Every great date night has that little spark—something that makes it feel different from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine. Sometimes it’s the place, sometimes it’s the food, and sometimes it’s simply trying something new together. On our most recent evening out, we found that spark in three unexpected places: a futuristic Waymo self-driving car, a refined wine tasting at AJA Vineyards Wine Tasting Room, and an indulgent dessert discovery at Turn Dough in Santa Monica.
Starting the Night in the Future: A Waymo Ride
It began with something neither of us had done before: hailing a Waymo self-driving car.
My husband, always the tech enthusiast, couldn’t hide his grin when the car pulled up with no driver. Me? I was skeptical. Sitting in the back seat of a car with no one at the wheel felt like handing control over to science fiction. But curiosity won.
The doors slid open, we climbed in, and moments later we were cruising through LA traffic — silently, smoothly, confidently.
Our Experience in the Car
- No Small Talk: Without a driver, it was just the two of us. We didn’t have to pause our conversation or whisper over a stranger.
- Comfortable Ride: The car braked gently, switched lanes seamlessly, and avoided the jerky stops we’ve often felt in human-driven rideshares.
- Shared Laughter: At one point, we joked about the car being the “third wheel” on our date. It felt futuristic but oddly romantic, like we were getting away with something new together.
I’ll never forget the look on his face when the car handled a tricky intersection flawlessly. He leaned over and said, “This is safer than most people I know behind the wheel.”
📖 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2024) reports that 94% of serious crashes are caused by human error — a stat that gave me comfort as the car navigated itself better than many Uber drivers.
📖 The California DMV (2025) confirms that Waymo vehicles in pilot programs have logged millions of autonomous miles in Los Angeles with lower incident rates than human-driven cars.
✅ Culinary Passages Tip: First time using Waymo? Set up the app in advance. Once you’re ready, booking is seamless. It’s currently available in select areas, so check if your neighborhood is included.
👉 Curious about the bigger picture? We broke it down in our Waymo vs. Uber Family Rideshare Face-Off — a detailed comparison on safety, costs, and convenience.
AJA Vineyards Wine Tasting: Malibu in the City
Our Waymo dropped us at AJA Vineyards Wine Tasting Room, nestled in Santa Monica but deeply connected to Malibu’s wine country roots. Unlike massive wineries or bustling restaurants, AJA’s tasting room has a boutique feel: intimate, stylish, and perfect for couples.
The Personal Touch
What made it memorable was the staff’s storytelling. They told us how AJA began as a family project, nurtured with patience and pride. That sense of family and tradition resonated with us — two parents sneaking away for a night, appreciating the idea that passion projects can grow into legacies.
📖 The Wine Institute of California (2024) points out that boutique wineries like AJA account for less than 10% of California’s wine production, yet they’re critical in shaping the state’s reputation for innovation and authenticity.
👉 For another spot where storytelling enriches dining, read our review of The Golden Bull Santa Monica — a steakhouse where history is served with every ribeye.
The Estate Tasting Flight
📖 The Journal of Wine Economics (2023) highlights that “experience-driven tastings” are increasingly replacing quick pours, a trend we felt firsthand as we lingered over each sip.
We chose the Estate Tasting Flight, which offered a curated sample of AJA’s best. Each pour told a story of Malibu’s unique terroir—sun-kissed hillsides, cool coastal breezes, and family-driven passion for winemaking.
The standout for me was the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold yet smooth, with rich layers of dark fruit and just the right amount of oak, it was the kind of wine that makes you stop mid-conversation just to savor the sip.
Small Plates That Shine
Wine is always better with food, and AJA didn’t disappoint. We ordered a few shareable bites:
- Honey Mustard Pretzels: Addictive little twists of sweet and salty goodness.
- Truffle Potato Chips: Decadent without being over-the-top, and surprisingly perfect with a crisp Chardonnay.
- Chef’s Board “Classico”: A classic charcuterie board with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal accoutrements.
- Cacio e Pepe Pizza from North Italia: Yes, they actually partner with the restaurant across the street. Warm, cheesy, peppery perfection.
The combination of flavors and textures elevated the wine and created that wonderful “just us” vibe we crave on date night.
✅ Culinary Passages Tip: Join the Wine Club if you plan to return. Complimentary tastings and access to limited releases quickly pay for themselves.
