Blind date: ‘I studied Mandarin Chinese in college. He smiled and immediately responded in Chinese.'
GRETCHEN F.:
26 / data scientist
What makes her a catch:
She thinks about others a lot and values relationships.
Her interests:
Reading, running
7 P.M. KRASI, BOSTON
Lots of Laughs
Aldis
I arrived early. I reviewed the wine list awkwardly and tried not to look expectant.
Gretchen
He was sitting in the restaurant as I walked in. He was very handsome and well dressed in a baby-blue pinstripe button-down and khakis.
Aldis
I remember thinking she was beautiful even before it was clear that she was actually my date. She was wearing a blue dress and had a beautiful smile. I botched the greeting and did this weird handshake-hug-handshake movement that she gracefully turned into a hug.
Advertisement
Gretchen
I mistakenly reached out for a handshake then converted it to a hug, which made us both laugh. Aldis asked if I had been to Krasi before. We laughed when we realized that both of us had requested it — he had been there before, and my friends had recommended it — for our dinner.
Greek to Mandarin
Aldis
From the first moment, there was not a single lull in conversation.
Gretchen
We talked about his residency program, which launched us into conversations about our ties to the medical world. At some point, we moved on to running. I found it particularly interesting that we both run as a way to release energy and are not very interested in racing, unique in the distance running world.
Advertisement
Aldis
We were there for two hours and talked nonstop. We shared a lot of interests. We both run, are early birds, and carry a book wherever we go.
Gretchen
I mentioned that I studied Mandarin Chinese in college. He smiled and immediately responded in Chinese. I tried to keep up, but he definitely has a better command of the language than I do. I was shocked we had this in common.
Aldis
She was a great listener and there was a lot of laughter. I realized I had a crush on her pretty early on.
Gretchen
What was surprisingly most attractive was how he lit up when he talked about his family and friends. He seemed to really care about other people, something I really value.
Aldis
We had the Robola white wine. Appetizers included charred eggplant, asparagus, and chickpea fritters. We had a delicious fish dish, as well as souvla — probably my favorite.
Gretchen
I had never before tasted anything like any of the dishes [we had] and was so impressed. We wrapped up with the rice pudding.
In Agreement
Aldis
The waiter floated the idea of going to a speakeasy nearby, but we are both early birds and had work the next day.
Gretchen
The time passed so quickly, I couldn't believe that it had been over two hours.
Aldis
We exchanged numbers. I did ask if she would want to meet up for another date and she said yes.
Gretchen
We hugged and parted ways.
Second Date?
Aldis
That's the plan!
Gretchen
I would love to continue our conversations and see what else we may have in common.
Grading the Date
Aldis / A
Gretchen / B+
Advertisement
Go on a blind date.
We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application at
. Follow us on Twitter or Instagram @dinnerwithcupid.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
These toys are so hot that Chinese customs agents have seized hundreds of them in recent weeks
Unveiling their latest seizure in front of news cameras last month, two Chinese customs agents revealed not drugs or weapons – but suitcases full of plush toys. The stash on display included dozens of Pop Mart Labubus - the toothy, fluffy figurines that have sparked buying frenzies around the world, and in some cases, brawls among fans outside shops selling them. Even in China, where Pop Mart is based and most of its toys are made, people are struggling to get their hands on Labubus. When CNN recently visited a Pop Mart store at a bustling shopping mall in downtown Beijing, Labubu dolls were nowhere to be found on shelves, with only display samples remaining in glass cabinets. Labubus are typically 'sold out in seconds' when released, longtime Pop Mart fan Evelyn Lin told CNN. 'It's almost impossible to get a Labubu via the official channels,' she said. Fans are instead turning to unusual sources - including buying from smugglers. A total of 462 Pop Mart toys have been confiscated by customs authorities across China since April, according to a CNN compilation of multiple official posts. Details and footage of one seizure were posted by China's Customs Administration on social media, which stated that that the toys were intended 'for profit by resale' and seized in accordance with law. The post did not say whether any of the Labubu smugglers faced other legal consequences. Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, and it has quietly built a loyal following since its 2015 debut. But in recent months, the bunny-bodied, elf-faced creature — equal parts grotesque and adorable — has soared in popularity. Stars including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink have worn Labubus like lucky charms, and the toys were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week this year. According to Chinese state-owned media outlet Cover News, a blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 series, originally priced at 584 yuan ($81), has been selling for between 1,000 ($139) and 2,000 yuan ($278) on the second-hand market. Pop Mart's annual results show that the company's global gross profit surged by over 125% last year, while its revenue in mainland China reached more than $1.09 billion, 34% higher than 2023. But buying from resellers carries risks. Kate Yang, a Beijing resident and Labubu enthusiast, told CNN that her two last purchases from resellers both turned out to be fakes. 'Because they are not available on official platforms, if you're in a rush to get a gift for a friend, you just can't manage to get the popular ones in time,' said Yang. 'You can only pay extra to buy from resale platforms.' CNN's Marc Stewart and Martha Zhou contributed reporting
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
City burger joint described as 'orgasmic' by TikTok star
THE Beefy Boys has featured on the page of a well-known TikToker from Hereford, with the food described as "close to orgasmic". With its signature smashed patties, crispy wings and loaded fries, the Beefy Boys is one of Hereford's most popular food spots. As well as the flagship Hereford restaurant, they have locations in Shrewsbury, Cheltenham and Bath. Read more Here's a look inside new Hereford pasta restaurant opening tomorrow I tried this new city cafe and this is what I thought Review: We tried this new Chinese takeaway A recent video by TikToker Tom Birchy, who is from Hereford, shows the star tucking into a pastrami boy burger, Nashville wings and pastrami fries. Tom was formerly a student at Hereford Sixth Form College, and often features Herefordshire and the surrounding area on his page. As he tried the Beefy Boys in one of his latest videos, he said: "This is the greatest burger joint in the whole entire universe." After taking a big bite of his pastrami boy burger, he said: "It is decadent, it is succulent, it is close to orgasmic." He said the wings were "yummy, spicy and gorgeous", while the fries were "tasty and fantastic". Tom has over half a million followers, with the Beefy Boys video racking up over 75,000 views. Commenters were also praising the popular burger restaurant, with Nick Higgins writing: "Beefy Boys is amazing. I drive for one hour to get a Beefy Boys in Hereford." Also in his trip back to his home city, Tom visited Wetherspoons and the Wellington, citing "Herefordshire supremacy" as he bought a whiskey and Coke for £1.25. Tom also visited Ross-on-Wye in the south of the county, and Ludlow just over the border in Shropshire, during his visit to the county.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
NBC Deletes Viral Chinese Paraglider Video That Appears to Be ‘AI-Generated'; CNN, NYT Stories Remain Live
NBC News on Friday deleted a video that showed a Chinese paraglider returning from a harrowing and unexpected 5-mile ascent into the sky because the clip appeared to be 'AI-generated,' according to an editor's note on the website. The outlet 'determined that some of the footage provided by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV and distributed by Reuters that appeared in our initial coverage was AI-generated,' the note said. Reuters did not immediately respond to TheWrap's request for comment. NBC News added: 'We have removed this video and are continuing to report on the veracity of the story. This note will be updated in due course.' A person familiar with NBC's decision to pull the viral video said the outlet is looking into whether the video was AI generated or cleaned up with AI tools. Stories on the paraglider remain live on CNN and The New York Times as of Friday morning. CNN reported that Chinese paraglider Peng Yujiang is 'lucky' to be alive following the supposed scary ascent. 'Peng reportedly went soaring 8,598 meters or about 28,208 feet without oxygen; amateur video shared by Chinese state media showed Peng with ice covering his face and clothes while drifting in the clouds,' CNN wrote in its coverage. The NYT had a similar recap, saying the episode was 'captured on a camera' attached to Peng's equipment and shared on social media, before later being posted by Chinese state media. Like CNN, the Times reported his body was 'covered in frost and ice' after rising to a 'level almost on par with Mount Everest's summit.' Peng had been swept higher from about 10,000 feet by a 'strong wind,' the Times noted, while pointing to 'local news media' in China. Those looking for the story on NBC News' website are now greeted with a message saying, 'We apologize, this video has expired,' followed by the editor's note. The post NBC Deletes Viral Chinese Paraglider Video That Appears to Be 'AI-Generated'; CNN, NYT Stories Remain Live appeared first on TheWrap.
