Friends Night Out: T-Bar

Last night, I caught up with my friend P at trendy T-Bar Steak & Lounge on NYC’s Upper East Side.

T-Bar: This lively, hip eatery is a great spot for drinks or dinner

Over cocktails that included a round of Kamikaze shots, we talked at length about our parents. Yesterday marked the third anniversary of my beloved father’s passing.

Having lost his mother years ago, P understood exactly how I was feeling – and managed to bring a much-needed smile to my face. Raising his glass in a toast, he said--

“To our parents.”

“To our parents,” I repeated.

In talking about my mother and father’s enduring relationship, we eventually got onto the subject of marriage and how we’ve both had opportunities to go down that road with previous significant others – but have no regrets about choosing not to.

P also had me giggling when he mentioned a business meeting that took a most unexpected turn. The reason? His female colleague suddenly went off on a tangent about her affinity for gay porn.

Speaking of surprises, it turned out that my brother Andrew’s former flame, adorable Reese Witherspoon-lookalike Julie, was sitting at the next table. We exchanged pleasantries and Julie said she has a couple of male friends she would like to introduce me to.

That’s the kind of offer that doesn’t seem to come along very often these days, so I happily told her – sign me up!

Up next…when inappropriate advances derail romance and a big love resurfaces.

Opening The Vault: Part Fifty Six

When you’re facing a devastating loss, your partner becomes much more than a significant other -- he becomes your anchor. That was most definitely the case eleven years ago, when dashing, noble Brit David came into my life a few months before my mother passed away.

Totoya: David and I had one of our first dates at this UES Japanese eatery

The friend of a college’s friend husband, David had contacted me at his suggestion when he moved to NYC. The chemistry between us was immediate, and we quickly fell into a relationship. I now Open The Vault and take you back to the summer of ‘98...

August 9, 1998
New York, NY

Dear Diary,

David is the nicest guy I’ve met in ages. He’s charming, funny, affectionate and -- hoorah! -- British. And he takes me away from the pain of Mom’s illness.

I waited until I got back from my recent trip to London to confide in David about what is happening to her. He could not have been more supportive or understanding.

David is a thousand times more fun and uncomplicated than the baggage-laden older men I’ve usually attracted to. Then again, it’s only been two months. He could develop three heads or never call me again. With my track record, I’m prepared for anything…I think.

* * *

August 24, 1998

David is so wonderful -- everything I’ve wanted in a man for so long. The first guy who is not only good to me but good for me. No ex wives, no kids, no tortured background.

He’s continually coming up with ways to make me smile (cute emails, gifts, flowers). For two months now, his track record has been a very good one. He’s seeing me at my worst and yet he hasn’t run scared or pulled back. Part of me wouldn’t blame him if he did.

* * *

David remained steadfast, and our bond continued to deepen, as my mother’s condition deteriorated. Our love, however, would be put to the test by the return of an old flame -- at the worst possible time.

Charitable Event Pick: Starlight’s Holiday Happy Hour

When it comes to festive, first-class events, the Starlight Children's Foundation always does it up right. Experience the fun for yourself at Starlight’s upcoming Holiday Happy Hour.

Set for Wednesday, December 2nd at 7pm, the fundraising event will take place at Mad River Bar & Grill on NYC’s Upper East Side. The $25 ticket price funds the purchase of a teddy bear for a hospitalized child.

For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.

A Perfect First Date

Friday night, I went out with E, a charming, cute 37-year-old public relations exec that I met at HurryDate a few weeks ago.

Our evening began at Tracks Bar & Grill in Penn Station, home to a 105-foot long mahogany bar and a tasty seafood menu.

Tracks Bar and Grill: The venerable eatery has been around for more than 50 years

Over shared appetizers (the lobster ravioli was divine), E and I talked about our mutual experiences of moving from journalism to PR, and some of the far-flung destinations that working in PR has taken us to. Just back from a three-day business trip to Korea, E impressed me with his lack of jetlag – and his razor-sharp wit.

