A Date! A Date! A Very Very Fabulous Date!!

He was everything I could have hoped for in my first "post I'm over Matt" date.  We had been speaking on J-Date just a few days before he was so bold as to ask me on a date.  We couldn't figure out when since he was going away for the weekend but his plans got cancelled and we scheduled our date for Saturday night.

"What kind of food do you like?"  he asked.

"I eat anything besides Mexican and Indian, and I'll try anything once," I responded.

"Fantastic!  I know the Upper West Side, and Midtown East and West."  And I quickly said I know SoHo, the Upper East Side and Union Square.

"Is there anything you've been in the mood for lately?" he asked.

"Well, there is this dish I've been craving at a restaurant I love in SoHo but it's a bit pricey."  So he asked which restaurant.  "Mercer Kitchen."

"I just drove past there the other day and I've been dying to try it!  Let's go there."

We decided on a backup plan in case the ever-trendy Mercer Kitchen had no reservations.  We were lucky, though.  He called me the following day to inform me of our 7:30 dinner reservations.  (That's the sign the economy is bad:  when Mercer Kitchen has a 7:30 reservation available on a Saturday night.)

I spent the balance of the week actually looking forward to going out with a guy other than Matt.  We had spoken on the phone several times and each time, never was there a lack of something to speak about.  In fact, we always had those phone conversations where we would try to get off the phone but a new and interesting topic would come up and there we were for another 30 minutes until it was wayyyy past both of our bedtimes!

I arrived in the city a little early having the option of 2 trains: one that would get me in and get me to the restaurant a little late, or one that would get me in early and allow for window shopping time.  I chose the latter.  I called to let him know when I got off the subway and told him that I'd be browsing and wandering around in Prada, which is located directly across the street from Mercer Kitchen.  I told him he should call when he is outside.  Well, I was finished with Prada before he called and ended up waiting outside the restaurant.  He showed up early after searching for a parking spot.  We stood outside just chit chatting for a short while and then he opened the door for me, hand on my lower back, and guided me in.  (Such a gentleman!)

We gave our coats to the coat check girl and were promptly seated despite our early arrival.  (I was shocked that they were able to seat us early!)

We began chatting right away and couldn't stop long enough to look at our menus!  Finally I ordered this cocktail I had there once before and he ordered a glass of merlot.  No food ordering yet!  Just chatting.  FINALLY we ordered our food.  I ordered 3 oysters as an appetizer and the steamed skate for my meal.  When the food came, we couldn't stop talking long enough to take a bite!  I would put a bit on my fork and it would sit on the fork for a while before I stopped laughing or talking long enough to put it in my mouth, chew and swallow!

After dinner the waiter brought the dessert menu but nothing peaked either of our interest so I suggested a stroll to Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes!  He agreed and off we went, taking a stroll through SoHo into the West Village where the famous bakery is located!  We waited on line for a short while and then got inside to get our cupcakes.  They were so tasty!  We decided to continue wandering the West Village / SoHo / Little Italy / Chinatown area.  We ended up walking for about 2 hours before we strolled to his car.  His original plan was to drive me to Penn Station but he decided to take an adventure and drive me all of the way home!  We laughed, talked, sang along to the radio, and just had a good time in the car ride home!  We couldn't stop talking for another 30 minutes when we finally got to my place.  He walked me to my door and we had one of those "I don't wanna stop kissing you" good night kisses.  It was FABULOUS and the sparks were absolutely there.

I decided to take Sunday as a lazy day.  I slept in and literally stayed in my pajamas all day.  I had this planned all week and he knew I did.  He texted me "I don't want to interrupt your day of peace but I wanted to let you know I had a really great time last night.  Speak to you later."  He ended up calling later in the day and we quickly made plans for a second date:  Wednesday for lunch and a little shopping at Armani so he can take advantage of my discount before I switch jobs.

I'm very much looking forward to it and have been smiling since Saturday and have been smiling even wider since our plans for a second date!  I'll keep you all updated!

By the way, his name is Brian.  He is in real estate (development and insurance side).  Is a complete gentleman.  Clean cut and has a big family.  He is 26 and 5'11".