A New York City restaurant thinks it has come up with a winning formula for first dates this cuffing season.
Many romantic hopefuls aspire to the kind of restaurant meeting Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore did on 50 First Dates, but the reality can often be more like the repetitive plot of Groundhog Day.
In response, Sweetbriar has put together a unique menu and date schedule in partnership with Tinder to smooth out the worst parts of first dates: awkward silences, what to ask for, questions about sharing, and the prospect of an embarrassingly high bill.
The cozy yet elegant restaurant in Manhattan’s trendy Flatiron district offers a respite from run-of-the-mill first dates with a $45-per-person menu crafted with romance in mind.
Each of the four courses is also accompanied by a conversation-generating question, such as “what three words would your closest friends use to describe you?” and ‘what’s the embarrassing moment that keeps you up at night?’
DailyMail.com got hold of a pair to test it out. This is what they thought…
Each of the first three courses offered three different, delicious and well-proportioned options for a modest price. By this I mean modest for one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Duck ham crostini and oyster canapés arrive with a serving on each plate, perfect for politely sharing your choice with your date.
New York City’s fine dining restaurant Sweetbriar thinks it has a winning formula for a first date
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore play soulmates in the movie 50 First Dates
The salmon belly appetizer was very well presented with apple balls in a vinaigrette sauce, which is easy to comment on if there is nothing else to say.
The spinach dip was the closest thing on the menu that could have posed a spill risk, but otherwise staining the sauces, slurping the spaghetti, or anything else that was feasibly gross was avoided.
The main course of large pasta with mushrooms and rosemary pairs well with the roasted broccoli which has the intriguing texture of seaweed.
The hanger steak was also very well cut and the cornbread was delicious.
If your social battery is tired at the end of a date and you’re overwhelmed by the thought of having to make one more decision, don’t worry: there’s only one option for pudding, luckily it’s delicious.
Warm bread pudding served with milk flakes, white chocolate, and ice cream is the realistic end to a sweet first date experience.
The friendly demeanor of the staff and their notable first-name relationship with regulars immediately puts any romance lover at ease.
The expert bartender prepared fabulous cocktails with a decorative touch for those who still need a little Dutch courage.
Each person’s choice of canapé reaches both parties, helping to alleviate awkwardness when sharing.
The spinach dip (left) was the closest thing on the menu that could have posed a spill risk.
The hanger steak was also very well cut and the cornbread was delicious.
Warm bread pudding served with milk flakes, white chocolate and ice cream is the realistic end to a sweet first date experience.
“Sweetbriar is able to provide a relaxed and intimate experience, perfect for a first date,” the restaurant told DailyMail.com of the special menu.
‘Chef Sam carefully curated a menu that is attractive, casual and focused on a communal dining experience.
“Our signature broccoli and duck ham dishes encapsulate not only our culinary expression, but also how we hope our guests eat when they visit us at Sweetbriar.”
‘The Very Sweet First Date’ is available at Sweetbriar every Tuesday and Thursday and reservations can be made starting at 7:30 pm, with final seating at 9:00 pm until Valentine’s Day.
Today, Generation Z is so disillusioned with dating that They are resorting to extreme methods in the hope of getting a relationship.
The latest fad sees them playing a numbers game; setting a goal of going on 50 first dates in the hopes of finding something that lasts.
The TikTok trend involves young people documenting their love lives, revealing details of their upcoming dates in ‘get ready with me’ videos and simultaneously sneaking in during dates to give their first impressions on potential lovers.