Tags
a great date, a world of possibilities, Allora Restaurant, bad meal and good date, hoping for a second date, octopus appetizer, rigatoni bolognese
On Friday night I had an awesome dinner date with such a sweet gentleman. The date was awesome because of how nice he was and how the conversation just flowed, not because of the food. The restaurant was disappointing.
When he said he was taking me to Allora, I Googled it and was excited when I saw all the great reviews. I also looked at the cocktail menu and found a drink I wanted to try.
I got to the restaurant a few minutes earlier and went downstairs to the bathroom, by the time I returned he was already at the bar waiting for me. He was just like his picture and I could tell he was a little on the shy side.
We chose to sit at a table right away instead of lingering at the bar. When the waiter comes to take our drink order I asked for the drink menu. He said he didn’t have one. I was confused, as there was one on the website, so I insisted: are you sure you don’t have a cocktail list?
He said: “This is not that kind of place.” I was a little put off by that comment. Then he added: “The bartender can make you anything you want”. He said that the old manager had created the cocktail list, but the new manager removed it. It would have been nice if they had updated their website.
Mr. D., my date, ordered an octopus appetizer. I was game for trying it. My date said it was not well prepared. I agreed with him. Even though I never had octopus before this could have used some more seasoning.
The Rigatoni Bolognese was bland and almost completely meatless. The beef ravioli, which I don’t even know what was the filling because it didn’t taste at all like beef, was just awful. It came covered in cranberry sauce. They should have mentioned that it was covered in the sweet sauce when we asked what the ravioli of the day was. The waiter only said beef.
In retrospect I should have complained about the food especially because of the price charged. I didn’t pay or see the bill but there were prices on the menu. I had already done my share of complaining about the drink menu I didn’t want to bring negativity to the evening. I also didn’t want him to feel bad for having chosen the restaurant.
The conversation was flowing and we were having such a great time that the food seemed like an afterthought.
At one point I went to the bathroom again and I got back and the waiter is waiting with the dessert cart. My date looked at me and said: “I knew you would want it”. I thought that was cute since I had previously mentioned I had a sweet tooth. We shared some kind of chocolate mousse cake. It was just good.
I am not sure why all the great reviews. Perhaps we just ordered the wrong food or the chef had an off day. I will never go back and would never recommend it.
“I dwell in possibility…” – ― Emily Dickinson
After the dinner we walked to the train station and he offered me his arm. It was all so easy and effortless. At my train track we continued talking for a few more minutes. We talked about taking a skiing trip together.
Then we hugged good bye and we kissed twice on the lips – just quick pecks. I definitely would have been okay with more, even though I don’t particular care for kissing on the first date. I guess I am changing my stance on that. The kiss is a great way to see if chemistry is really there or it isn’t.
I will definitely go on a second date if he asks me. He seemed interested but since the date we have texted a little with both of us talking about being busy at work and not much more than that. This time I honestly have no idea if a second date will happen or not.
I am inclined to think it will not as I find that most guys will ask me out right away. If they don’t then things normally fizzles out. Perhaps it is a New York thing. Everyone is always moving on to the next thing instead of focusing on what/who is at hand. Or perhaps people always think that there will be someone else better out there.
I know he has a lot on his plate, perhaps it is even a little too early for him to start dating. He is still only separated, has kids, still living with the spouse. They are trying to sell the house and go their separate ways. They also share a variety of businesses that they are trying to get sorted it out.
He is very busy, but that is an excuse that I don’t accept. If someone is online dating, and interested in someone, then they will make the time. Otherwise they are just not interested.
All I know is that he was smart, open, honest, and such a gentleman. He was an absolute joy to be with. I could see hints of sparks and chemistry. Fingers crossed.
“It’s the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee.” -― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
At least your date was the saving grace. It sounds like there will be a next time, with hopefully better food. Good luck.
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I am hoping there will be, and I am sure the food will be better. I don’t think it can’t get worst. Thank you and blessings! 🙂
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That is a good attitude to have. 🙂
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Got to be positive and keep going! Blessings! 🙂
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That’s all you can do. 🙂
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I will be in NYC on Sunday to see a show. Unfortunately, I probably won’t have time to meet up or I would have told you earlier. I’m bringing my friend to one of my favorite places for brunch near the theater district – Thalia’s. Have you ever been?
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Hi Dee, I am so sad we won’t get to many this time, hopefully next time you are in town you will let me know.
I have never been to Thalia’s, I am going to check it out. Is there a special dish you like there?
Have fun in NY! Sending you blessings! 🙂
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Sending hugs
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Love the hugs, thank you! Sending hugs and blessings back! 🙂
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it sounds like a good date in spite of the restaurant. i have to say i agree with you. in my experience if someone wants to see me again they try to make it happen, if they don’t there is a reason on their part and nothing you can do to change that. i’m at point where i’m not going to ask someone to see me, i want them to ask because they want to, not because i’ve pushed it, if that makes sense. best of luck either way -)
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Hi Beth
We definitely agree on that point – if a man wants to see a woman he will make it happen.
I don’t like to feel I am chasing him. He knows I am interested.
We shall see what happens here… still hopeful.
Sending you blessings! 🙂
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No,I think you’ve done it just right) agreed
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Well the good thing is that you had a lovely evening and met someone nice. My thought is that he is still very weighed down with baggage, so may just be dipping his toes in the pool to see what life is like for singles these days. I hope he keeps in touch, especially if the two of you got on so well, time will tell lovely girl, I’ll keep my fingers crossed xx
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Hi Lilly,
I suspect the same. He has so much on his plate, I am not sure he is ready to be a couple. I suspect he needs some time alone.
But as you said only time will tell. I am willing to give it a chance and even just be a friend if he needs one.
Thank and many blessings to you! 🙂
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Forget the rigatoni… the main “dish” was all right 😉
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hahaha love that! You are right! I will take him over the best rigatoni any day!
Blessings! 🙂
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Much love to you!
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Thank you, and to you as well! 🙂
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“Everyone is always moving on to the next thing instead of focusing on what/who is at hand. Or perhaps people always think that there will be someone else better out there.” I think it’s sadly a “now” thing. But like you said, it’s good to keep things in perspective. If it happens, it happens.
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Always hoping for the best, but expecting the worst – as they say.
So far so good!
Thank you and Blessings! 🙂
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If there is not a next time with this guy, your person will find you, and soon. I just know it!!
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Thank you so much for your positive thoughts! I am happy to say that there was a next time and hopefully there will be many next times with him.
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❤❤❤❤ yayyyyyy!
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🤗😘😁
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So disappointing about the missing cocktail menu & awful food but it’s so lovely to hear the date itself went well. 🙂 Kissing on the first date is no biggie, it really does help establish if the connection is there or not. I also love that he remembered about your sweet tooth. ♡ I hope a second date happens for you guys!
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Hi Hunida
A second date did happen and I just wrote about it. Better food and a real kiss this time 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
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Oooh I cannot wait to read all about it 🙂
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Ah, you are having problems with the gentlemen who take you out. I can’t get women to allow me to take them out. Lol – I still say all is perfect; I just don’t see it yet.
Scott
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it seems there is always a little detail that is off… I just know that one day all will be perfect. It is just a matter of time 🙂 Blessings
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