First, convene on a Sunday evening at the topiary bull at 4th St and Main St. This is primarily because you should meet in an open, public space; secondarily, because it's whimsical and, should you hit it off, will be a fun spot to point out to your grandchildren; tertiarily, for a fast vocabulary check. Do you really want to date somebody who doesn't know the word "topiary"?

Next, stroll to the Black Dog at Eighth and Throckmorton. This gives you six blocks' worth of sidelong glances and interesting store windows in case the conversation flags. Time it so you get to the Dog about 20 minutes before the jazz jam starts, so you can each tell your life stories. After the music starts, comment on Michael Pellecchia's wonderful sax playing -- since the music's so loud, you'll have to lean in close and place your fingertips lightly on your date's shoulder or arm. Check for goosebumps.

If you feel compatible, both intellectually (vocabulary, window shopping) and physically (walking at same speed, tingles), test the emotional: Head to Daddy Jack's at Third and Throckmorton and try to start an argument over the lobster bisque. If you don't fight -- or better yet, fight well -- consider it a match.

« Previous

Next »

Print this story

E-mail this story to a friend

Discuss this story

Send a letter to the editor