Dining Ditch

THESE DATERS BOLDLY DECIDE TO CHANGE VENUES.

7:45 P.M. ORLEANS, SOMERVILLE

MIXING IT UP

Patrick I couldn’t help but be early. I thought [the original restaurant] was not a comfortable spot for a first date, much less a blind date. On my walk, I saw a quieter place and figured I would toss the idea to Alina. Alina As I rounded the corner, I ran into a nice lady and her puppy — I had to say hi, obviously. Patrick I first noticed her blond hair and perfect teeth. She had on a stylish jacket and I could hear her boots as she strutted. Alina He was tall and I liked his shirt — he had great teeth and eyes. I enjoyed his smile and how welcoming he seemed from the getgo. Patrick had a suggested place we should check out for our date instead. I was all for a suggestion. Patrick We politely told the server that we were going somewhere else. We walked to Orleans. Alina I had previously done karaoke there, so that was a fun coincidence!

TABLE SWITCH

Patrick We covered A LOT. We [both] spent some of our upbringing in Pennsylvania. We discussed books, and what we do for work. She is fluent in Russian and gave me a taste of the language. Alina Patrick asked me for a fiveminute elevator pitch and I think I delivered. Patrick Alina and I have similar global viewpoints. I admire her drive and dedication. Alina Patrick is incredibly well-read. He’s really funny and has lived in a lot of di erent places. Patrick She ordered an espresso martini and I figured why not the same. We ordered dishes to share; dumplings, birria tacos, and cauliflower. Alina The food was basic but good. The service was great. Patrick I felt comfortable with Alina; she is funny and easy to talk with. Alina Patrick seemed to get my humor. We both knew we were here for a date and treated it as such. He was a gentleman throughout.

GET MOVING

Patrick When we finished dinner, Alina wanted to go for a walk. My apartment is about a 20-minute walk and she seemed game to walk back with me. Alina I suggested a digestion walk. I also wanted to talk more. Patrick I felt comfortable enough to invite Alina into my apartment for a LaCroix before she called her Uber. I gave a tour and she met one of my roommates. I have this taco Red Sox hat that I never wear, so I gifted it to her [as] a fun memento. Alina We bonded over our love for LaCroix; I asked if he had some that I could drink. [And] he gave me this hilarious baseball cap that is so me. Patrick I walked her out. We had a nice goodnight hug. Alina We hugged.

SECOND DATE?

Patrick I would go out again. Alina I’d absolutely do it again.

GRADING THE DATE

Patrick / A Alina / A