The Griffon News

Adam Sandler had 50 first dates to convince Drew Barrymore that she should give him a second date, in the popular movie of the same title. That would be perfect, if only it worked for real people living in St. Joseph, not a Hollywood movie.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, many couples will be heading out to embark on that perfect date, whether it’s the first or fiftieth. And unfortunately, most college students at Missouri Western will not have access to a sandy beach with instant luaus. In most cases, their funds will be limited to less than a green bill with the face of Andrew Jackson.

For those who tend to spend less than $20 on a typical date, there are several options in St. Joseph. David Carlile, who works in Information Technology Services, often takes his wife to the campus cafeteria for a lunch date.

“It’s the best buffet you can get for $4.75,” Carlile said. Carlile puts $100 on his flex card occasionally, so that he can enjoy an inexpensive date during his lunch hour.

Students who live in the dorms can take advantage of the meal plans they already have, as can other students who have purchased flex dollars, so that they can spend their real dollars on a movie and popcorn.

Sophomore Shena Huse likes to go to Chu’s Restaurant with her boyfriend.

“It’s great, you get three different buffets and a drink for real cheap, and all the fortune cookies you want,” Huse said of Chu’s, where she enjoys the intimate atmosphere with candles on the tables. Chu’s offers Chinese, Mexican and American food in their buffet.

Dinner is nice, but it is less expensive to entertain your date during the daytime. Chu’s is only $5.75 for their lunch buffet, but be prepared because Valentine’s night will cost you plenty extra at $13.95, said restaurant employee Nicholas Radtka.

“We will be having a special on Valentine’s night with all the prime rib and crab legs you can eat,” he said.

St. Joseph dining choices have recently expanded with the addition of new restaurants located on the Belt Highway near The Shoppes of the North Village. If you are planning to dine out at these new hot spots, be sure to call ahead for seating reservations because some places fill up early.

Bryan Seiter, manager of Chili’s, said they will be fully staffed for Valentine’s Day and expects to have a busy evening.

There are several inexpensive choices other than dining for Western students to entertain their special someone on a minimal budget. Plaza 8 theater is one choice, as movies are only $1.50 per person. Bode Ice Arena has many sessions open throughout the week for only $4 for skate time and an additional $2 to rent skates. B&J Skate Center offers reasonable  prices for a Wednesday night skate session at only $4 from 6-9 p.m.

So, whether you are in the mood for Chinese, Mexican, American, a little of each or something special you can stretch your dating dollars in St. Joseph by eating out early and  entertaining with a spin this Valentine’s Day.