Typically, one eye roll from your date means you’re put on warning, two means you’re probably not getting her number and three means you’re paying for the meal, giving her a $20 for cab fare and never hearing from her again. But luckily for Topher, a 25-year-old actor, his Meet Market date, Kristina, a 25-year-old architect, doesn’t play by the three-strike rule.
Topher said:
I arrived at Kellari’s Parea first, so I waited for Kristina at the bar, where three guys were talking about strip clubs. I kept to myself, but they kept looking over and smiling at me as if to say, “He knows what I’m talking about.” I’m thinking, “Oh great, my date is going to walk in here and think I’m with them.” They exited – and clapped me on the back – as Kristina arrived, but she never suspected a thing.
Kristina was beautiful, and we fell into conversation easily. It was one of those situations where it’s like, are you even going to eat or just keep talking? She was really funny and I thought she got my humor, which is good.
The restaurant gave us the royal treatment. We both like trying new food, so we got octopus – daring for a first date. We also split a bottle of wine, and she seemed to be impressed with my wine knowledge – or, rather, lack thereof.
Since I absolutely want to know more about Kristina, and I think vice versa, we went to a place in the East Village for a nightcap. I liked the fact that she was so “go with the flow,” so I got her number and we’ll see what happens.
Kristina said:
My nerves were kicking in big time, so when I got to Kellari’s Parea, I was relieved that Topher was attractive – step one in the right direction. But when I ordered a glass of wine, I noticed he was drinking scotch. I’m not going to lie – I rolled my eyes because, really, what 25-year-old drinks scotch?
We decided to get a bottle of Greek wine, and Topher stole the show when he started describing to our waiter what we wanted as far as body and flavor. Cue eye roll No. 2. There’s nothing wrong with trying to impress a girl with your expertise, but I hope that what came off as self-absorption was really just nervousness.
The food was delicious, conversation flowed, and Topher paid the tip, which was nice. However, I couldn’t gauge if he liked me. He suggested relocating, mentioning that he knew a few places that only allowed you in if there were seats available. I had another eye roll moment because of course he knew these types of places. But I’ll give Topher some credit because the bar was pretty cool.
We were in his neighborhood, so I ended up walking him to his door, which I gave him a hard time about. He got my number, and overall, the date went pretty well. If he calls, I would totally hit up another backroom bar with him again.
Topher 3 HEARTS “She seemed impressed with my wine knowledge.”
Kristina 3 HEARTS “As he described his ideal wine, cue eye roll No. 2.”
Meet-o-meter
4 HEARTS I’ll die if you don’t call
3 HEARTS Definitely maybe, baby!
2 HEARTS We’re better off friends
1 HEART I’d rather kiss my super
0 HEARTS It’s not me, it’s you!