Lady and the Tramp Date: Spaghetti and Pets

It’s hard to believe the classic Disney film about two dogs from other side of the tracks, Lady and the Tramp, was released way back in 1955. The incredible animated movie shows us there are no limits as to who we can learn from when it comes to relationships, including the love lives of a man’s best friend. And this is coming from a non-dog person.

As for the four-legged stars of the show, Lady is living the life of luxury as the collared dog pampered by her owners. Tramp, meanwhile, flaunts his owner-less life on the streets. It’s only a matter of time before Lady and Tramp cross paths, and eventually, opposites attract. Due to his street-smart experience, Tramp has quite the knack for finding food, leading to the film’s most iconic scene. It’s this moment, when he treats Lady to a spaghetti dinner for two out back of the restaurant Tony’s, that inspired phase one of this two-part Lady and the Tramp date. It’s time for a little grub, Italian style.

We were staying at my parents, as this date occurred three days before Christmas. After locating a few nearby Italian restaurants, the ultimate winner was a place a few miles down the road called Maggiano’s Little Italy. Perfect! I made an online reservation for two that same day. After saying ‘ciao’ to our kiddos, and thanking my parents, we were gone.

Walking inside the establishment, I quietly whispered “woah” to my wife. Maggiano’s was a wee bit nicer than our usual restaurant selections known for golden arches and frosty’s. But let me say this. Our waiter was superb, and though he was unaware, it was unanimous. He was the star of this Lady and the Tramp date. After learning this was our first visit to the Italian joint, he brought us an appetizer sample for free. See what I mean? Superb!

When it came time to order, it was a hard choice. That is, until I saw Spaghetti and Meatballs on the menu. As I was in full Lady and the Tramp mode, the choice became easy. My wife wasn’t feeling the same level of movie inspiration, however, choosing to order something else. After the food arrived, we quickly discovered both our meals were excellent. With my food nearing completion and just one meatball remaining, I asked my wife if we should re-enact the moment when Tramp and Lady slurp the same noodle, ending nose-to-nose and mouth-to-mouth in the romantic scene. She gave me one of those sideways “what’s wrong with you” type of glances. She passed. Haha.

Our personable, star-of-the-show waiter wore many hats, including photographer. We ended up with a few festive pics, as a large Christmas tree was situated right behind us. Coincidentally, Lady and the Tramp is bookended by Christmas, as the movie finale involves a present by way of puppies entering the world. Being the non-dog person that I am, I’m not seeing that in our future. But it sure transitions nicely to the phase two.

I shook my head as we walked across the parking lot of the nearby Pet Smart. I’d never have imagined, not in a million years, that a pet store would make an appearance in a date planned by me. I’m just not a pet person. Never have been. When people ask me why, my response is always the same, “I chose kids, not pets.” Four kids are more than enough craziness for me. 😊

The pet store proved to be a nice way to view animals without having to care for them. Now that’s my style. Though I legit asked my wife if we could buy a fish. And sure enough, I received my second sideways glance of the evening. Maybe I’m softening on my no-pet stance after all. On second thought, nope. Though we didn’t see any dogs, we did stumble upon a small corner of cats. After studying them for a minute, I determined they weren’t the “We are Siamese if You Please” cats from Lady and the Tramp. Such a catchy tune.

The pet store was something totally different for us, proving that unexpected activities can often be a nice addition in our dating lives. Except the smell. That’s one date addition I could have done without.

Until next time, keep dating.

Brent

BUILD YOUR OWN DATE – LADY AND THE TRAMP

Note: The following ideas all came from the movie. Feel free to use one, all, or something else. The choice is yours.

Locations:

• Visit a Pet Store

• Go to a Park (or a dog park)

• Italian Restaurant

• Zoo

Activities:

• Walk Your Dog Together

• Make an Italian Dish at Home

• Christmas-related Activity

Food:

• Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Italian Cuisine

Brent Bonus:

• Do what I didn’t. Relive that vintage romantic moment when Lady and the Tramp share a noodle, ending up nose-to-nose (or mouth-to-mouth). 😊