Where two singles meet and review the food and each other.
These beer lovers met for a date to explore the variety of brews available at Side Bar and Restaurant. Did they find love with their suds or was this date a dud?
The Singles:
RENEE
AGE: 22
JOB: Catering; beer distributor beverage associate
HOBBIES: Anything outdoors, new adventures, exploring, eating and drinking, spending time with family and friends
JAMES
AGE: 28
JOB: Property management
HOBBIES: Cycling, cooking
THE RESTAURANT
The Side Bar and Restaurant
10 E. Gay St.
West Chester
610-429-8297
sidebarandrestaurant.com
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
RENEE: It’s funny, because James and I had passed each other on the street without realizing we were going to meet on a blind date. We discussed later in the night that we both had our suspicions about the persons we had passed earlier on the street. When I finally met him, I was pleasantly surprised.
JAMES: Well, my first impression was that she looked like a sweet girl.
THE DATE:
RENEE: Our date was at Side Bar and Restaurant in West Chester. I had been there in the past, but had never sat down for a meal. I was excited to see what they had to offer. And, fortunately, I knew they had TVs so we could watch the Eagles playoff game!!
JAMES: The date was to include the Beer Bottle Club, which is an intriguing idea where you can taste beers from around the world. I believe it was a solid choice for the date, since we are both avid beer drinkers. The atmosphere was quiet enough to talk and get to know each other.
THE CONVERSATION:
RENEE: We talked about everything. What we are doing with our lives, our previous adventures in love and life, what we like to do for fun, where we see ourselves in a few years, our most intimate and dark secrets, yada, yada, yada. He was great company.
JAMES: We basically just talked about life, dreams, goals and anything we could think of. The conversation was never at an awkward pause and we didn’t stop talking for about three and a half hours.
THE RESTAURANT:
RENEE: I like the Side Bar. It is one of the very few restaurants in West Chester that has a great beer menu. As for atmosphere, I think it’s very romantic, with sit-down dining, candlelight dinner … oh, and the sound of screaming Eagles fans and a few proud drunks from a belated holiday party.
JAMES: I have heard of the place before and had been there once on someone’s recommendation of their whiskey selection. The atmosphere was nuevo but they still have sports playing on flat screens in the corners. It was decorated well and very pleasant to be in. The menu was diverse and I must say that the lobster mac (while not good for the waistline) was one of the better I have had in my day.
THE SERVICE:
RENEE: Alex was awesome. She thankfully repeated the specials a number of times so I could remember all that they had to offer. James and I took our time throughout the night and I appreciate that Alex was patient.
JAMES: The service was great. The waitress was very attentive but not overbearing. She let us enjoy our meal while making sure our glasses and bellies were full.
BEER BOTTLE CLUB:
RENEE: We were told that we would be participating in the Beer Bottle Club (BBC) and have dinner. We sampled some Chimay Red and Chimay Grand Reserve. We were both excited, considering a case of each of these delicious beers would cost well over a hundred dollars. It’s free to participate and we each got a sheet of all the 70 bottles of beers that they offer, and you get your BBC card punched every time you order a different bottle of beer. If you try all of them you get a personalized T-shirt, a BBC member card loaded with $20 from Side Bar, specials, first knowledge of new brews coming to Side Bar before anyone, and $1 off draft beers for the rest of your life!
JAMES: I had a an interesting variety of Belgian Trapist beer and German heffeweisen beers. First was a Magic Hat Circus Boy. The light, clean citrus flavors cleansed my palate to enjoy the fried ravioli. Next was both the Grand Reserve and Red Label Chimay, two of my favorite beers, and they paired well with the dishes we ordered.
THE FOOD:
RENEE: For appetizers, we ordered the lobster mac & cheese and the fried ravioli special. For my entrée, I got the veal special topped with mozzarella and prosciutto and a sweet glaze, and the side of chipotle sweet potato mash. Everything was tasty.
JAMES: We were open to sharing our dishes, so it made for a much better meal. Both dishes were well prepared and had balanced flavors that can please most palates. As for our entrees, I went for an Inferno Burger from the menu. Again, I felt our dishes worked well and fit the atmosphere they were presented in.
CONVERSATION AND CHEMISTRY:
RENEE: The conversation was entertaining. I had a great time with James. We had a lot in common and I felt comfortable with him. Even after I catapulted part of my meal on my white dress, he laughed with me and not at me.
JAMES: There is definitely potential there. I’d like to get to know her better as I enjoyed our time together.
DID YOU EXCHANGE NUMBERS?
RENEE: Yes.
JAMES: Yes.
WAS IT A MATCH?
RENEE: The jury is still out on this one. I do know that he is an interesting guy, and I would enjoy getting to know him better.
JAMES: I would say friends at first, and see where it goes.
WAS THERE A KISS?
RENEE: I got a kiss on the cheek … score!
JAMES: I gave her a kiss on the cheek, being the gentleman.
WILL THERE BE A SECOND DATE?
RENEE: We’ll see.
JAMES: I would definitely go out for another beer sometime with Renee.
HOW DID YOU LEAVE IT?
RENEE: Hopefully we’ll meet up soon.
JAMES: I will call her.
