Finding love in New York City is sort of like finding a republican in the East Village...it's possible, but it might take a few years. The single life in New York, made forever legendary by "Sex and the City" can be a daunting task to those who are not prepared. In this town, dating is mentally, physically, and above, financially exhausting. It takes perseverance, creativity, and on the Upper East Side, a little local knowledge.

The Upper East Side offers serial daters a menagerie of choices for dates at any time, day or night. It might take a little creativity and charm on your part to pull the following off, but I've come up with the perfect plan for three dates in one day, covering 20 blocks or less. (Of course, it's entirely up to you whether the three dates are with one person or three.)

If there's one thing a single person in New York City cherishes, it's their friends. Without a boy or girlfriend to come home to every night, our friends are what keep us active and involved. Because of that, you're going to kick off your day of dating by meeting with your friends for a cup of coffee. (Early of course, in singles language, is somewhere between 10am and dusk) The perfect meeting spot for your morning caffeine fix is M. Rohr’s located on 85th and 2nd. A fixture on the UES, Rohr’s boasts an impressive line of freshly brewed coffees without the feel of a chain store. A warm and relaxed atmosphere that will put you in a good mood for the rest of your day. My flavor recommendation: try mixing blueberry cream and coconut. Delicious hot…even better on ice!

After you’ve talked to your friends about whatever it is you and your friends talk about, it is time for your first date. The breakfast date is a casual one. It is the perfect way to spend some quality time getting to know someone without the awkwardness of a goodnight kiss. I have three rules to abide by for any successful breakfast date on the Upper East Side. First, make sure you brush your teeth…and not just any brushing will do. I’m talking about mouthwash, brushing, and flossing. Rule number two: dress casual. Breakfast should be a comfortable meal. Look neat and relaxed. The third and final rule is a simple one: eat breakfast at EJ’s. I love going out for breakfast…and if there is one piece of advice I can pass on to you it is going here. Located on 74th and 3rd, EJ’s is home to great food and fun retro décor. My recommendation: whole-wheat banana-nut pancakes with a side of sausage and fresh orange juice. Even if the date’s a bust, breakfast is sure to be a winner.

A friendly hug and kiss on the cheek later means it is time for date number two. The afternoon date is a tricky one because it involves not only a meal, but also an activity. You’re already on the east 70’s and staying local is essential. A movie won’t work because it eliminates conversation. Lunch is good…but you’ve just eaten those filling pancakes. My suggestion is to walk west and meet up at the Whitney Museum.

Located on 75th and Madison, the Whitney always has several interesting exhibits that are sure to evoke and inspire passionate conversation. One current exhibit that was of particular interest to me featured installation artist Rob Fischer. A Brooklyn native, Fischer makes sculptures out of glass, steel, cars, boats, airplane parts, flatbed trucks, and dumpsters. Check their website for upcoming schedules and events as they are always adding something unique and exciting.

Once you are finished debating your views on art (and whether or not dumpsters qualify as it), I suggest taking a walk through Central Park. Reacquaint yourself with nature and find a quiet spot to sit and talk. Grab a quick hotdog/pretzel/soda lunch and if the weather permits, take a boat ride. Another perfect end to your second perfect date.

A quick shower and change of clothes is all you need to get ready for your third and final date of day. Restaurant selection is essential for a successful dinner date and the Upper East Side provides countless perfect choices. One of my favorite places to go is a family owned and operated sushi restaurant called Poke. Located on 85th and 1st, Poke is a very small (less than 10 tables) restaurant that always has a wait. Walk over, put your name down, and go select a bottle of white wine at a nearby store. (The restaurant is BYOB) By the time you’ve made your alcohol selection for the evening your wait time should be under ten minutes. All of the sushi at Poke is handmade right in front of you and the results speak for themselves. I am partial to their miso soup and soft-shell crab roll with tempura flakes.

Choosing the right after dinner activity is almost as important as dinner itself. So far you’ve had a nice relaxing evening filled with good wine and even better food so I think it’s time to kick things up a notch. Nothing too crazy though, after all, this is still only a first date. Nothing caps a great night off better than a delicious drink at a nice lounge. Uptown Bar and Lounge, located on 88th and 3rd has a lively atmosphere, cozy booths for two, and fantastic martini’s. My favorite is the Kaluha-tini, mixed by adding Kaluha and milk to the classic martini recipe.