From Tracks, we walked over to Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks square off against California’s Golden State Warriors. It was my first-ever basketball game, so I soaked up all of the on-court action, which included team dancers, trampoline acrobatics and two random celeb sightings --Actor Anthony Michael Hall and rapper Fat Joe.

What A View: Our initial seats offered a panoramic view of the on-court action

E gave me a crash course in Basketball 101, leaning in closely as he explained game rules and his knack for upgrading to closer seats after half time. Sure enough, we eventually made our way from one of the upper-level rows down to the 200 section.

After the game, I briefly excused myself to use the bathroom. Upon emerging, E suddenly pulled me toward him for a brief kiss. Completely caught off guard and happily dazed by the major sparks between us, I quipped--

“Who knew Penn Station could be so romantic?”

The romance continued as we exited Penn to find that it was raining. While huddled under an umbrella at a nearby garage waiting for E’s car, he kissed me again.

We drove up the West Side Highway then over to the UES, where we parked ourselves at Merchant’s.

Much to my delight, E sat beside me while we talked about the enduring merits of 80’s sitcoms and the fun of karaoke.

“I guess,” he said, interlacing his fingers through mine for added emphasis, “This turned out pretty well, huh?”

“I was just thinking the same thing,” I said with a smile and we fell into another kiss – interrupted this time by our amused waitress, who asked if she should come back later.

Two more hours passed before we decided to call it a night. E parked in front of my building and kissed me goodnight. Several times.

“Thank you for a perfect evening from start to finish,” I said as I exited his car.

What a night.

Up next...dinner with a new online dating expert and a review of one of Broadway's hottest shows.

First Date: Dinner, Dialogue And Dr. Oz

Last Sunday, I went out with human resources consultant and fellow Upper East Sider Jeremy.

Jeremy and I attended a fascinating roundtable featuring (from left) Dr. Oz, Elie Wiesel, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Mayor Cory Booker

Jeremy and I had met at ADL’s Imagine Gala a couple of days before, and discovered we both had tickets to another amazing event – a roundtable on Jewish values and current societal problems featuring legendary writer and humanitarian Elie Wiesel, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, medical expert Dr. Mehmet Oz and popular rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

Dr. Oz was just as gracious as he was when I filmed a segment of his show a few weeks ago

Held at stunning Central Synagogue in Midtown NYC, the 2.5 hour roundtable was a lively, intelligent conversation that covered everything from health care and celebrity culture to social responsibility and the power of one person to make a difference.

I was especially riveted by Mayor Booker’s soft-spoken eloquence. If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, don’t miss it.

Biggest surprise during the Q&A – attention seeking reality star Jon Gosselin asking the esteemed panelists for parenting advice. Only in New York.

After the event, Jeremy and I headed over to cozy restaurant and lounge Opia.

Over some Sauvignon Blanc and a delicious dinner (hanger steak, fries and truffled salad), we talked about how inspiring the panelists were, what we like about living on the UES and the importance of family mealtime when you’re growing up.

As Jeremy spoke at length about Judaism, I couldn’t help thinking of my interfaith background. Dad was Jewish and Mom was Catholic, and so am I.

My parents managed to navigate being of different religions so that it didn’t come between them. They taught me differences don’t have to be an obstacle to enduring love. It’s a lesson I’m looking forward to applying with my future mate -- whatever his spiritual bent happens to be.

Flying Solo At ADL's Imagine Gala

Wednesday night, I went to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Imagine Gala at Union Square Ballroom.

All glammed up at ADL’s Imagine Gala

The swanky affair was hosted by ADL’s Next Generation Philanthropy group of young professionals. Having attended the last couple of years with my now-married friend Cindy, this was my first time going by myself.

Thanks to a great hair blowout and a favorite LBD, I entered the crowded ballroom feeling a mixture of confidence and nervous excitement.

