The funny thing about dining out is that the conversation often leads to talk about, well, dining out. This seemed to work out perfectly for Kaitlyn, 25, and Nolan, 27: The two self-professed foodies found they had a lot in common over dinner at the brand-new Russian restaurant Ariana in Soho. Find out how compliments to the chef led to complements for each other.
She said:
When I arrived, I noticed an introspective-looking fellow. I was quite sure it was Nolan and I was right. We quickly discovered a mutual interest: good drinks.
Any man who enjoys good cocktails and eats heartily is all right in my book. Noah is also well-traveled: He visits Italy often and I happen to adore the country, so we swapped travel stories.
Ariana was incredible; the service exquisite. I even ate shrimp! Usually I’m afraid to eat any animal that looks like it did when it died, but I decided to try it. That was a big deal. I called my mom after the date to tell her.
When we left the restaurant, he was shy, so I said he should take my number, which he did. I’m sure our mutual love for good food and drinks will bring us together again.
He said:
Kaitlyn was really pretty — with expressive eyes and dark features — and well-dressed. I wasn’t nervous until I walked in Ariana and realized it could be awkward, but Kaitlyn was laid-back and charming.
She speaks French as do I, so we had a little French conversation. Kaitlyn was funny and self-deprecating, which I appreciate.
Ariana was amazing — it was one of the best dinner experiences I’ve ever had. Trying a lot of Russian cuisine was super interesting. We even threw back a couple pepper vodka shots.
I think we were both happy — we had a good rapport while dining at an amazing restaurant — and exchanged numbers. I would hang out with Kaitlyn again.