Rich Man/Poor Man: Tea Party!

Single City is a twice-weekly blog about the Chicago dating scene written by Sun-Times Media Wire reporter Sally Ho. Got a question? Email her!

Tea parties have taken on a new meaning, but once upon a time, it was a high-society affair meant to hold your stomach over until a later lavish dinner. Tea time is not sexy, per se, but it can be romantic for some and a sweet treat for all. Here’s how to do it up like a real aristocrat — or a lowly peasant.

RICH MAN: For this very Old World date, go to The Drake Hotel for Afternoon Tea. For $30 per person, you get sandwiches, pastries, fruit, bread and scones and your choice of super fancy tea in the beautifully elegant Tea Lobby. Go any day of the year between 1 and 5 p.m., with each tea time lasting an hour and a half. The “smart-casual” dress code gives you a good excuse to look extra sharp for your date and the harpist (yes, a harpist!) provides good background music. Non-tea drinkers will still be able to appreciate the atmosphere at the fanciest hotel in Chicago and the famed powder room, which was listed as finalist for America’s Best Public Restroom Contest last year.

POOR MAN: Enjoy a different kind of caffeinated date this week at with a Starbucks Happy Hour. Through May 16, participating Starbucks are offering half-price Frappuccinos between 3 and 5 p.m. Note: I generally do not advise any first-date involving coupons, Groupons or 2-for-1’s, but man what a deal!