The well-heeled crowd packed Union Square Ballroom

It didn’t take long for me to start mingling with the well-heeled crowd. At the bar, I found myself chatting with marketer and aspiring writer Josh and his friend Ben. Josh mentioned his current screenplay project – about a PR player who ends up with, ahem, performance problems – and his struggle to find the perfect title for it (“Ready to Blow,” “Coming Attraction” are his current choices).

I wished him luck on his master’s program applications and continued circulating, ending up next to another Josh – an adorable attorney with a penchant for wine. We compared notes on favorite varieties, having the inevitable white-versus-red debate, until he returned to checking his Blackberry.

He was the second guy I encountered who was attached to this gadget, but I didn’t mind since it afforded me an opportunity to say hello and ask—

“Are you really that bored?”

Fortunately, friendly human resources consultant Jeremy was Blackberry-free and very easy to talk to. We quickly discovered that we both love to travel, and that we happen to live five blocks from each other on the Upper East Side.

Along with hobnobbing with the opposite sex, I also had the pleasure of meeting fellow single gal Amy. After I told her that I’m currently without a wingwoman, she happily volunteered to join me for nights out on the town.

I’m looking forward to taking her up on that. Though, as I’ve rediscovered, sometimes the greatest fun you can have is when you’re flying solo.

Second Date With A JDater

Wednesday night, my action-packed evening continued at Upper East Side restaurant Trata, where I met up with JDate.com member and pet pharmacist Scott.

Trata: Scott and I met up for drinks at this lively UES Greek restaurant and bar

Having come straight from the gym, Scott showed up wearing spandex shorts, a baseball cap and lots of cologne. Not my first choice for date attire, but his impish grin and warm greeting helped me get past it.

It had been four months since our previous date, so we talked about how we spent our respective summers. Scott spent most of his on the beach at Fire Island, co-habitating with six female friends.

Speaking of other women, Scott’s Blackberry buzzed while he was in the restroom. I stole a quick glance at it (I know, tsk tsk), noticing a message from ‘Nicole-J Date’ that she was looking forward to seeing him. A message next to hers from me was filed under my JDate username. Ahh, the romance of online dating.

Though it was fun catching up with Scott, date #2 confirmed we’re better off as friends – and reminded me that, the older you get, the quicker you can tell whether or not there’s a mutual spark.

Seeing Scott also got me to thinking how much more fun it is to be on the prowl when you’re not doing it through cyberspace. Tonight, one of my best galpals and I will be heading down to one of NYC’s hottest neighborhoods for some mingling. Watch this space to see where the night takes us.

Dinner With A Sweetheart From Long Ago

Thursday, after my action-packed experience at Fashion Week, I met up for dinner with my old flame Alain.

Like many blasts from the past these days, this one came about through Facebook. Now married and living in Helsinki, Alain reached out and I was excited to hear from him. Fifteen years my senior, he was my first experience of May-December romance back in the day.

It had been well over a decade since we’d last seen each other, so we had lots to talk about over dinner at Accademia di Vino.

Accademia di Vino: Alain and I talked about life, love and tennis over dinner at this UES hotspot

We talked about timing and the role it plays in finding happily ever after. Alain said it was when he decided he was going to take a break from the New York dating scene that the tide turned. Alain started hearing from several old girlfriends, but it was on the tennis court where he met his match.

Months later, when his Finnish-born sweetheart proposed by declaring they were getting married in her hometown, he was more than happy to say yes. As he shared this, I couldn’t help thinking that, when you find your life’s partner, the semantics of how you wind up together don’t seem to matter so much.

As he did many so years ago, Alain demonstrated that he’s one of the good guys.

“I couldn’t leave this earth,” he told me, “without telling you how sweet you are.”

Wow.

Coming up…a new author’s delectable approach to dating and a look at how to break up without being mean.

Girls Night Out: Bounce Sports Bar

Friday night, I had the pleasure of catching up with my cousin Carla over drinks at Bounce, a lively sports bar and restaurant on NYC’s Upper East Side.

