Despite the very best options, whenever you combine dating with food things appear to have a means of going awry fast. For example take, a date I continued not too long ago.
As a preface, I've got a rule of thumb: if I haven't met someone before, I abstain from opting for dinner with them. I favor to simply grab a drink and see if we have a connection before I invest in a complete meal having a stranger. So, when I met Greg* online and he inquired about out, I suggested we meet at a local wine bar. I'd already eaten, and so i ordered a glass of Chardonnay. Greg, however, was hungry and ordered a massive charcuterie platter. I sat there, gingerly sipping my wine and nibbling on the occasional piece of Prosciutto while Greg shoveled bites of stinky cheese (gorgonzola, perhaps?) and garlic-laced meats down his gullet, while the space between us full of an aroma similar to dairy combined with smelly feet.
A little wine and a lot of charcuterie later, the bill arrived. To include insult to injury, the balance was near to $100. I was put off when Greg suggested, “how about we go Dutch on this?!”
(All I could think was, “Dude, I still barely know you. This is why I suggested we just have wine. I am not about to subsidize your ex of cured meats.”)
In hindsight, If only I'd said something or possibly suggested he order something other than nightmare cheese. However, to be the overly polite Canadian that I am, I paid my share. Needless to say, the date literally left a bad taste in my mouth.
Food and dating go hand-in-hand and frequently, that first experience eating together can set happens for rest of the evening, and even the connection — for better or worse. Planning for a successful dinner date is definitely an talent (so that as another rule of thumb shouldn't involve stinky cheeses — but that's just me). Internet dating platform EliteSingles recently surveyed their members determined some really interesting data with regards to dating and food.
Planning an evening meal date? Here are some items to keep in mind.
Discuss dietary restrictions Prior to the date.
The last thing you want would be to appear to a date in a pizza joint only to discover that your date is gluten and dairy intolerant (or vice versa). When surveyed, 10% of singles were built with a dietary requirement – which includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. As the majority (57%) of these surveyed said they'd tell their prospective partner before the date of the dietary preferences, this varied according to gender differences.
Surprisingly, women tended to experience it fast and loose and 39% of them said they would tell their date 'during the date – I'm sure I'll find something I'm able to eat'. Comparatively, men chosen over be more upfront, with only 30% in men answering exactly the same way. However, to prevent any potential awkwardness, it should be easier to be upfront prior to the date, there are no surprises.
Italian is the way to go if you're able to avoid garlic.
Maybe it's because we associate Italy with romance, but Italian food still ranks number 1 with regards to ideal cuisines to consume on a date, with 27% of singles stating it as their preference. Funnily enough, while people appear to love Italian food, 33.5% of singles state that the worst food to consume on a date is anything with garlic (for obvious reasons). So, if you're going to eat Italian, avoid anything with garlic (have fun with that!)
Tapas or Pub Food are also good options.
If you're not willing to take the chance with the garlic, the next top cuisine out there was Spanish with 14% of people saying it had been their 'ideal cuisine' on the date — which makes total sense. Sharing a plate of Spanish tapas is a superb icebreaker for conversation!
Men and ladies were again in complete agreement for the third most popular choice, 'pub and bar food' (11%), which actually constitutes a large amount of sense — dates are already stressful enough, so eating comfort food has unquestionable appeal.
Local gems make an impression on fine dining.
Movies indicate otherwise, but when you think the only method to impress your date is by taking these to the costliest fine dining restaurant around, you might want to think again. Overwhelmingly, 60% of these surveyed would rather go to a 'local gem' style restaurant instead of go for 'fine dining extravagance' (17%).
However, if you are likely to keep things really casual, you're also best choosing a place with local flavor. People prefer to go to a bar or pub for food (11%) than visit a chain restaurant (10%). After the day, you want to choose a dining experience that's fun but not pretentious, so that you can relax and concentrate on what's important: getting to know one another. If you are lucky, sparks will fly!
*Greg is not his real name