I’m still all about the active date, with an option to grab something at a nice brewery or otherwise afterwards if she passes muster. If she doesn’t acquiesce to the active date, she isn’t my type anyway. It’s worked for me many times and I’ve met longer term gf’s this way. FNL, SNL, TNL…it varies.
If she needs to go to Farrallon, Nobu, French Laundry, Manresa or the ilk she’s barking up the wrong tree. Maybe on a special occasion once we’re involved.
That's a viable strategy. Much more sensible than what OP proposes. I've been on many activity dates (hiking, dancing, golfing, riding, water sports etc.) And I've been on many dinner date first dates too, including good restaurants like Maestros.
French Laundry (fantastic meal) was a special occassion with my first husband, Nobu is quite nice but ridiculously pricey. I've been at times when my husband or boyfriend felt like a splurge (it's pretty cool in Malibu but there are better places nearby with better prices and equivalent waterfront.) Nobu is new rich showing off, and I'd find expectation there for a first date rather presumptpus except if everyone involved is already in the 1%. I digress.
I'm someone who does a high end restaurant with some frequency because I'm bougey that way. So I tend to meet people who like similar things.
I'm also happy with a great coffee, great dessert, great street taco, or great burger joint or dive bar. I hate bad food. So if it's good? I'm versatile.
First date with husband was brunch & then a drive up to wine country & pop from here to there. It was fun. Lots of time to visit while driving & going different spots.
He asked me out and he invested. So in return I invested. Wash, rinse, repeat many times & here we are.
This idea that women are just going to show up & put out is pretty ridiculous. Make more of an effort if you want a woman worth having.
Otherwise who cares about quality if your strategy is strictly sex & release....but dont complain about the crazies. Experienced men will tell you that game gets pretty old pretty quickly.