48 p o r t l a n d monthly maga ine portland aFter dark clock ise from left: anderlostandhungry; the press hotel erin little; courtesy da id s ka sip sure to give you the kick you need before making your way to Monument Square, where a fabulous dinner awaits. a Mon Mental Meal Few seats in town beat a high-top table at David’s Restaurant. A window seat show- cases the city in motion. S tart off with Daily Mussels, which on a recent visit were smothered in a to- mato basil broth. You may be hesitant to soak the rest up with fresh garlic bread on your romantic evening, but trust us. Life is too short to not indulge. Just don’t forget the Doublemint. Soon you’ll be on the dance floor, so keep the meal light with a shared Napole- tana Margherita pizza ($23) and the Aru- gula & Beets Salad ($13.50). The entire meal proves you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a decadent date here. Feel the F nk Now that you’re fed, full, and hopefully a little tipsy, it’s time to soar on the dance floor of Portland House of Music and Events. Gina & the Red-Eye Flight Crew crank up Monday nights through September 24. From 8:30 p.m. to midnight, the band has all you need to step out of the Mondays and dance your way into the week. There’s no room for wallflowers at this party, so the two of you had better be prepared to move. The floor is packed by 10 p.m. It’s clear some people wait all week- end for this. But don’t worry, no one is here to judge. You’ll see dancers of all styles get- ting down to Stevie Wonder like there’s no Tuesday in sight. hiskey and Chill Before calling it a night, take the four-min- ute walk to the newly opened Independent Ice Co. on Wharf Street. This cozy, leather- seated bar has enough space to get comfort- able and close, and the chandelier and can- dle lighting offer the ambiance you need to start taking flirtations a little more seriously. Cool off those dancing shoes with one of the “Pure Pours.” The Knickerbocker Ice Boulevardier ($11) is the nightcap you need. The bourbon-based cocktail with a touch of campari, sweet vermouth, and orange peel is the final answer to this night and hope- fully loosens you up just enough to ask, “What are you doing Tuesday?” n d d c Co s happy hour is every day p.m. he upper right hosts ff the ecord appy our unday through hursday,and avid’s bottom right offers signature cocktails Monday through Friday, p.m.