DRINK: Milking it

The weekend lunch is a great alternative to the high-pressure Saturday night date, especially in the early stages. A friend I know recently took a girl to yum cha. They had a laugh, they had fun and she was open to seeing him again. No pressure, no cost and no wondering what happens now that it's midnight.

Plus if it's fairly new and you're fairly unsure, you're probably not up for the spend-loads-long-lunch that leads you into into awkward 'it's-late afternoon-do-we-kick-on-into-the-night?' territory.

So where to go for the fun, casual weekend lunch? It's as easy as deciphering that Milk is to Cow as Moo is to...Burger.

Moo Burger is right on Campbell Parade in Bondi but situated high enough towards Bondi Rd to to avoid the tourist crowds on the main strip. There's a diverse range of burgers -including classic cheese, chicken parmagiana, wagyu beef or the brilliant farmyard combination of duck and bacon - and their milkshake menu is awesome. Go the Beach Blonde with Crunchie chocolate, ice-cream, caramel & chocolate syrup. Plus if she's the fussy kind, there are gluten free or multigrain buns on request. Done.

If you need a bit more than some milkshake goodness for that dating dutch courage, Moo Burger is also licensed so you can order beer, wine, spirits and cocktails to get the conversation going. It's an easy, relaxed vibe in there and you're staring out across Bondi. If nothing else, at least you get a decent lunch.

EAT: Group text

Once again, your girlfriend wants to organise a group dinner with all her favourite girls, their associated partners and a potential 'set up' between friends. Not only is it mandatory you attend, you should also attend with the right amount of enthusiasm and social effort. (No, not like that. A grimace does not constitute a smile.)

Inevitably, you will be approached for help in suggesting dinner options. Somewhere fun, not too expensive, bookings preferable and a place where her volume level can comfortably increase with her alcohol consumption. (And no, not a pub where you think you can slip away unnoticed to watch the night's sporting entertainment.)

Suggestion: Wagaya. It's Japanese, centrally located with  clean, modern decor and perfect for groups, increased noise levels and alcoholic consumption. The two biggest perks? You can book via text (0416 200 223) and there's a touch screen ordering system. Like all things Japanese, Brownie Points P.A loves the efficiency.

Each table has a touch screen computer where you can order food as standard as sushi and sashimi to the more adventurous ox tongue and chicken gizzards. Waiting periods are minimal as is the bill, despite the potential to get carried away.

Brownie Points P.A memo: If the conversation becomes stilted, kickstart it with  "Isn't this a great ordering system?" then quickly stuff in a piece of sushi and force them to marvel back.

SHARE: Spoiling Mum under the sun..

                                  

If your mum's birthday is coming up or it's just time to do something nice, take her for a Sunday drive and surprise her with lunch and a birthday treat.

Sous Le Soleil (soo le sol-ay), french for 'under the sun', is a gorgeous cottage with 4 rooms of beautiful gifts and homewares that any mum will love. Set in the middle of Roseville Park, Sous Le Soleil also has a fantastic restaurant out the back so you can drive her to a surprise destination, treat her to lunch and then buy her a self-selected birthday treat. She'll love trawling through the treasure trove of rooms and even better, she will adore being taken out to lunch by her son.

Brownie Points P.A memo: Also try Burnt Orange in Chowder Bay for an equal serving of mum's best brownie points. The huge deck is great on a sunny day. You’ll find Burnt Orange at the Club House at the end of Middle Head Road, opposite HMAS Penguin. Open daily 830am-530pm. 02 9969 1120.

PLAY: Valentine's Day Victory

If you're single, count yourself lucky. If you're partnered up, read on.

Valentine's Day has the potential to end up thornier than 2 dozen long stemmed roses. This is the same danger zone where 'yes means no' and 'no means yes' also reside.

Here are a couple of pointers to keep you on track and away from the doghouse.

1. If it matters to her, respect it. Even if you think it's ridiculous. No need to  'compromise your values' or feel you have to go overboard but a token gift to show you care will be highly rewarded. Make it practical or fun but it doesn't have to be love-themed. Aim for the unexpected. Even a cute posey of flowers or cooking dinner for starters.

2. Don't disguise laziness by trying to take the high road. Claims that it's over-commercialised and you refuse to be sucked in will fall flat if you're an everyday consumerist. No one likes the anti-capitalist-for-convenience.

3. No one likes red roses and babies' breath either. No one.

4. The same applies for the white fluffy teddy complete with 'I love you' satin heart. Unless she's Kath and Kim.

5. If you've been seeing each other for a month or two, go with a token gift or starter points from Point 1. 

6. Some girls don't like Valentine's Day. But most girls don't like to be the odd one out either. If all her friends are busily engaged in Valentine's Day activities this year, get on the front foot and organise something to do in advance. Doesn't have to be labelled 'for Valentine's Day'. As long as it labels you 'Brownie Points and bedroom-worthy'.

Brownie Points P.A memo: Buyer beware. If you're taking her for dinner, expect a price premium or the 'specially created  Valentine's Day menu'. Romance equals revenue for restaurants. They love the words 'wedding' and 'valentines' as much as your girl might.

DRINK: Tea not wine

The hardest-won or most sought after Brownie Points will often come from her mother. She’s the all-important Other Woman you need to continually impress. Treating her daughter well should be a given. Whenever you see her, engaging in conversation and taking a genuine interest are also mandatories.

But how can you really cement your place amongst the ‘wonderful’ ex, her sister’s new boyfriend or the ‘lovely’ and long-time family friend?

Time to take tea. Send them off for a delicious afternoon of mother-daughter bonding over High Tea. Even the least girly-girl will love it when there’s tier upon tier, layer upon layer or buffet-me-up sweet and savoury delights on offer.

Here are the top 3 sweet spots:

1. The Observatory Hotel, CBD – choose from the traditional tea or a unique range of High Tea experiences

2. The Victoria Room, Darlinghurst – always accommodating larger groups so if mother and daughter share the same lack of conversational volume control, noise and loud laughter is welcome

3. The Intercontinental Hotel, CBD - for the amazing buffet including your own chef-at-the-ready with freshly prepared crepes or waffles

Whether your (future or existing) mother-in-law is Helen Mirren-incarnate, a socially-reborn ‘Kath and Kim’ divorcee or a more motherly and matronly Mrs Doubtfire, they will equally love the experience.

Brownie Points P.A memo: Expect to fork out around $35-40pp minimum but what price freedom? Not only do you score in the Brownie Points department, you also score a free Saturday or Sunday afternoon to yourself.

EAT: Bloomin' lovely

If you’re not a regular at giving flowers, any sign of a floral arrangement can often signal guilt and an impending trip to the dog house.

To win genuine brownie points rather than having to combat suspicion,  try doing it differently with Edible Blooms. These cute bouquets come in all different variations – chocolate strawberries, fresh fruit, chocolate, cookies etc - and for a variety occasions. They make for an awesome gift especially when you surprise her with a delivery at work.

A friend I know used to send these to her boyfriend thinking he’d love them. She realised she was subconsciously sending him something she really wanted when the bouquets were creating more of a sensation for his female colleagues rather than him.


Plus your spending-to-brownie point ratio will sky rocket when she shares the bouquet around - her friends or colleagues will all gush over how thoughtful you are and she’ll be extra chuffed.


  Brownie Points P.A memo: If you’re already a floral guru in the brownie points department but want extra convenience and efficiency, try Fast Flowers for some killer bouquets!