$20 Date Night: Fusian, Orange Leaf, and The Banks

This date is great for a middle of the week venture downtown. Weekdays are a great day to go downtown because you can see it in a calmer setting and explore without having to worry about traffic, parking, or the night club scene getting in the way of a relaxing evening.

• Fusian 

• This casual restaurant on Fourth is the Chipotle of sushi. Walking in, you can step up to the counter and choose between a soy or seaweed wrap. Then, decide what kind of protein you want in your roll, some of the options being shrimp, eel, roasted tofu, and tuna. Fusian also has a wide variety of veggies, sauces and toppings which include avocado, cream cheese, sweet soy, and tempura crunch,which all add the extra flavor that makes the roll one of a kind. They also have the customary suggested rolls such as the spicy tuna and California roll for more traditional sushi lovers. At Fusian, you are guaranteed a unique experience for an inexpensive price, with rolls ranging from $6-$8. Sometime this fall, Fusian with be moving from their current location on Fourth St. to 600 Vine. Fortunately, this still isn't a far walk from The Banks.
• 28 W. Fourth St.
• Menu: http://www.fusian.com/menu_choose.php

• Orange Leaf
• Many of the people reading this have been to Orange Leaf and understand the wonderful experience that it is. Though I am normally not a fan of nationwide chains, Orange Leaf is still so much fun to go to and try a bunch of different flavors. My problem is always trying to get as many flavors as possible and spending $8 on fro-yo. Since their cups are so large, I recommend just sharing one and putting your favorites on either side. Since Adam likes fruity desserts and I like chocolate, he usually puts flavors like Strawberry and Blueberry on his side while I have Brownie Batter and Coffee on mine. This usually ends with a good tasting puddle of melted fro-yo at the bottom of the cup. After getting your ice cream, you can walk a block south down Walnut to the Smale Riverfront Park. 
• 160 Walnut St.

• The Banks

• One of the key projects in the revitalization of Downtown is the Banks. Anyone who has been to a Reds Game or Bengals Game in the past year has probably experienced this new development. Phase 1 of the Smale Riverfront Park with its gorgeous fountains and awesome view of the river is one of my favorite places to go Downtown. You can eat your ocean next to the color-changing waterfalls while looking out at the Roebling Bridge lit up at night. This is a great end to a low-key, romantic date or a relaxing night with friends. To get here, just walk down Walnut until you reach the Freedom Center and the Park is right behind it. 

Hope you enjoy your week!

Photos Courtesy:
Urbanspoon
Urban Cincy