Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Go Seize the Summer: First Date 2.0

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For last few days, we’ve enjoyed the splendour and hospitality of the Niagara Falls Marriott Gateway on the Falls. As part of Travelocity.ca’s #GoSeizetheSummer campaign, we’ve been indulging in short family getaways, designed to make the most of our time together (and to capitalize on the fact that the boys are still young enough to want to “hang” with us).

And while I’ve got some amazing details to share of our time together this summer, I did want to touch on the most heartwarming part of our recent mini-vacay: the fact that the Marriott Gateway on the Falls has Milestones as their hotel restaurant… and offers the Milestones menu for in-room dining.

You see, just about eight years ago, I met my future husband for a blind date at Milestones. I’ll never forget that night – not as long as I live. With equal parts excitement and trepidation, I walked up to the restaurant on a chilly evening in October. Pulling open the heavy wooden door, I entered the foyer – looking first to the left, and then to the right.

And then I saw him. He was early (a good sign) and was casually sitting on a bench near the entrance. At first glance he appeared completely at ease, if not for his leg bouncing up and down – which was a dead giveaway he was as nervous as I was. As he rose and walked toward me, I let out a huge sigh…. and a single thought crossed my mind:

He looks normal enough. Thank f*ck.

So romantic, huh? That guy at Milestones and I went on to become best friends, lovers, and parents. Yet surprisingly, we never returned to the place where it all began. Hence, two nights ago, we both enthusiastically opted for dine-in at the Marriott, and proceeded to replicate our very first date. However, other than the scenery, there were two notable differences: one’s called Ryder, and the other is called Reid :)

We started with Milestones’ famous Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

Then, since we’re a) on vacation and b) blissfully married so we have nobody to impress, we went for the creamiest, most carb-tastic pasta dishes: Italian Sausage Ravioli and Seafood Fettuccine.

Oh, and a quick note about the scenery. While our first date took place at a Milestones in Toronto, which provided a hectic, urban setting and landscape, this was our view as we settled in to enjoy our scrumptious meal:

(Disclaimer: Edited out for purposes of this blog post… Ryder jumping on the couch and placing stickers on the windows, and Reid crumbling a handful of tortilla chips all over the table and floor. Like I said, notable differences to our first date.)

I’ll be back with a full review of the hotel and our amazing #GoSeizetheSummer adventure. Until then, it’s not too late to participate in your own adventure; visit Travelocity.ca and enter code LENA10. The code is good for 10% off a prepaid GoodBuy Hotel booking of $200 or more. (Valid July 10 thru August 31, 2013.)

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Comments

  1. Tricha

    Such a sweet story Lena. I now a have a new saying “Thank F*ck”. Classic! Milestones is also one of my favourite restaurants.

    • Lena

      Thank you Tricha! Although I’m not sure “Thank F*ck” is the best saying to pick up from me, hahaha!

  4. Flora M

    My daughter and son-in-law had their wedding at the Mariott in Niagara Falls (in 2010). I know the first night we were there we ate at the restaurant in the hotel, but everything was such a blur I didn’t catch the name of it ! LOL Definitely enjoyed the food and the view though :)

    • Lena

      That’s awesome! There are actually two Marriotts (they’re across the street from one another!) so I’m curious which one she celebrated at. Regardless, I’m sure it was amazing!

      • Flora M

        It was the “Fallsview Hotel and Spa” – I didn’t know there were two of them so close to each other (shows you how much I travel LOL).
        I also realized there is a Milestones about a 5-10 minute drive from me, and that I did go there about a year ago and loved the food. It will be a “special occasion” destination for me (budget – that horrible word) ;)

        • Lena

          I hear ya. We had an appetizer, two mains and a Pepsi… and of course the in-room dining fees… and it was $77 just like that. Sacre bleu!

  5. Anne Taylor

    Thanks for the first date story! Very cute and there’s nothing better than Milestone’s Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

  7. Lisa H

    Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip is one of my fav appys too! Cool that a blind date had such a good result – who set you up?

      • Lisa H

        Ooh you modern gal – internet dating! With scary sites like Plenty of Fish and Ashley Madison I don’t know if I could trust that. ( if I was looking …)

  13. Heidi C.

    Love your recounting of your first date! Mine was similarly “spectacular” and we have yet to revisit as well…

  14. Victoria Ess

    That’s a great view of the falls! Thanks for sharing your first date story. I love hearing about how couples first met, and I enjoyed hearing about yours.

  15. Marissa

    The food looks very appetizing and the view of course is awesome! Hope you guys had a great time.

  20. Debbie Bashford

    I have to say that the Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip does not look that appetizing to me, but then again I have never eaten anything with artichoke that I have liked. I find it tasteless and much like eating paste.

  21. Rosie

    this story is so cute! and I’m chuckling and enjoying that from that first blind date to now. Great story, yummy food, and what a view!!!!

  22. sharon

    This is so like my family as well! Romantic evenings have turned into not so romantic family times together!

  28. Wanda Tracey

    I enjoyed your story very much and the food looks sublime.I would like to try that hot artichoke dip at Marriotts.Thanks for sharing with beautiful pictures.