food:4. My veggie burger was cooked perfectly, slightly crispy but not overcooked. Hubby devoured his which is translated as “yes, I loved it.” The froyo was good, though slightly crystallized. I’m wondering if there was a problem with the temperature or formula. It was still tasty, though I think it could have been creamier.
Memorable:4. We will remember this date when we drive through Kirkland. I especially liked the park across from Kidd Valley. Now, that the secret is out-you should check it out too.
Details:
Kidd Valley Hamburgers, Kirkland location
5910 lake Washington BLVD NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
425-827-5858
Chilly Wave Yogurt
9752 119th Wy
Kirkland, WA 98034
425-968-2944
