My Amazing Cheap Date” explores fun, romantic, unique things that can be done in New Orleans — all for $50 or less. Host Amy Brassette provides color commentary throughout the dates and is the ultimate decider as to which couple had the best date and most creatively spent their fifty bucks. The winning couple will receive a prize to local establishments so that they can have another awesome, free date.
In this episode, two couples compete to see who can have the best date for $50 or less.
Couple #1: Josh & Zach
- Josh Montgomery is a laid-back fellow with an ear for listening.
- Zach Simmons is thoughtful, energetic and outgoing.
Couple #2: Sam & April
- Sam Cammarata a loving sweetheart with a comedic side.
- April Donaldson is a generous partner and activist.
Great cheap date ideas: be a local tourist, grab some Southeast Asian flavor, and wash it down with New Orleans craft beer.
In this episode, couples are challenged to create dates with these four themes:
- Find Vietnamese eats
- Go for a ride
- Partake in local transportation
- Enjoy a local brew
🚎 Take the streetcar: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority or RTA operates five streetcar routes, including the St. Charles streetcar along historic St. Charles Avenue. Streetcars have been traveling up and down the streets of NOLA since 1835. Hop aboard a vintage vehicle for a fancy, cheap trip through historic New Orleans.
⛴ Go by boat: The Algiers Point–Canal Street Ferry has carried passengers across the Mississippi since 1827. Cool down in an air-conditioned seat as you cross to Downtown in comfort and style.
🖼 New Orleans art: Terrance Osborne captures the feel of New Orleans in his art. From colorful paintings of Big Easy street culture to whiffs of lavender in the air, this gallery is a treat for the senses. Some of the art is even interactive. Terrance and his wife Stephanie were also contestants on “My Amazing Cheap Date.” Check out their episode here.
🚲 Pedal to the metal: One of the best ways to experience New Orleans is on a bike. Take a tootle through the quiet streets of Westbank and enjoy the architecture and local shops. If you’re more extreme, you can always try out NOLA on a skateboard, just watch for the bumps in the sidewalk!
🍤 Mom’s cooking: Magasin Kitchen was inspired by chef Kim Nguyen’s mom’s home cooking. For a sampling of Vietnamese street food, try an assortment of delicious appetizers including the delectable fried shrimp ball.
🍲 Pho-get your cares: Lilly’s Cafe is another great place to try Vietnamese classics like pho. It’s never too hot for a huge bowl of this zesty soup — diners on a budget can even split one and leave satisfied.
🍻 New Orleans on tap: There’s no shortage of funky craft beer in NOLA. Just off Frenchman Street, Brieux Carré has been offering unusual ales and refreshing lagers just off Frenchman Street since 2017. Meanwhile, Zony Mash Beer Project, named for an album by a local funk band, slings rare beers and spiked ciders from an old theater. Even if you’re on a cheap date, make sure to tip your server.
Watch these thrifty locals and see who wins!
Want to learn more about these great cheap date spots? Check out the “My Amazing Cheap Date: Slurps & Burps” episode to see the two couples compete for a gift card to Clancy’s. Along the way, they’ll take you to some of NOLA’s best spots for Vietnamese bites and delicious beers.
You can watch all of the episodes of “My Amazing Cheap Date” for free on the Very Local channel. Click here for details on how to get the channel.