MARK MURPHY > 32
Chef
WHY HE’S A CATCH I’m an honest, hard-working guy with manners, I’m a great cook, and I enjoy traveling.
WHEN HE’S HAPPIEST Those moments when you didn’t see it coming and you just say to yourself, this is great.
KATIE FLEMING > 30
Graphic Designer
INTERESTS Being outside, art and design, people watching, dining out, reading books and magazines, traveling anywhere. I’ll try new foods, I’m a total carnivore.
WHEN SHE’S HAPPIEST When I’m with someone who is making me laugh
8:30 P.M. EXCHANGE STREET BISTRO, MALDEN
> TABLE MANNERS
MARK I had mixed feelings, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was there first and she came in minutes behind me. I just knew it was her.
KATIE He was right there when I walked in. He was a good-looking guy. Well dressed, friendly demeanor.
MARK She was attractive but seemed slightly nervous.
> MILKING IT
MARK We talked about how our summers had been, recent books we’d read, favorite restaurants, and travel destinations.
KATIE He’s a cook, so we talked a lot about the restaurant industry. I just finished reading Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, so I was eager to chat about it with someone. And he added a lot to the conversation, being an insider!
MARK The conversation seemed to flow. I was comfortable.
KATIE He was really easy to talk to.
> CUTTING THE MUSTARD
KATIE I asked if he wanted to share calamari, but he said he doesn’t eat fish. Yikes, a lifetime of not having someone to share calamari with — that’d be tough for me.
MARK I think we both realized halfway through dinner that we were not a match, but just decided to enjoy the evening, each other’s company, and a very good meal.
KATIE I can’t say I felt sparks, but we got along well. I would have liked it if he were more inclined to talk about design or technology (some of my favorite subjects), but there wasn’t a lot of time.
MARK We walked out together, she asked for my number, and we hugged. We talked for a minute and went our separate ways.
> POST-MORTEM
MARK A-
KATIE A
> SECOND DATE?
MARK No, I never heard from her, which I didn’t think I would. She is a very smart and independent woman, a great match for someone with common interests.
KATIE Probably not. I don’t think I can be with someone who is in hospitality. I like Saturdays and Sundays to be Saturdays and Sundays, for both of us.