Two single Miamians agreed to let us set them up on a blind date at Time Out Market Miami. It was a night of firsts: first time on a blind date and first time experiencing our Market in South Beach. Did they hit it off? Here’s a look at what went down.
The First Look:
Lena
“I thought he was cute. It was my first true blind date because I didn’t get a photo or get his last name to do some research, so I was relieved. I don’t know if that’s the right word to use, but I was excited when I saw him.”
Tony
“She was definitely pretty and dressed cool. I haven’t dated a lot of blondes and I guess that’s the first thing I took in. The thing with blind dates is that you unintentionally create a picture in your head of what the person looks like, and I didn’t expect her to be a blonde. She was definitely attractive.”
The Vibe:
Lena
“I actually think that going to a food hall for the first date is great because it adds that additional element of activity. You can walk around and talk about the different concepts and your favorite cuisines. I think it’s a good way to continue the conversation.”
Tony
“It was fun walking around and seeing all the different options, and finding out what you have in common. You learn a little about the person, at least food-wise, seeing what they point out.”
The Drinks:
Lena
“We both got dirty martinis. I always drink a Tito’s dirty martini without vermouth and, when he heard me ordering, he got excited and ordered one. He said, ‘I don’t always drink martinis but that sounds delicious, so I’m going to have one also.’”
Tony
“We had martinis. It’s not usually my first choice or go-to drink but, it’s weird, whenever I see a martini glass or someone else mentions it then I automatically get in the mood for one. She ordered first so I just asked for the same thing. They were made well.”
The Meal:
Lena
“After our martinis, we walked around the entire food hall and said what we liked and didn’t like. We both got excited when we saw Eating House, so we went back there. I’d never been to Eating House and had been dying to try it. I had the watermelon and burrata salad.”
Tony
“We started with bao buns from Pho Mo. We walked around and realized we both like Asian but thought we should keep walking. Then we saw Eating House, which is down the street from where I live and where I go often. She got the watermelon Caprese and then I recommended the crispy Brussels sprouts. I had an Asian salad with chicken.”
The Verdict:
Lena
“It went really well. He’s really nice and we exchanged numbers. We didn’t talk about the next date but we have each other’s numbers and we have lots in common, so we’ll see what happens. I’m actually recently single, so [a blind date] is not something I’d typically do but I liked that it got me out of my comfort zone.”
Tony
“It was my first blind date and I didn’t know what to expect. If nothing else, it was a good time with good food. We exchanged numbers but didn’t discuss a second date. Maybe?”
All photos by Gio Gutierrez
