Aaron, a 24-year-old business associate, wowed Lindsay, a 22-year-old p.r. assistant, with his knowledge of wine and his insatiable appetite at Midtown’s Benjamin Steakhouse. In addition to sharing plates of steak and seafood, the duo bonded over their love for their families, New York City and dogs. They left their three-hour date feeling full, but were they as compatible as their surf-and-turf meal?
He said:
I came straight from work, so I was at the bar when Lindsay arrived. I was skeptical at first because I don’t think blind dates are particularly productive. But when she walked in, I was greeted by a bubbly, tall and very cute brunette. The manager personally seated us, and we settled into the meal and conversation.
Both of us have strong connections with our families. I talked about leaving home for boarding school when I was 13, and she talked about growing up here and how she couldn’t wait to get back after college. We also bonded over our love of food and New York City restaurants, and I picked her brain about her new puppy and what it’s like to have one in the city. One thing I learned bothered me: She hasn’t been to Europe. She’s got to get over there!
There was so much food, so we kept switching plates, and I topped off whatever she couldn’t finish. It was a Monday night, so when we finished dinner at 11:30 p.m., we exchanged numbers and grabbed separate cabs. I don’t know how romantic the evening was, but I’d see Lindsay again and see how it rolls from there.
She said:
I was very nervous going into the date. But right off the bat, Aaron was warm and friendly, so I was immediately comforted. Within five minutes he was making me laugh, and I pretty much didn’t stop from there. He was also much cuter than his picture.
We started off with wine, which Aaron was very knowledgeable about. I don’t eat red meat, so I focused more on the seafood, but Aaron seemed to enjoy everything — including my leftovers! At one point, I told Aaron that I’m a fast eater and usually have to make a conscious effort not to eat faster than everyone else does. He assured me it was OK because he has to make a conscious effort not to eat other people’s food!
We kept up a fluid conversation, talking about our mutual love of the city and food. I thought Aaron had a lot of very smart and interesting things to say. It’s clear he’s very sharp, but not in a cocky way. Actually, I thought his intelligence made him even more charismatic. At the end of the night we exchanged numbers, and Aaron put me in a cab. I definitely plan on staying in touch.
