A good résumé doesn’t always mean someone is right for the job. For instance, Eugene, 35, and Amanda, 32, seemed right for each other on paper: They both described themselves as artsy types who appreciate the great outdoors — and when they met for brunch at Chelsea eatery Pounds & Ounces, they also learned their personalities clicked. But did sparks fly during their meal?
He said:
I arrived at Pounds & Ounces and was seated first. I cooled down before Amanda showed up.
Introductions went as expected, and we ordered drinks. We talked about breakfast and lunch cuisine — my philosophy being, “Order something you can’t or don’t make at home.” I ordered the burger; she had the Nutella-stuffed French toast.
We are both interested in the arts, such as theater, but even with the good conversation, the good food, and Amanda’s cute Midwestern way, I didn’t see much more than what was there. We exchanged numbers, and it was a fun afternoon — but nothing more.
She said:
I was more nervous than usual about this date, but I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Eugene. He was a really good-looking, interesting and sane-seeming person.
The drink menu at Pounds & Ounces is impressive: They have a list of 33-ounce cocktails! He ordered one, and I got some other fancy drink with rosemary and rhubarb.
Eugene and I have a ton in common. Both of us have a theater background, and a desire to save the world. He passed the bar, runs his own nonprofit helping hook up underprivileged kids in the city with technology. What’s not to love?
Well, that je ne sais quoi was absent. It was one of those dates which, in theory, totally seemed like it should work, but for some reason didn’t. I was pretty sad about it. We exchanged numbers, but if we hang out again it’ll be platonic.