Want a second date? Don't skimp on the sushi
What you eat and drink on the first date matters — a lot
That Valentine’s Day when he handed me Russell Stover chocolates, not even in a heart-shaped box, wrapped in the plastic bag from the grocery store where he bought them?
Epic, epic, epic fail of epic proportions.
Still, I smiled and then later happily shared the candy with him on a fuzzy blanket by the fire.
Translation: Being a couple on Valentine’s Day is cake. Dating any time of year is often crap, especially when you’re wondering if that second date will ever happen.
Match.com’s latest Singles in America survey asked 5,504 people without partners, ages 18 to 70-plus, what they think guarantees a second date. As I suspected, much depends on food and drink. Skip those two things and you’re 107 percent less likely to see your future whatever ever again.
1. Eat sushi
Famous French gastronome Brillat-Savarin used to tell this story about how the Sultan Saladin decided to see if his holy men were really all that holy. He let two fasting dervishes hang at his palace, fed them a ton of the most luscious food and put them in the company of gorgeous harem women. The dervishes ate like mad, even gained weight, but took no interest in the ladies — until fish landed on the menu. Yep, eating sushi on the first date ups your chances for a second date by 170 percent. Seal the second-date deal with Miracle Sushi and Modern Asian Cuisine’s new Fire Ocean roll. Jalapeño, English cucumber and crab stick wind up under a spicy scallop and masago topping. At Recess, share super-fresh fish at a sexy, little raw bar slam next to the open kitchen or reserve one of chef Greg Hardesty’s periodical omakase dinners.
Miracle Sushi, 12505 Old Meridian St., Carmel, (317) 810-1737, miracleindy.com
Recess, 4907 N. College Ave., (317) 925-7529, recessindy.com
2. But then there’s this
Almost 75 percent of singles prefer American cuisine on a first dinner date. So does that mean cheeseburger sushi? I’m confused.
3. Yes, get the second martini
Sipping cocktails ups second-date odds by 137 percent. It also increases bad-first-date survival odds by a bazillion percent, according to my personal findings. Nosh and bar hop around Fountain Square and Fletcher place, an awesome first date that could have its own match.com second-date-assured category. Some of Indy’s best bartenders work at Marrow, Thunderbird, Pioneer, Bluebeard, Rook and Milktooth. Also find 12.05 and Hotel Tango Whiskey distilleries here. Dare to sample Marrow’s Rorschach Sour. It gets its smoky hue and wee bit of salinity from — wait for it — squid ink blended with Cana Brava rum, lime and raspberry. It’s surprisingly light and delicious. Psst: The survey says after-dinner drinks give you a 59 percent greater chance of getting a second date.
4. Talk politics for exactly 2.5 hours
A date that lasts 2½ hours gives you the best chance at getting a second date. Just talking politics increases second date odds by 91 percent. Forty-one percent of women want you to know about the economy. Hillary Clinton supporters want wine and a commitment. Chat up Democrats in a quite corner at Peace Water Winery. The two of you can commit a portion of your bill to the charity of your choice on the wine bar’s “giving wall.” Trump supporters like beer and talking about their ex’s. Take a Republican out for Middle Eastern food, and you increase the odds of a second date by 148 percent. Consider Broad Ripple Brewpub a one-size-fits-all. Get awesome beer and a housemade falafel in a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini. Over the course of your discussion, don’t forget to throw in key buzzwords to cinch the second date. “Netflix,” “chill,” “ghost” and “bae” are terms that lead to date No. 2. “On fleek” is certain to get you nowhere.
Peace Water Winery, 37 W. Main St., Carmel; (317) 810-1330, peacewaterwinery.com
Broad Ripple Brewpub, 842 E. 65th St., (317) 253-2739, broadripplebrewpub.com
5. Spend, spend, spend
Dining at an expensive restaurant makes you 50 percent more likely to get a second date. Luckily, most Indy-area restaurants, even the swanky ones, are reasonably priced. At Cerulean, get bomb cocktails like barrel-aged negronis. Sample crudo, the Italian version of sashimi. Yep, that means you can knock out match.com survey tips 1 and 3. Plus, Cerulean has thoughtful vegetarian options. The roasted cauliflower with shiitakes, miso squash, golden raisins, za’atar spice, housemade ricotta and smoked pepitas will melt the low-carb-devoted heart, too.
Cerulean, 339 S. Delaware St., (317) 870-1320, ceruleanrestaurant.com
6. Don’t delay, text today
Men will wait an average of 11.25 days for a call back before calling it quits. Women will wait seven days. When you do text after date one, include a “haha” or “LOL.” Both increase your odds for a second date by 255 percent. Where should you go on your second date? Something on a Saturday night that costs more than the first date. Sixty percent of singles prefer an evening date. Thirty-nine percent think Saturday is the best day. Men think a first date should cost about $68, a second-date around $77; women think 58 sounds about right for a first date, $64 for a second date.
35 things to do for Valentine's Day
Call Liz Biro at (317) 444-6264. Follow her on Twitter @lizbiro, Instagram @lizbirodish, Facebook and Pinterest.