Bounce: A good place for happy hour and, on occasion, mingling with men who love sports

Bounce was serving up 2-for-1 happy hour specials, so I treated us to some flavorful frozen margaritas that tasted more like daiquiris (note: strawberry tops coconut here).

Carla and I hadn’t seen each other since the start of summer, so we had lots to talk about. Among the threads of conversation – moving on from no-good old flames, the inevitable expiration date of summer flings and the pleasures of a good meal.

Calories be damned, we indulged our gastronomic whims and headed over to nearby Cilantro for tasty Mexican fare. There’s no better way to start the weekend than over a shared plate of guacamole with one of your favorite people who just happens to also be family. Even if -- now that I’m in Single Gal slimdown mode -- it means spending more time at the gym.

Coming up…a long-awaited visit to the set of SATC2 and a trip to the US Open.

Girls Night Out: Uva

Last night, I caught up with my good friend Sara at Uva, a charmingly rustic wine bar and restaurant on NYC's Upper East Side.

Uva: One of the most inviting wine bars on the UES

I could feel myself unwinding as I enjoyed a delicious (and affordable --$13) flight of three white wine varieties. Over a delicious dinner – tuna carpaccio and veal melanzane for me, heavenly prosciutto-filled ravioli with cream sauce for Sara – we talked about workplace politics, our upcoming Labor Day getaway to New Hampshire and friends who are tying the knot this year.

While discussing the latter, we found ourselves musing about complications that seem to throw a wrench into thirtysomething dating, namely the challenge of sustaining that carefree attitude which seems so effortless before crossing the 3-0 threshhold.

After dinner, we put in an appearance at my newlywedded friend Cindy’s farewell-to-the-city soiree. Just back from an African safari honeymoon, Cindy and her hubby are moving to New Jersey on Friday. As she begins this new chapter in her life, I feel a mixture of excitement for her and wistfulness for the days when she was my number one wing woman.

I look forward to visiting Cindy in the burbs – and to the girls nights out yet to come with Sara and my other galpals who are still on the prowl.

Opening The Vault: Part Forty Six

After you break up with someone and enough time passes, it’s easy for nostalgia to obscure why the relationship ended in the first place. That’s what happened with me and my California-based ex Mark (a.k.a. Sparky).

A little over a year after I broke it off with Sparky, he came to New York on business. Following a blissful first night together, the downside of our roller coaster chemistry kicked in. I now Open The Vault and take you back to the fall of ‘96...

November 3rd, 1996
New York, NY

Dear Diary,

In keeping with tradition, the day after with Sparky was disappointing, upsetting and ridden with reminders of why I broke up with him.

No matter how hard I try not to let his insensitive, egocentric ways get to me, Mark invariably manages to do it anyway. He loves me and yet never fails to be condescending and cold when we’re together.

Today, he dominated every conversation. He went on and on about his job, his aspirations, barely letting me get a word in edgewise. You’d think after 11 months apart, he would be interested in knowing more about where I'm at. Not so.

* * *

November 4th, 1996

Armed with twenty-four hours worth of pent up frustration, I confronted Mark over dinner at Raffaele tonight.

Raffaele: Sparky and I had a heated argument at this cozy UES Italian restaurant

Not surprisingly, he didn’t want to hear what was upsetting me and I saw a flash of the angry side of him which has brought about some horrible fights between us in the past. He came thisclose to getting up and leaving the restaurant. I must admit it felt good to put him on the defensive for a change.

I calmly told Mark that I feel like my pursuits don’t interest him. As usual, he disagreed, maintaining that I was taking things out of context.

He said he wouldn’t remain in touch if he didn’t love me, but that he can’t allow himself to get too emotional when we’re together. This push-pull dynamic has been a constant with us and I suspect will continue until such time as our situation becomes a more normal one (IF that ever happens).

Later, wonder of wonders, Sparky actually asked about my work and we started laughing and cuddling. Even though we didn’t necessarily resolve anything -- do we ever? -- I felt like he really heard me for once, like we were truly communicating.