Sweet Discovery: Turn Dough in Santa Monica
The Dessert Surprise That Made the Night
We thought the night was over. We’d had futuristic rides and elegant wine. But on the way back, my husband turned to me with that mischievous grin and said, “Let’s not end the night just yet. Dessert?”
We walked to a local ice cream shop called Turn Dough with no plan and no expectations. Its storefront glowed with playful signage and we saw people leaving with towering ice cream creations. Curiosity won. And that’s where the magic happened.
Chimney Cake Dreams
Turn Dough specializes in Ice Cream Chimney Cakes—Hungarian-inspired pastries that look like a cross between a churro and a cone. The chimney cake is warm, golden, and rolled in sugar before being filled with creamy soft-serve gelato.
We ordered two, topped with sprinkles, caramel drizzle, and a waffle cookie. It was almost comically large—definitely a dessert made for photos—but the flavor matched the presentation. The warmth of the pastry against the cold gelato created a contrast that was indulgent and comforting at the same time.
At $15+ per cone, it’s not an everyday treat. But it’s an experience. One cone is easily enough for two (or even three people), and the novelty makes it worth every bite.
✅ Culinary Passages Tip: Don’t over-order here. One cone is plenty for sharing, and it’s rich enough to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.
This stop turned into the highlight of the evening. The spontaneity, the sweetness, the way it reminded us of when we used to grab late-night desserts before kids and responsibilities.
Fun Facts About Ice Cream:
📖 The International Dairy Foods Association (2024) confirms that ice cream remains America’s top dessert, with 90% of households indulging regularly.
📖 Authority reference: Smithsonian Magazine (2023) describes desserts as “rituals of connection.” That ice cream chimney cake did exactly that — it connected us back to each other.
👉 For more on how LA is redefining ice cream, see our deep dive into The Ice Cream Renaissance.
Reflections: Why This Date Night Worked
On the Waymo ride home, we replayed the evening in conversation. What struck us wasn’t just that each stop was enjoyable—it was that together, they created something greater.
- The Waymo made transportation feel like an experience, not an inconvenience.
- AJA Vineyards offered romance, sophistication, and a chance to slow down and savor.
- Turn Dough brought whimsy, indulgence, and a playful finale.
Each piece added a layer of novelty, adventure, and delight. More importantly, it reminded us that you don’t have to travel far to create a memorable night. Sometimes, it’s about saying “yes” to something new right in your own city.
Culinary Passages Recommendations
- Book your Waymo in advance to avoid any delays, especially if you’re on a schedule.
- Reserve AJA tastings for peak hours, as the room fills quickly on weekends.
- Order shareables at AJA, not full meals—you’ll want room for dessert later.
- Plan Turn Dough as your finale. It’s best enjoyed after wine, when you’re in the mood for something playful.
- Make it a tradition. Santa Monica is full of gems. Try this trio once, then swap in another new spot for next time.
Final Thoughts
This date night—Waymo rides, AJA wine flights, and a dessert surprise—reminded us why it’s important to keep exploring together. It wasn’t just about the food or the drinks. It was about the spirit of discovery, the joy of trying new things, and the laughter that came with each shared surprise.
Sometimes, the best nights aren’t the ones you plan weeks in advance. They’re the ones where you take a small leap—whether it’s stepping into a self-driving car, tasting a bold new Cabernet, or biting into a chimney cake for the first time—and let the evening unfold from there.
For us, it turned out to be one of the most memorable nights we’ve had in Santa Monica. And for you, it might just be the inspiration you need to plan your own unforgettable evening.
About the Author (Ginger Graham):
Ginger Graham is a Los Angeles–based food and travel writer who finds joy in pairing unexpected experiences — from elegant wine tastings to simple moments that turn into lasting memories. With a passion for local discoveries and a love for sharing the stories behind great food, wine, and travel, this writer brings a personal touch to every adventure.
This post, “Waymo Rides, AJA Wine Flights, and a Dessert Surprise,” perfectly captures what they love most: effortless exploration, good company, and the delight of finding something extraordinary in an ordinary day. Whether savoring a glass at AJA Vineyards, cruising along the coast, or ending the evening with a perfect dessert, the author reminds readers that life’s best journeys are often the ones close to home.
