The Singles:

EVAN:

Age: 25

Job: Aviation interior design

Hobbies: Wine, cars, sewing, entertaining

 

SARAH:

Age:  24

Job: Make up artist
Hobbies: Art, music, outdoors

 

THE LOCATIONS:

Talula’s Table
102 W State St.
Kennett Square
610-444-8255

Chaddsford Winery
www.chaddsford.com
632 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford
610-388-6221

Hamanassett B&B & Carriage House

725 Darlington Rd.

Chester Heights
610-459-3000

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

EVAN: I knew immediately she was my type. I loved her style and the way she carried and presented herself. Her personality was beaming and her enthusiasm for the date eased some jitters I had.

SARAH: My first impression was that he had Robert Pattinson hair … but cleaner. Apparently I’m a fan of teenage vampires. After having the car door opened for me and talking to him for just 30 seconds, I could tell he was a compassionate guy. He made me feel very comfortable and made me laugh within the first five minutes — bonus. He pointed out that we were wearing the same sunglasses … spooky.

 

THE DATE:

EVAN: The activity was to follow a set of clues I received via E-mail from WC Dish….. Three clues/three destinations.  Clue one and two brought us food and wine and clue three took us to our picnic location. I loved it.

SARAH: I totally felt like I was at my 8th birthday party, on a treasure hunt. It was exciting and creative. I thought I would be a lot more nervous than I was, but I felt strangely comfortable throughout the evening. I’ve been to the movies and gone to dinner a hundred times — I know how it goes. Being in that new, unfamiliar situation with someone instantly gives you something to share and creates a comfortable environment.

 

THE CONVERSATION:

EVAN: Conversation flowed naturally.  I felt we hit it off well and were both at ease, allowing us to let loose and have fun. The adventure aspect of the date was also a catalyst in getting to better know one another and keep things exciting.

SARAH: Just getting to know each other. Evan and I are very alike, but come from very different backgrounds, so it was really fun to get to know him.

 

SCAVENGER HUNT:

EVAN: The adventure aspect to the date definitely made it the most enjoyable first date I’ve had.  From Talula’s Table (tasty cheese/sweets/breads) on over to the Chadds Ford Winery and finally Hamanassett (gorgeous B&B), the perfect venue to relax and enjoy everything.

SARAH: After Evan picked me up, we went to our first stop –Talula’s (which is coincidentally one of my favorite places to eat). We were presented with a cute little goodie bag, packed with a Caesar salad, crusty bread, delicious cheese platter (which I dream about at night), and dessert. Mmmm. After Talula’s, we ended up picking up two bottles of wine at Chaddsford Winery. We were instructed to call Ashley, who gave us directions to her bed and breakfast. We got lost, but that’s because we were too lazy to write down directions and our GPS wasn’t working on our phones. It was OK, though. I always get lost.

 

HAMANSSETT B&B & CARRIAGE HOUSE

EVAN: This was my first time hearing of Hamanassett B&B. It’s tucked-away location in an obscure part of Chester Heights made finding it difficult yet exciting (I’m definitely directionally inept).  The atmosphere, hospitality and beauty will keep it at the front of my mind when I’m looking for a quick and exciting getaway.

SARAH: This place was so adorable. I almost wish we had spent more time there. We were invited to an outdoor dinner table surrounded by trees and gardens, complete with candles and swanky music. It was just adorable (I said that already.)  But it was! It was like a little escape tucked away in the trees. There were romantic gardens, horses, a front porch with a beautiful view of an elaborate pond and fountain. Ashley (the innkeeper) invited us for a glass of bourbon inside after dinner. The hospitality was refreshing, which made me so much more comfortable. Hamanassett just emanates romance, tranquility and seclusion. I felt like we were the only ones there. It was great to take our time and feel relaxed while getting to know each other.

 

THE FOOD FROM TALULA’S:

EVAN: Talula’s put together a delicious basket for two, consisting of cheeses (Gruyere, Aged Gouda, Truffle Goat, and possibly another one or two that are escaping me), along with a salad, bread (sea salt butter), and two amazing desserts. Talula’s is consistently one of the best artisan shops in Chester County, and their attention to the food and detail really solidified that with me.

SARAH: When I was in 7th grade, I started a cheese club. Last night, I wanted to call a UCLC (Unionville Cheese Lovers Club) meeting in honor of the truffle goat cheese.  No, I wanted to paint a picture of it. … or write a song about it. Talula’s never disappoints me. The Caesar salad with fresh bread and salted butter was super tasty and the desserts… mmmm. We had a chocolate caramel banana treat, along with a citrus with raspberry tart — my favorite. It was delicious, and fun to share.

 

WINE:

EVAN: We where supplied both a Riesling and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines were great, but the Cab was exceptional, as it really blew away my negative pre-conceived notion of PA wines.

SARAH:  Chaddsford Winery brought delicious wine, as always.

 

CONVERSATION AND CHEMISTRY:

EVAN: I felt that as the date progressed, conversation and chemistry kicked into high gear (I promise it wasn’t just the awesome wine!!). When we finally got to sit down and relax, the conversation became very personalized. We were able to learn a lot about each other and it was great to feel like we were connecting on all levels.

SARAH: Well, he and I share a love of Queen. Freddie Mercury made the sparks for us. Ha, ha — just kidding.  I crave new and uncomfortable situations that force you to think and feel in ways you wouldn’t find on your own. I think Evan and I share that same enthusiasm and spontaneity. I find his creativity and passion exciting. I don’t think we stopped talking all night. I hate when people say, “There was an awkward silence” because you are the one in control. No one taped your mouth shut and said, “Be awkward.” We made it fun, asked questions and talked about our family, friends, likes, dislikes … He’s from Detroit, I’m a country bumpkin. We had a lot to talk about.

 

DID YOU EXCHANGE NUMBERS?

EVAN: Because of the unique nature of the date (scavenger hunt), I was given Sarah’s number ahead of time. Afterwards, we made it a point to keep in contact shortly.

SARAH: Sure did.

 

WAS IT A MATCH?

EVAN: Yes, I felt we both hit it off greatly, making the date not only really enjoyable, but memorable.

SARAH:  I think so … I feel like we would have a lot of fun together. I am really looking forward to going to new, unfamiliar places.
WAS THERE A KISS?

EVAN: A few.

SARAH: There was a kiss or two …

 

WILL THERE BE A SECOND DATE?

EVAN: Currently in the discussion phase of a second hot date

SARAH: Maybe a third?

 

HOW DID YOU LEAVE IT?

EVAN: My mom reads this, so no comment. I can’t wait to see her again.

SARAH: I grabbed my jeans and left. … Kidding! We have plans for this weekend!