In my heart, I know the chemistry we have is too volatile to sustain anything permanent. But I also believe we will continue to be a part of each other’s lives for years to come. A part of me is forever his.

* * *

After Sparky’s hurricane-like visit, romantic dramas of the more local variety resurfaced as the month’s theme of revisiting old flames continued.

Drinks At Trata

Tuesday night, after dinner down in the West Village, I headed up to my Upper East Side neighborhood for a late-evening drink with my brother Andrew and his business partner Parker.

I met them at Trata, a trendy Greek seafood bistro that happens to serve delicious white sangria.

Parker, a former financial big wig turned consultant, joined Andrew in giving me the scoop about their current venture capital project involving new medical technology and an heiress investor with spellbinding charm.

We also talked about my shortlived candidacy for Murphy-Goode Winery’s highly coveted Lifestyle Correspondent gig.

Earlier in the day, I had learned that I didn’t make it onto the Top 10 shortlist of contenders. Given how stiff the Top 50 competition was – seven other New Yorkers among them, including a guy with Food & Wine magazine on his resume – I wasn’t too surprised.

Once I got over the disappointment that I won’t be living on a vineyard for six months, I was actually relieved. Had I made the final cut, it would have been tough to weigh my wanderlust against my love for NYC. Because, for as much as I’m a travelgirl at heart, there’s still no place I’d rather be than the Big Apple.

SGITC Happy Hour

Last Tuesday, a dozen friends joined me at Haven, a luxe lounge on NYC’s Upper East Side, to celebrate one year of Single Gal In The City.

SGITC Happy Hour: Celebrating with (from left) galpals Marisa, Andrea and Louise

While enjoying Haven’s drink specials -- including pitchers of grape cosmos for $13 -- I filled everyone in about upcoming SGITC developments (singles survey, t-shirt contest…stay tuned!) and caught up on news of both the personal and professional variety.

Tim, producer of The Set, filled me in about the monthly variety show’s upcoming move to a new downtown location, Le Poisson Rouge. Actor and cable TV show host Chance made a brief appearance before jetting off to film a segment for an upcoming episode, floating the possibility of me appearing as a guest sometime.

Old flames were the hot topic with work galpals Katie and Marisa. We talked about the need to revisit former boyfriends that tends to precede letting go for good and the unnerving ease with which exes use the likes of Facebook and text messaging to keep in touch.

Also on the conversational menu, upcoming travels. Longtime pal Sara invited me and our mutual friend Leila to spend Labor Day weekend at her parents’ home in New Hampshire. Sign me up.

As the evening drew to a close, I found myself thinking for the umpteenth time how milestones mean so much when you have great girlfriends to celebrate them with.

Here’s to many more years of female bonding with my fabulous friends -- and to many more years of SGITC!

Unwinding With A Staycation

For as much as I love to travel, there's something to be said for staying put. This week, I'm doing just that and enjoying a staycation.

According to a 2008 survey by the Travel Industry Association, about 9% of Americans were planning a staycation this year.

Lunch At the Times: Today, I caught up with a j-school friend over lunch at the NYT's cafeteria with sweeping city views

For my hometown retreat, I'm availing myself of the best of the Big Apple -- including happy hour at swanky Haven on NYC's Upper East Side -- and catching up with friends old and new, from lunch with a journalism school buddy at the New York Times to drinks with a veteran news editor at Star magazine.

And yes, I'm doing my best to follow one of the top rules for a successful staycation -- telling my nearest and dearest I'll be unreachable. Because sometimes you have to completely disconnect to reconnect with yourself.

Date With A Witty Accountant

Last night, I went out with Patrick, a 43-year-old real estate accountant and part-time comedian.

Patrick I and first connected back in March through TheSquare.com. With tax season finally over (his clients include Blue Parrot, the Hamptons restaurant co-owned by Jon Bon Jovi), he resurfaced a couple of weeks ago.

