For the record, I have said for a very long time that chivalry is dead. (
Dudes: if you don't read anything on this post, please read my notes on my date, "Chad" at the bottom of this post. Seriously.) With the rise of social media, it's easy for a guy to ask out a girl via Facebook, blogs and in this case, Twitter. Now I'm not knocking these forms of communication, it's just that social media has changed the rules of dating forever. You don't have to ask someone out face to face and what's more, anyone can make themselves look and sound good on paper. So when I was asked out on my first date via Twitter, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. Would he be socially awkward? Would he be a gentleman? Would he just be an all around total goon? Fortunately, for me none of the above were true. "Chad" as he asked to be called, couldn't have written a better script for our date. He also picked a perfect place, The Shed, for the "Blind/Stalked You on Twitter and Asked You Out" date.
Since I wanted to play it safe and not reveal my place of residence, I met Chad at The Shed. I've heard much about this East Atlanta hot spot, but since it isn't in my normal hood, I've yet to check it out. The Shed is one of those places that immediately makes you feel at ease, something oh so important on a first date, especially for us ladies. When I arrived, Chad was already at the bar, sipping a beer, to calm his nerves perhaps and I couldn't help but wonder if every single person in the place saw that our interaction was screaming first date.
Our host sat us at a highly visible two top near the front. Not the most intimate spot in the place, but I was thankful for this. Being put on full display meant that my date had to be on his best behavior. Immediately upon being seated, Cindy, one of the owners sent us over a wonderful glass of sparkling Pinot Noir and an amuse of creamy Butternut Squash soup. Maybe she was sensing my nerves or just has an intuition about awkward first dates, but either way it was calming indeed to start off with a drink and comforting little amuse. After we both had shaken out first date jitters, Chad and I settled into our date and great conversation. We decided what would a date be without a little wine, so Chad took the lead and ordered us a bottle. I've heard much about The Shed's famous sliders (by the way, they have a $3 slider night on Wednesday nights) so we started with Fried Maine Scallop Sliders. An interesting choice for a starter, but the scallops were huge and delicious and paired with a jalapeno coleslaw on a nice little buttered bun. So good in fact that I probably could have down three more.
Moving on to dinner (it took us about 20 minutes to order since we were in such deep conversation) I choose the Pork Dumplings and Chad selected the Meyer Ribeye topped with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat. I have to say that Chad definitely scored some points with me when neither of us could decide on our meal and decided to split the two entrees. When they arrived, I was glad that we had decided to split as I was almost drooling over the Ribeye (no I don't actually drool on dates, gentlemen.) The Pork Dumplings were good, served with a little grainy mustard, a combination I've never had before. To be honest, they were a little too salty for my taste, but the texture was superb. The ribeye, was just as I had expected. Juicy, tender and wonderfully seasoned. By the end of the meal, I was a little drunk on food as I like to say, but Chad insisted that we order dessert. Knowing I have a huge sweet tooth, I didn't protest the order of an apple brownie and homemade ding dong. I don't think I've ever actually had a real ding dong in my life, but I'm sure if The Shed decided to put these on the market, Hostess might quickly be erased from the snack cake map.
To recap the dateability of The Shed, I have to say first hand that it's perfect for The First Date, Blind Date, Casual Weeknight Date (check out $3 Sliders night!) and The Special Occasion Date (they've got a great looking menu for Valentine's Day.) To recap the dateability of Chad, I was very impressed. He's great for the first date and I'm thinking he's great for the second date as well. :)
A few notes on The Shed:
We went on a Sunday evening. The Datealicious Decibel Meter was in tow, but since we went particularly late, there were few other diners so it was relatively quiet. The Shed has mostly hard surfaces and high ceilings so I'm guessing Wednesday nights and Friday and Saturdays can get pretty loud, so may not be ideal for a first date on those nights. The great thing about The Shed is that there's ample parking next to the restaurant, so no searching for a spot, woot woot!
A few notes on "Chad": (okay maybe a lot of notes)
I have to say that I was so impressed by my date's actions that I have to share with everyone, guys in particular, because honestly I have never been on a date where a guy did absolutely EVERYTHING right.
1. First of all, he did not sit down at the table until I was comfortably seated and actually offered to help me with my coat. Very old school gentleman!
2.
He ordered the wine, and it was excellent. There's something really sexy about a guy who knows how to order wine.
3. The conversation was engaging. He asked questions about me and LISTENED to my answers. He didn't talk about himself the entire time.
4. He was polite to our waitstaff. There's nothing I hate more than some pretentious douche that treats our server like a whipping boy.
5. He brought me flowers (okay, this was the shocker of the century for me as I have never been given flowers on a first date). Not only did he bring me flowers he gave them to me at the appropriate time. After dinner, so that they weren't awkwardly sitting at our table the whole night.
6. He thanked me for going out with him, opened my car door for me and gave a sweet kiss on the lips. Nothing more, nothing less.
I know this sets the bar high, but honestly I don't know a girl out there that doesn't want to be treated like this.
Well played Chad. Well played.
475 Bill Kennedy Way Southeast $$-$$$
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 835-4363
www.theshedatglenwood.com