Each month, we pair two unsuspecting single individuals in hopes of finding that romantic spark. This month, we set Ashley and AJ on a date at Avanti F&B in Boulder. We then sat back, sipped our beers and let the magic happen. 

Let's meet the daters! 

AJ

Current Job: Screen printer.

Last concert: Cage the Elephant.

Favorite junk food: Jalapeño Cheetos.

Cats or Dogs:  Dogs. For sure.

What’s your type: Slightly sporty
and creative.

Deal Breakers: Devout Christian.

Strangest date story: I don’t go on many dates. It kinda just happens.

Last relationship: Two months ago.

Celebrity Crush: Vera Farmiga.

Guilty pleasure: Marvel movies.

ASHLEY

Current Job: Software engineer.

Last concert: Rüfüs Du Sol.

Favorite junk food: Hot Cheetos.

Cats or Dogs:  Dogs. All Day.

What’s your type: Athletic but also down to hang out and have a good time. I go to a lot of festivals, art exhibits so they need to keep up.

Deal Breakers: Not talking kindly about you behind your back.

Strangest date story: I have not been on a date in a really long time.

Last relationship: I recently separated from someone two months ago.

Celebrity Crush: Bradley Cooper.

Guilty pleasure: Whiskey straight.

 

ROUND 1

Bananas and Bourbon while overlooking the Flatiron views at Avanti in Boulder gives us hope there will be love tonight. We let the daters get to know each other before seeing how it’s going.

What are you most nervous about tonight?

A: Not knowing if we would have chemistry or not. But I’m always open to new experiences.

AJ: Making a good impression.

Where do you normally meet potential partners?

A: I meet people when I go out. I’m usually the talkative person at the bar. I do not own a single dating app.

AJ: Friend settings typically.

 

Why do you think you’re a catch?

A: I’m at a point in my life where I have my career where I want it to be. I have two adorable dogs at home. I’m close to buying a house. It’s about that time.

AJ: I have a lot of talents. I’m really skilled. I have a lot going on in life.

 

What are you looking for in a partner?

A: I appreciate a great sense of humor. One of my favorite words is empathy, someone who is kind and can also feel.

AJ: Compatibility. Whether or not I get along with them. They need to be someone who challenges my creativity.

 

What makes for a successful relationship?

A: Communication and trust are the two most important things. Always on the same page.

AJ: Like-minded goals and initial sustained attraction.

Did you get any advice for this date?

A: Have an open mind and see what happens.

AJ: No, not at all.

How did you prepare for the date?

A: Showered. And I put pants on. And that’s a big plus for the last year.

AJ: I took a nap and then came here. I did not prepare.

 

What was the first thing you noticed about your date?

A: He was very shy but he has a really great smile. I’m a big-smiling person.

AJ: She had an eyelash on her face. Is that harsh?

 

Are you attracted to your date?

A: Yes. I am.

AJ: Yes.

 

How are the first impressions?

A: Seems a little shy but he’s a creative person. We have quite a bit in common.

AJ: She’s really nice and seems very intelligent.

She has dogs.

Round 2

Daters make their first impressions and both seem to be into it. After they indulge in pizzas from New Yorkese, throw back a couple more whiskey straights, we bring them aside.

How was dinner?

A: Delicious. I had the truffle oil pizza.

AJ: Tasty piece of pizza.
 

How’s the chemistry?

A: Great. We have a lot in common. We connected over music and art.

AJ: It’s good. We’re getting along well.

 

Do you guys have anything in common?

A: Music and art. He’s a graphic artist. I spent a lot of time in high school doing graphic design.

AJ: We were both raised Christian and conservative.

Are there any deal breakers so far?

A: He seems conservative with money, and I’m not. But that’s not a deal breaker.

AJ: No, nothing glaring that’s come to the service.    

 

What’s something interesting you’ve learned about your date?

A: He has his own comic book. That’s pretty badass.

AJ: How much stuff she’s done. She has her hands in a lot of stuff as far as hobbies and talents.

 

What would your mom say about them?

A: She might say he needs a haircut. But she’d appreciate that he’s an artist.

AJ: She’s nice.

 

Overall, how’s the date going from 1 to 10?

A: We have a great connection. We’ve been geeking out over art. It’s about a 7.

AJ: 6 out of 10.   

 

Is Avanti a good place for a date?

A: Love Avanti. It’s nice because you can go at your own pace.

AJ: Cool. It’s got a good vibe on the patio. Great views, holy cow!

Round 3

The air is crisp, the fall breeze is blowing, and the conversation is flowing like the Salmon of Capistrano; something tells us this date is going to end nicely. We leave the daters for the evening, and reach out again in the morning and see how the rest of the night went.

What happened after Rooster left?

A: We stayed at Avanti for one more beer then headed to Rosetta Hall (I tried to bring him to my favorite tiki bar Jungle, but they shut down early on Monday). I wined and dined him with a few more Anthony Bourdain cocktails and then grabbed him an Uber home.

AJ: We stayed at Avanti a little longer and then walked around Pearl and got more drinks.

 

Did Rooster find a match?

A: Rooster found an artistic match. He’s a really great watercolor painter and outdoor enthusiast, and I respect that.

AJ: Maybe, it’s hard to say right now.

 

Was there a goodbye kiss?

A: Yes, there was a goodbye kiss.

AJ: Yes.

Would you have changed anything about the date?

A: I wouldn’t have changed anything about the date. I think it’s important to meet people where they’re at, and Avanti was both scenic and accommodating.

AJ: No, not really.

 

Overall, how was the date?

A:  Overall, the date was a great experience. Once we got through the nerves, we were able to relax and just enjoy each other's company. I didn’t even have to break out the emergency taser.

AJ: Fun and enjoyable.

 

Would you go on a second date with them?

A: I don’t think a second date is in the books. We never grabbed each other’s numbers.

AJ: Yes, I would.

 

Where does your dating life go from here?

A: Dating is a wide-open book. I welcome new experiences, unique people, and seeing what sticks. There’s no rush to find one single person to explore this beautiful world with.

AJ: Keep an open mind and put myself out there.

Conclusion

Avanti Boulder provided the views and hospitality and although there was a goodnight kiss, there wasn't an exchange of numbers. So unless someone slides into someone else's DMs, a second date doesn't appear to be in the future. Oh well, we'll head back to the drawing board for next month's blind date!   

 

Are you tired of ordinary dating? Do you like free food and drinks? If you are 21 or older, then you may be entitled to a Rooster Blind Date!

Email us at contact@theRooster.com with your or your friend's dating preferences, where you live and a photo!