4 foolproof date foods

You‘re dressed in the perfect outfit. You're armed with trusted after-dinner breath mints. There is only one worry left to address... How can you make sure to avoid an unsightly chunk of broccoli in your front teeth or a smear of mustard sauce on your chin? Simple. Stick to these four favorite foods for disaster-proof dinner dates:

1. Sushi. No mess, no spills (but careful with the soy sauce). Sushi is healthy and delicious--ideal for anyone watching the waistline. But do avoid "jumbo" rolls that fall apart if you bite into them or make you look like a walrus when you try for one huge bite. If you're getting to know your date, make sure he or she is up for sushi, since not everyone is a raw fish connoisseur.

2. Tapas. Tapas are Spanish appetizer portions. Because they are usually bite-size, they are very date-friendly. Have fun sharing lots of little plates of foods such as roasted peppers, olives and cheese, and sautéed shrimp. Muy romàntico!

3. Pasta. It's hard to go wrong with pasta, but stick with rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or tortellini since they're all bite-size. Avoiding spaghetti and fettuccini is key. You don't want to struggle with those long stubborn strands. (Cute in Lady and the Tramp, but not so much now.)

4. Moroccan. When you want something more exotic, Moroccan is an adventurous way to go. Since you eat the entire meal with your hands, it elimates the pressure to look poised. So, dive in and get sloppy together. Plus, choosing Moroccan shows you're fun and fearless!