Blind date: ‘Good table manners? Do Americans have them?'

The Guardian

03-05-2025

What were you hoping for?
Someone drop-dead gorgeous – Matthew McConaughey.
First impressions?
He's not Matthew McConaughey.
What did you talk about?
Theatre (I hope I gave him tips on staging his play next year). The excellence of British theatre and TV. The joy, for me, of being raised in London. Even though we didn't stop talking, it was a bit of a one-way conversation.
Most awkward moment?
Not having a reservation! A quick call sorted that one out, although we were taken down to a dark, deserted basement – so we opted instead to sit back upstairs at the counter.
Good table manners?
Do people from the US have them? Mind you, I polished off the bottle of wine …
Best thing about Federico?
His interest in theatre – we are both writers.
Would you introduce Federico to your friends?
That would be a bit pointless.
Describe Federico in three words
Not my type.
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 applyEmail [e-mail]
What do you think he made of you?
I have absolutely no idea. Helpful?
Did you go on somewhere?
We were all done by 9.30. I walked him to the station
And … did you kiss?
Absolutely not.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
That he had been more interested in having a blind date than a free dinner. I had to talk him out of having the most expensive dish on the menu!
Marks out of 10?
6.
Would you meet again?
I doubt it.
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What were you hoping for?
I had no expectations – it's the best way to go into these types of situations.
First impressions?
Generally positive. An intelligent, experienced actor, writer, artist-type, so similarities there, for sure.
What did you talk about?
London. Theatre. Acting. Writing. Television. Film – the British industry v that in the US (I'm from the US). Upbringing and family.
Most awkward moment?
None.
Good table manners?
Very good, certainly better than mine.
Best thing about Denise?
She's a very savvy theatre person with a real passion for the art and craft. And she's got the stories to prove it.
Would you introduce Denise to your friends?
Sure, why not?
Describe Denise in three words
Intelligent, bon vivant, British.
What do you think Denise made of you?
I think she had a lovely time.
Did you go on somewhere?
Yeah, the underground.
And … did you kiss?
None of your business … we hugged goodbye, like true artists.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
Nothing. All good all around.
Marks out of 10?
I have to give a 7 because blind dates are by definition odd.
Would you meet again?
Sure, but in a work-related way would suit us both better. I hope to work with her in the future.
Denise and Federico ate at Toum, London W1. Fancy a blind date? Email [e-mail]