Dara on Alexia
What were you hoping for?
Something a little different for a Tuesday night, and a fancy meal with some good company.
First impressions?
Very smiley and easy to talk to.
What did you talk about?
Working in schools. The Highway Code. Borscht. Bargain Hunt. Blind daters’ overuse of the word “impeccable” when referring to people’s table manners.
Most awkward moment?
The maitre d’ seemed to think we were restaurant critics – he started telling us the whole backstory of the place and offered to show us the underground, fully soundproofed function room.
Good table manners?
Impeccable.
Best thing about Alexia?
She comes across as very kind and genuine, and is clearly passionate about her work helping children.
Would you introduce Alexia to your friends?
Yes, I think they’d get along.
Describe Alexia in three words
Warm, funny, energetic.
Q&AFancy a blind date?
Show
Blind date is Saturday’s dating column: every week, two
strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans
to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we
take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the
UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It’s been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together here.
What questions will I be asked?
We
ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of
person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions
cover everything you would like to know, tell us what’s on your mind.
Can I choose who I match with?
No,
it’s a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests,
preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely
to be.
Can I pick the photograph?
No, but don’t worry: we’ll choose the nicest ones.
What personal details will appear?
Your first name, job and age.
How should I answer?
Honestly
but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that
Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online.
Will I see the other person’s answers?
No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details.
Will you find me The One?
We’ll try! Marriage! Babies!
Can I do it in my home town?
Only if it’s in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere.
How to apply
Email blind.date@theguardian.com
What do you think Alexia made of you?
She said that in her application she’d only given two requirements – kind and funny – and I was successful in both.
Did you go on somewhere?
Despite the convenient placement of the register office next door, we opted for a pub near the station for a couple more drinks.
And … did you kiss?
We didn’t.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
Not getting caught in a torrential downpour just before arriving.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
Definitely, but I think as friends.
Alexia on Dara
What were you hoping for?
A kind and funny blind date experience.
First impressions?
I thought he had a strong name and was really friendly.
What did you talk about?
Frankie the flamingo who escaped from a Cornish zoo. Trips to South America. Our death row meals.
Most awkward moment?
When we asked for a bottle of wine and they misheard and poured two glasses.
Good table manners?
Yes.
Best thing about Dara?
The way he remembered things I’d spoken about and referred back to them.
Would you introduce Dara to your friends?
Yes, definitely.
Describe Dara in three words
Warm, polite, attentive.
What do you think Dara made of you?
He probably thought I was chatty and a bit fussy with food.
Did you go on somewhere?
We did – a follow-up pub for a couple of pints.
And … did you kiss?
Only a courteous goodbye hug on the tube.
If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be?
A less rainy day. I’d forgotten my umbrella and didn’t want frizzy hair.
Marks out of 10
8.
Would you meet again?
Yeah, why not – we can pretend to be Michelin star reviewers at other places.
Dara and Alexia ate at The Trafalgar, London SW3. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com
