Date #3: Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets is probably one of my favorite places on the planet. Owner Andy Shallal has created an artist oasis in this popular multi-restaurant chain that features food, a performance space and book store. Poetry and political activism are the central themes of the eatery inspired by Langston Hughes, who once worked as a busboy before becoming a literary legend.  The eclectic flagship restaurant on 14th and V has been my refuge on deadline days or whenever I need an extra ounce of creativity. Busboys is also considered a hotspot for intellectual discussion with history makers, and artists alike.  It isn’t uncommon to see famous faces sipping lattes or perusing the restaurants bookstore so I felt this was the perfect location for my slightly celeb dinner date.

Unfortunately, it was a dating disaster from the first hello. I met “Pro Athlete” when he literally stopped traffic in his fancy smancy car to ask for my phone number. He actually beckoned me to approach his window and I informed him I was not for sale and reminded him to not behave like he was raised in a barn. He promptly exited his car, leaving it in the middle of traffic to convince me to exchange digits. Honking horns, and a few random people yelling support convinced me to acquiesce. Our dramatic introduction was just the beginning for an unforgettable first and last date.

I have to admit, I had my reservations about dating a professional athlete. I wasn’t quite sure if I was really interested. It didn’t help that my friends were pressuring me to make a love connection so they could get season tickets and recruit my new beau for our flag football team.  It also didn’t help that I completely forgot about our date and was over an hour late because I went to a play!

To his credit, “Pro Athlete” actually waited until I arrived and instead of reading me the riot act greeted me with a hug. I was charmed until I noticed his dating ensemble. He was wearing form-fitting but saggy skinny jeans, topped with a Michael Jackson "Thriller"-esque jacket and multi-color gym shoes. As we were led to our table, I felt like I was walking with a Christmas tree. But who I am to talk? I was over an HOUR late! I wasn’t winning any cool points myself. 

As we settled into dinner, the conversation centered on our careers and I really struggled to understand the nuances of a sport that I only watched to admire the backsides of the players not the actual plays. So our discussion was mostly one sided. He eventually complimented me on my ability to, “talk real good” (his words not mine) and I just smiled. He was cute, (when he wasn’t speaking) and we were at my favorite restaurant. Life was good.

Busboys has an extensive menu of American fare with delicious vegan and healthy options as well as good old fashioned comfort food. I opted for the Homemade Meatloaf with a red wine sauce, served with mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and spinach (made with all-natural, free-range, grass-fed beef from Grayson Farm, VA), and snuck bites of his Blackened Salmon with a lemon butter sauce, served with wild rice and asparagus, topped with a tomato, corn and shallot salsa. 

At some point, our conversation took on a sensual tone and I learned in no uncertain terms what “Pro Athlete” would like to do with me in the bedroom if I would only go home with him that evening. I was pretty amazed at his boldness and asked him how often he was tested for STD’s. I guess that line of sexy talk didn’t float his boat because the conversation kind of stalled after that. The night ended with Chocolate Layer cake and hugs and promises to keep in touch…

We didn’t.

What this date taught me:

• Go with your gut. You can’t force a spark where there is none.
• The "soggy diaper" look is never a good look on a grown man
• Duh, REMEMBER YOU HAVE A DATE! It is obnoxious to be more than 15 minutes late for a first date
• Pull back on the sexy talk if it’s obvious your love interest isn’t interested
• Busboys also has film screenings and poetry readings. These are great first date options for those looking for an activity instead of a traditional dinner date.

Dorothy's One Drink Wonder Suggestion: The Langston Cooler - Captain Morgan, Meyers, orange juice, lime, splash of Cranberry, Sprite, Peach Schnapps

Stay tuned for next week: Bar 7