Plenty of tips for first dates are out there to help you prepare for an unforgettable night-– from picking out the perfect outfit to choosing the most exclusive location. Still, the culinary selections made on a first date can elevate the evening to new heights of delight or lead to awkward and uncomfortable moments. Taking note of food-related mistakes to avoid while dining at a lavish, chic restaurant can go beyond just impressing on a first date. It can help you become more dignified, classy, and impressive as you refine your taste for the finer things in life and begin experiencing the benefits of luxury dating.
Navigating the world of dining etiquette can be intimidating, especially on a first date, where every decision can have a lasting impact on the evening. So, what are the top 5 food mistakes you should avoid on a first date to help preserve your dignity and elegance? Keep reading to find Seeking’s insight into foods you shouldn’t order and food fails to avoid on a first date if you want to leave a good impression.
Don’t Be Basic
Specific Foods to Avoid:
- Plain salads
- Pizza
- Sandwiches
- Chicken tenders or nuggets
Nothing says “uninteresting” like ordering boring food on a first date. If you order a garden salad at a five-star restaurant, not only are your chances of being perceived as simple high, but an aspect of dating up is keeping an open mind and going beyond the typical to live new and exciting experiences that bring you and your date closer together. It’s okay to stay in your comfort zone and be yourself, but don’t dishonor yourself and your high values by showing up as someone without depth or the desire to live a more elevated, upgraded lifestyle. Choose something from the menu that shows your taste and preference for more indulgent cuisine.
Smelly Foods
Specific Foods to Avoid:
- French onion soup
- Garlic and herb focaccia
- Tacos
The goal of a first date is that it will lead to a second one and there’s nothing that discourages that from happening more than having to endure the lingering presence of your date’s unpleasant breath the entire night. Ordering foods that are heavy with garlic or onion can detract from a delightful dinner. It can compromise your chances of leaving a good first impression. Avoid any potent smells or ingredients that get in the way of cultivating a sense of intimacy or closeness with your date.
Luxury dating should be a positive, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience, and choosing pungent foods can hinder the romantic essence of a first date and take away from this delightful experience.
Don’t Sweat It
Specific Foods to Avoid:
- Spicy curry
- Sichuan hot pot
- Jerk chicken
One of the pros of luxury dating is that every experience is exceptional and an opportunity for personal growth. If you are ambitious and find a thrill in a challenge, such as testing your spice tolerance, there will be many opportunities to showcase these characteristics along your dating journey.
However, sweating profusely and desperately trying to cool down by drowning yourself in water is hardly the epitome of sophistication. When it comes to turning up the heat, it’s best to leave that for the chemistry between you and your date, not the food you decide to order. A first date is a place to stick to what you know; don’t steer away from your usual spice level, and maybe even choose a lower spice level if it’s a restaurant you’ve never been to. You can never be too safe, and you don’t want to live with the memory of sitting across your date with a flushed face, trying not to sniffle for the one-hundredth time.
Size Matters
Specific Foods to Avoid:
- Excessive burritos
- Loaded burgers
- Large pizzas
- Any item that is a part of a challenge
Choose food that is easy to eat. There isn’t a bigger turn-off than making eye contact with your date while they try to stuff a super-sized burger into their mouth. Talk about ick. Stay classy and graceful and order more manageable–and digestible--food to eat on a first date. Choosing meals that prioritize health and wellness without sacrificing the culinary experience is easy in fine dining.
Luxury dating is an opportunity to showcase your sense of refinement and elegance, and electing to go for a mega-meal is a surefire food mistake that leaves a negative and lasting first impression.
Don’t Be Messy
Specific Foods to Avoid:
- Long noodle dishes
- Ribs
- Corn on the cob
- Chicken wings
Ordering foods that require you to slurp or constantly worry if anything is stuck to the side of your face can distract from the ambiance and conversation of a classy first date night. Pasta dishes with long noodles or red, wet sauce can be messy and cause stains and spills, leaving a mark on an otherwise perfect night.
Order something from the menu that is presented neatly and can be eaten with grace and poise. In luxury dating, the presentation of food showcases the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into curating an exceptional dining experience. By ordering intentionally arranged and visually appealing dishes, you can show how much you value the art and experience of fine dining.
What Foods Should You Order?
When you embrace the world of luxury dating, your opportunities will become expansive and your experiences will become elevated. This is an excellent time to embody your refined self. You now know the top 5 food mistakes to avoid on a first date, but there are some specific foods you can order to show your date you are cultured, classy, and graceful.
Filet Mignon
Tender and flavorful, this steak is sure to impress your date and make it obvious that you know what you want and aren’t afraid to speak up for it.
Grilled Salmon and Vegetables
A classic choice that’s healthy, flavorful, and more respected than your simple salads or unseasoned chicken.
Pan-Seared Fish
This dish is light, delicate, and a sophisticated option to share with your date if you want to get closer to them. Pair your entrée with roasted baby carrots and sweet potatoes and take pleasure in a hearty meal and conversation with your date.
Short-Noodle Pasta
Consider pasta dishes made with noodles such as calamarata, cavatappi, or rigatoni instead of spaghetti or linguine.
Champagne
Trade your golden ale for champagne bubbles and celebrate a successful, high-class dating experience thanks to your high standards and newfound expertise.
The key takeaway from this helpful list is to stay clean, graceful, and poised when partaking in a first date over dinner. If you don’t overthink it and stay true to your high standards and expectations, you will leave a lasting impression.
Ready to find a partner who exceeds your expectations and introduces you to a world of unforgettable culinary experiences? We’ve got you covered. Join Seeking and start your journey toward a relationship that’s as enriching as it is exclusive. Read the rest of the Seeking Blog for more luxury dating tips, stories, and guides.
