Lost list: What were we thinking?

The background

 Matchmaker has to hand it to her contestants. Participating in the Challenge can be a nerve-wrecking, lip-chewing, nail-biting experience. It can take gall, nerves, guts, and lots of other body parts just to muster up the courage to enter.

So when Tiffany, a 30-something native Virginian, wrote in with what appeared to be a complete lack of trepidation, Matchmaker was impressed.

"The man in my life has to be very confident!" wrote the UVA employee. "It's all about seizing all the fun life has to offer no matter how small the dose."

Who could be more confident and fun than Chris, a self-described energetic, out-going dad with a penchant for traveling?

Would sparks fly between these two fireballs? Or would this blind date crash and burn?

 

The date

 Tiffany and Chris dined at Vivace on Ivy Road.

 

Did you do anything out of the ordinary before the date, to plan for it?

 Tiffany: I Googled him. I wanted to make sure he wasn't a criminal or wanted by the FBI. I found out he lives on the same street as a friend of mine, so I did some investigative research. Other than that, nothing special. As usual, I pulled out the push-up bra and body glitter. I strategically applied my eye makeup so that, no matter what, I would look interested in what he was saying. You know, just the regular stuff.

Chris: I did take a moment trying to figure out what to wear.

 

Were you first or second to arrive?

 Tiffany: First. I wanted to sit in the parking lot to see if I could figure out which one he was by watching people go inside, but then I realized that it would be more fun to drink wine while I waited at the bar. And it was!

Chris: I arrived second, a few minutes after 7pm.

 

What did you do while you were waiting?

Tiffany: I had a glass of wine at the bar. By the way, Vivace has the coolest bar!

 

Were you nervous?

 Tiffany: Not nervous, just a little curious. During my investigative research, my mole told me that she didn't think he was my type and that he was shorter than I. I purposely set my expectations low so that I might be pleasantly surprised.

Chris: Sure. I hadn't even talked with this person yet!

 

When did you calm down?

 Chris: After I said hi and sat down.

 

First impression?

 Tiffany: Well, he was, as reported, shorter than I am. As soon as I saw him, the evening was pretty defined for me. He ordered non-alcoholic beer– another defining moment. I do love to have a little sippy-sip, and I hate drinking alone. I knew immediately he was not my type. He appeared to be a little reserved and very neat.

Chris: Attractive, with nice eyes and a big smile.

 

Would you say this person was your type?

 Tiffany: No, not the kind of guy I go for at all. It's not his fault, though. He was perfectly nice, but I think my man wish-list got lost at the Hook, and they probably couldn't remember what I was seeking.

Chris: I don't know what my type is. That's why I called the Hook.

 

Describe what your date was wearing.

 Tiffany: He had on an orange sweater with a coordinating striped shirt that looked very crunchy, like it had maybe a few coats of starch. And khakis, I think.

Chris: A black sweater with blue jeans.

 

Did you order drinks?

 Tiffany: Oh yeah!

Chris: She was drinking red wine, and I had a Kaliber beer.

 

What did you order for dinner?

 Tiffany: For the appetizer, we split the bruschetta. My entree was a seafood combination in a marinara sauce over a very bizarre pasta noodle that was hard to eat in a delicate manner. It was a fabulous-tasting pasta, but something probably best eaten in the privacy of my own home. The seafood combination on top was generous and extremely delicious! I did not have dessert. I don't like sweets or dessert and prefer that my extra calories come from the wine.

Chris: I had the veal marsala. For dessert, raspberry sorbet in white chocolate cups.

 

How was the food?

 Tiffany: The food at Vivace is extraordinary. I've eaten there on several occasions and get something different every time. I am never disappointed. The bruschetta is to die for. It's the best I've ever had. Bread smothered in cheese– I mean, come on! It's a little piece of heaven in your mouth. I do love to eat good food. I'm not one of those salad-with-dressing-on-the-side kind of girls. Bring on the pasta, and yes, I would like a little extra parmesan with that!

 

How was the service in the restaurant?

 Tiffany: Good. Our waitress was very nice and attentive, but not overly so. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and chose the perfect wine for me.

 

What did you talk about?

 Tiffany: The basic "get to know you" questions– nothing interesting or fun. Thank goodness for the strategically placed eye makeup. I tried to be funny and tell funny stories, but he was really hard to talk to. The conversation did not flow easily or comfortably for me.

Chris: Basically anything that came up. Kids, jobs, wine, and she has a large group of girlfriends she does many things with.

 

What did you find out that was interesting about this person?

 Chris: She has a very large family tree with strong ties to the area, including old TJ himself.

 

Was there anything you really disliked?

 Tiffany: I wouldn't say I really disliked anything, but he was just so not the kind of guy I date.

Chris: Nothing.

 

Was there "chemistry" between you?

 Tiffany: None at all.

Chris: Nope!

 

How were your date's table manners?

 Tiffany: Okay, I guess.

Chris: Impeccable.

 

 How did dinner end?

 Tiffany: He paid for my wine. I give him three points for that!

Chris: I had some dessert, and we left.

 

What was the VERY end like?

 Tiffany: He walked me to my car and complimented me in the nicest way. He was very observant and clearly had a good eye! He wanted to exchange numbers. I thought it would be better if we didn't, but I promised to keep him in mind if I meet someone who would be better suited for him.

Chris: Fine. It was a pleasant diner, and she is easy to talk with, but there was no chemistry, so we said a simple goodbye.

 

A hug? A kiss?

 Chris: A simple handshake and thanks.

 

Overall date experience?

 Tiffany: Not very good.

Chris: It was more of a friendly, neighborly night of conversation and food.

 

Did you have fun?

 Tiffany: I did not have fun. I was pretty disappointed, but I can't help but think it's not really his fault. The Hook just didn't take my man wish-list seriously.

Hey, we misjudged. Sorry!–Matchmaker

 

Would you see this person again?

 Tiffany: No.

Chris: Probably not.

 

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the date?

 Tiffany: 3

Chris: