Solo Dating Challenge, Episode 1: Bloom Bar
My first date was at a popular restaurant named Bloom Bar in Atlanta. I made my reservation through the Open Table app for Sunday, January 4th, at 7:45 p.m.
Initially, when I made the reservation, I was eager and full of determination. Come January 4th, and I absolutely did not want to go anymore. This struck me as comical, like an introvert who makes plans with friends in the heat of the moment and when the day comes and she’s back to her usual self, she no longer wants to leave the house.
I was so tempted to simply cancel the reservation. Let’s face it, who was going to stop me if I chose to? No one. This was when I realized that this journey will require discipline, something I hadn’t considered before.
I kept telling myself, “You have a hot date tonight. Do you really want to stand her up?” and the simple answer to that is a resounding “NO!” I can’t keep betraying myself.
So, around 6 pm, I started getting ready. I took a nice shower, used my favorite body oil of the moment and followed with lotion. After that, I got dressed in these leopard print pants and black bodysuit.
I did my makeup and rushed out the door so I could make it on time. I actually ended up being 15 minutes late and made a mental note to improve my timing next time.
When I first entered the restaurant, it wasn’t busy at all. There were probably four patrons overall. I stood at the door for a good ten seconds, looking around to see if anyone would come sit me. Eventually a young lady with a tablet approached me and I told her I had a reservation for one and would like to sit at the bar.
Being alone wasn’t necessarily nerve wracking for me. I’ve accidentally dined solo many times, but this was the first time I was doing it on purpose.
Anyway, I sat there taking in my surroundings. The tropical decor of the restaurant and the bar. The whole venue had a beautiful floral theme. I kept my eyes on the screen, just admiring the displays. Finally, I was approached by the bartender. I couldn’t really hear her, because the music was so loud. She repeated her name and asked me what I would like to drink. I told her tap water.
The service was very slow. As a waitress, I do my best to exercise patience when I’m in restaurants, because I get it. Things happen, but this wasn’t good at all. There was a table that came after me that got their food before me. This was supposed to be a luxurious restaurant, but the service was subpar and there was no communication. The waitresses were not rude at all, but the food took extremely long to come out.
Overall, my service experience was a 4/10. It really dampened my experience and threatened to ruin my night.
The music was good, so I subconsciously started dancing in my chair as I stared at the screen in front of me. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me that I was alone. Although I made a couple of videos to document my experience, I failed to take any pictures. I was too shy to openly make videos of the decor.
I sat in silence, my thoughts running with the wind as I waited for my food…just thinking about my life, what I wanted to do, the drinks I was seeing on the screen, how I was going to post about my experience and everything in between. Nothing too serious and nothing too deep.
I took a quick restroom break, and as I came out I saw a man notice me, but he was sitting with another young lady so I just looked straight ahead and went right back to my seat and continued to wait. I honestly don’t recommend the restaurant unless you order to go.
Overall, although the service was a disappointment, my first date was a 7/10. This is because I was proud of myself for showing up, and doing so well. The ambiance was nice, I looked and felt pretty, and my little awkwardness didn’t get in the way.
No one offered to buy my food for me, but that was never the goal anyway.
That day, I learned that my goal to go on 24 dates this year will require discipline. Secondly, I learned that even though it’s a date with me, I should and must put my best foot forward. This is how I would want someone else to show up for me.
The love I deserve is the love I give myself. So, I’m putting my best foot forward every time.
