Energy is an intangible but essential component for a connection between two people. Stephanie and Jose, both 23, experienced this first-hand when they met at the Lower East Side beer hall Paulaner Brewery. Over some brews and German food, the two found they have such strikingly similar values on life that they want to see each other again — that is, after one of them comes back from their latest adventure.
He said:
Essie (which is what Stephanie asked me to call her) stood out in the restaurant — but in a good way. She was cute. I noticed a ring on her hand and complimented her on it. She jokes it helps her cast spells. At that point I knew we’d get along.
We swapped life stories and talked a lot about how we’re both in the process of leaving our jobs to pursue our true passions. I got the impression she’s the kind of person who lives her life on her own terms, like I do, so we definitely connected on that level.
We shared schnitzel and sauerkraut, drank excellent German beer and had a good time. As far as blind dates go, it was pretty great. She’s leaving for Prague in a few weeks, but we swapped numbers, so hopefully we’ll get together again before she takes off.
She said:
I went into this date super-Zen and with zero expectations, mainly because I am leaving for a mini sabbatical to Prague at the end of July. Still, my first impression of Jose was that he was cute! I could tell right off the bat we were going to get along.
Jose and I are both foreign-born (I’m from the Czech Republic) transplants who grew up in American suburbs. I found it very cool to make a connection like that. At times it felt like I was talking to the Venezuelan male version of myself. Paulaner treated us to a big spread, which was great, and we shared everything.
We exchanged numbers, and I’m hoping to see him again before I head off to Europe. We spent a good portion of the date talking about all the food he loves to make, and he offered to bake me something special — so why not?