Zoe on Paul
What were you hoping for?
The perfect combination of Dr Gregory House and Tim from The Office.
First impressions?
He was earlier than I was (always a plus), and a lot less flustered by the evening’s rain.
What did you talk about?
Family, travel, dogs, a mutual love of Jay Rayner, the differences between Classic FM and Radio 3.
Any awkward moments?
Hearing the song Hey Ya playing, and both trying to remember when it was released. He recalled being around 22 at the time… I remembered it playing at my year-six disco.
Good table manners?
Impeccable – he took his time with his frites, then offered me some after I’d wolfed mine in two minutes.
Best thing about Paul?
Great conversationalist, with excellent taste in British comedy.
Would you introduce him to your friends?
Yes.
Describe Paul in three words
Friendly, talkative, warm.
What do you think he made of you?
Probably a bit film- and TV-obsessed, or a little too concerned with the horridness of the weather.
Did you go on somewhere?
A quick cocktail round the corner.
And… did you kiss?
We did not.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I’d have ordered a second helping of the magret de canard, which was as well-cooked as Jay Rayner’s review said it would be.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
I don’t think so. Sadly, I don’t think there was a romantic spark.
Paul on Zoe
What were you hoping for?
An evening of good food and good company, both of which I got.
First impressions?
Seemingly less nervous than I was. Pretty, with a friendly smile and just as unimpressed with the weather as I was.
What did you talk about?
The restaurant and its lovely staff, Jay Rayner, cows, rugby, film and TV, music, work, family and our (somewhat different) educational backgrounds.
Any awkward moments?
If there were, I caused them and she handled them with charm and grace.
Good table manners?
Better than mine.
Best thing about Zoe?
She clearly has a great work ethic and has managed to turn her passion into a career.
Would you introduce her to your friends?
Sure. I think they’d get along, especially the film buffs.
Describe Zoe in three words
Intelligent, kind, fun.
What do you think she made of you?
Better at swearing than French.
Did you go on somewhere?
Just to a bar for a quick drink, where I had my first porn star martini.
And… did you kiss?
We did not.
If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?
I was a bit sad that Zoe’s main looked better than mine, so I would have that instead.
Marks out of 10?
8.
Would you meet again?
We didn’t exchange numbers, but there would be no reason not to meet as friends.
• Zoe and Paul ate at Monsieur Le Duck, London E1. Fancy a blind date? Email blind.date@theguardian.com. If you’re looking to meet someone like-minded, visit soulmates.theguardian.com
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