But first of all, sounds like a wonderful date and dinner, good for you!  As for me, all my dating is during daytime hours, so I never take my SBs out to dinner, fancy or otherwise, but I do often take them to lunch.  And I treat the3m in other ways as well. This week I had  a date with my #2.  She drove 50 miles to deliver her sweet self right to my door!  After the fireworks we both suited up for a motorcycle ride.  She was wearing the awesome Joe Rocket jacket I gave her as well as the matching helmet I gave her.  We hopped on my 99 Honda Valkyrie 1500 and I took her to this new authentic Chinese Noodle restaurant.  She loved it and we ate tons of awesome food.  The bill was about $50 and I don't recall if she looked at it or not.  I hope she did.  Next week I'm seeing my #1.  She also is a motorcyclist and last time we met I gave her a new $250 helmet she needed.  Plus I bought her a season ski pass. She knows what this stuff costs, so she knows I'm spending some actual $ on her. And I always take her to lunch after we have fun in the RV.  Often we eat at places where we order at the counter then sit and wait for our food.  So she def sees the $ total on the machine as I'm paying with my card.  All these little perks, in addition to the regular ppm allowances they count on, add up to a lot of good will.  

HTC, sounds like an awesome date. I might even enjoy dining out with you if we weren't both so damn ugly!

 
I've never caught a girl peeking at the bill, although I don't try to catch them peeking, either. I pay reasonably discreetly because, well, I was just taught that whomever pays the bill does not draw attention in any way to the cost. I know no girl has ever picked up the bill or opened the folio in front of me, but it's possible they can read the bottom line when I'm holding it in my hand or writing the tip. (My 50+yo eyes couldn't see that from 2-3 feet away, but maybe hers can!)

 
If I left my bill or folio or card on the table and left her there while I used the men's room, I have no doubt that some peeking would be going on. But I don't do that.

 
But they all see the menus and the prices. Even the ones who like it when I order for them and look forward to it ("I just trust you, Daddy.")   So they have a rough idea of the outlay. At least I hope they do.  

 
Two weeks ago at an upscale steakhouse in a major eastern city, my petite Asian stewardess told me the only time she eats steak is when she's with me.

 
There must be girls out there who sort of "resent" the costly restaurant bill if they think the money "should" be going to their pretty little selves instead. But none of them have telegraphed that to me.  

 
I take a girl out to a fancy place because that's the kind of evening I enjoy, not because I think an expensive meal will help me get her panties off.

 
Rockford

I never make any effort to hide the bill.  No I don't flaunt it, I just take the bill and pay it.  There have been a few times, I needed help reading the dam bill bc the print was so fucking small, the restaurant was dark, and I couldn't read that dam thing even with my readers!!! lol.  But honestly, the women I have taken out to dinner don't really seem that concerned about the bill and why should they? I am paying for it! LOL

Reading through these posts reminded me of a recent experience.  I was on a first M&G date with a new SB, who was very sweet, and who came from a background where she had to watch every damn penny and still could not make ends meet.  Rather than taking advantage of my paying for it, I actually had to encourage her to order whatever she wanted from the menu.  She kept asking if it was ok.  I assured her I was paying and she should get whatever she wanted.  So I ordered a big piece of pie for dessert, which I could tell she wanted but was too shy to order.  Later on she made a comment about the $7 piece of pie!  She was well aware of what everything cost and was amazed that I would spend that much! Kinda charming.