A few weeks ago, I told you that I would be participating in the inaugural speed dating event hosted by our friends at gastropub South of Beale. I came, I saw and I speed dated, and it’s only the fault of nature and my appendix that I’m just now reporting back to you on the results.

(Appendix still present and accounted for, in case you’re wondering, but only because — like a hug from America on Thanksgiving — my insurance hasn’t kicked in yet. I’ll save you the speech on health care reform for another day.)

True to the fairly traditional speed dating format, the eight ladies sat at tables around the restaurant while the eight gentleman rotated through for eight five-minute dates. Each participant was given a pre-printed card prior to the start of the event with the name of each participant so that we could easily tick the box next to the people we’d like to see again.

At the end of the event, I wrote down four names and received an e-mail in my inbox shortly after to let me know I had two mutual matches. Success!

And since in between then and now I’ve mostly been focusing on zen and the art of appendix maintenance, no follow-up has occurred on said matches. Other than, of course, the obligatory Facebook friending. I really hope that SOB hosts another one of these events in the future, because for someone like myself who’s both single and recently transplanted back to the area, it’s just a fantastic way to meet people. While hanging out at the bar prior to the event I met at least five girls who blog and tweet and have similar interests to me who I’m now Facebook friends with, as well. The only thing I’d change about the affair is something that will come with time and publicity, and that’s numbers. It would’ve been great to have twice as many dates as we did, but I think once people get to talking about this it’ll only be a matter of time.

When the next event rolls around you can be sure I’ll let you know here — if you’re single and ready to mingle, I’d better see you there!

View Elizabeth Cawein's Profile      Subscribe via RSS