Date nights are so important for couples. Even more so after adding the chaos of children to work, chores, life, etc. Enjoying each other and breaking away from the madness, to find that spark again without the interruptions. 
For us though, like with a lot of San Diegans I know, it’s hard with no family in town. We both moved here from the East Coast and just have no clue where to start when it comes to finding a great sitter to truly trust. I have asked around and borrowed friends’ sitters, found some on neighbor bulletins, even school has given some recommendations. But do you really know who these people are? And none really stood out that I truly felt clicked with my sweet son. UNTIL NOW!!!!
We tried College Sitters for the first time this past weekend and the whole experience beginning to end was a breath of fresh air. It started with a phone call from one of their amazing staff that immediately put me at ease. We had a wonderful conversation which I got to know the process, company, and she also got to know us and my son. She asked questions about my sons likes/dislikes, our family, just an overall get to know you conversation on who would be the most fitting to bond with him. I left that conversation really excited and confident these sitters were pre-vetted, the process was so smooth, and we would be matched with someone that loved what they do and truly cared about my son. We received a few bios and pictures that same day, chose our sitter and date, and the day prior got a call just confirming everything from the sitter, to go over house rules, any special routines, any questions we had, etc. I was just excited and felt so much at ease for a fun night out with my husband!
Our sitter arrived a little early to go over everything with us, and immediately started to interact with my son and ask him questions about his favorite superheroes. Since he has been going through a separation anxiety phase since I became pregnant, leaving the house can sometimes turn into an ordeal. Not tonight! They started to hit it off immediately and he was giggling with her within minutes showing her all of his toys. We said our quick goodbyes, and we were off without a single tear. I was so excited to enjoy our night out, finally, with no guilt!
We headed downtown to play at an adult arcade for a little, but our highlight was certainly dinner at Cloak & Petal in Little Italy. We got a great table right under the huge cherry blossom tree up front, and felt transported to another place. You felt like your were in outdoor seating with the lights and trees, and just a great atmosphere of people. We had the best server, Sade, who greeted us with a fun personality and walked us through some specials and fun gems on the menu. Also recommended some great pairing drinks (mocktail for me–that was so yummy and fun), to get us started.
Everything we had was off the charts! I seriously wanted to try everything, and we put a good dent into that goal. We had the Australian Wagyu lettuce cups (that I seriously dream about almost nightly now), Shishito peppers, fresh cucumber salad, chicken karaage with a unreal spicy aioli sauce, divine crab and cheese puffs, California roll and my husband added some unbelievably fresh sashimi (that I cannot wait to try after baby!). It all came out fast, but staggered nicely, and we didn’t feel rushed at all to enjoy the evening. Such a great romantic yet fun atmosphere to enjoy that rare night out.
It was such a great first experience and absolutely cannot wait to visit again. They have a happy hour menu with some fantastic drink and food specials, a date night menu we might try for next time, specials that change out nightly, and even a late night “Cloak after Dark” menu for those out past my bedtime. From service to atmosphere, to out of this world food and drinks, this is by far my new go-to spot I wish I knew about earlier.
Date night had come to an end and I was excited to get home to see how our son’s night went as well. We got home and he was in such a great mood–you could tell they had a great time! He excitedly told me all the toys they played with, about the bug he befriended and they were reading on the floor as we walked in. The house was clean from playing and dinner (no knock, but with our old sitter and family, it usually looks like a bomb went off in it), and she left a nice report detailing their time, how he ate dinner, and the activities they did.
Both my son and the dog gave sweet goodbyes to her, and he even thanked her for playing with him. That really made our night so much better, and was such an amazing experience beginning to end. For sitters, nannies, tutors or specialty care, there truly isn’t anyone better out there.
Thank you College Sitters, and thank you Cloak & Petal for making this MUCH needed date night out absolutely a perfect one before baby number 2 comes soon!