Accademia di Vino: This UES wine bar has a great menu…and mouth-watering cheese plate

We met up for drinks at my favorite neighborhood date spot, Accademia di Vino on NYC’s Upper East Side. Over a couple of glasses of white wine and a heavenly shared cheese plate -- five varieties including pecorino and parmigiano -- we talked about far-flung travel destinations and juggling our respective day jobs with extracurricular pursuits.

In addition to being a veteran of Gotham’s comedy club scene, Patrick has tried out for NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” He gave me a sample of his repertoire and I was impressed with his ability to deliver a good punch line.

Also refreshing -- his honesty about how being single past a certain age often leads to questions. Nice to know women aren’t the only ones on the receiving end of this.

Patrick says he tells inquiring minds that, with life in New York being as full-on as it is, thirty and even fortysomething single hood isn’t so unusual. Truer words were never spoken.

Patrick walked me home and said he’d like to go out again, maybe even have me come and watch him perform. I’m not sure I felt sparks between us…which is why I’m looking forward even more to my long-awaited second date tonight with Rich.

Saturday Night At Fratelli's

Last Saturday, my galpal Lauren and I met up for dinner at Fratelli’s on the Upper East Side.

A relatively new addition to the neighborhood, Fratelli’s serves up tasty Italian fare in a laidback bistro setting. Co-owners and brothers Mark and John, along with their friendly staff, do a great job of making you feel welcome -- whether you’re a family with kids that need a distraction (like toys, which the restaurant makes available for borrowing) or two single ladies enjoying a night out.

Over a shared pear salad, two generous glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and delicious pasta (gnocchi in tomato sauce for me), Lauren and I found ourselves musing about thirtysomething singlehood.

Though we’re both happy with the choices we’ve made that have led us to where we are today, neither of us anticipated still being minus a plus one at this age. Or having to deconstruct confounding male behavior -- like the guy who regularly texts me sweet nothings yet only suggests last-minute plans. Or the friend of Lauren’s who makes romantic overtures but remains similarly elusive.

There is one upside of such shenanigans -- having fabulous girlfriends to laugh about it with.

Coming up…my appearance in an Associated Press story about dating and the recession, and meeting actress Susan Sarandon.

A Smooth (But Short) First Date

Last Friday, I met up with 45-year-old Jdate.com member and radiologist Jacques at Accademia di Vino on NYC’s Upper East Side.

Accademia di Vino: One of the best wine bars and restaurants on the UES

Knowing from experience that older men tend to take dating more seriously, I opted to kick it up a notch wardrobe-wise and wear a dark blue Ann Taylor Loft sundress with a white Gap cardigan.

Jacques didn’t disappoint. Nixing the all too common first date attire of jeans and an untucked shirt, he showed up in a beige sports jacket and matching slacks with a striped collared shirt. Nice.

In keeping with his attire, Jacques' knowledge of local theater and literature was pretty sophisticated too. He mentioned recently rereading the French classic Madame Bovary, which led to a brief debate about the merits of fiction versus non-fiction. True to his y chromosome DNA, he admitted a preference for the latter.

Jacques expressed his appreciation that I emailed my phone number as soon as he contacted me on JDate. I told him I like to move things along, a preference he demonstrated in an unexpected way -- by bringing the evening to an end a little more than an hour after we’d sat down.

Just before parting company, Jacques said we should get together again sometime. I resisted the urge to laugh. If our first date wasn’t compelling enough to last more than 60 minutes, odds are there won’t be a second.

Still, our brief encounter was a much-needed reminder of how much fun it is to have a grown up date with grown up conversation. Even when you’re in your mid-thirties, that’s hard to come by.

Ladies Night Out: Double Header

Last Wednesday, I enjoyed a double dose of female bonding, beginning with a cocktail reception at the Ana Tzarev Gallery in Midtown celebrating Asian Contemporary Art Week.

While taking in Tzarev’s colorful, bold canvases, I caught up with friends and fellow writers Nadine and Gwen.

Nadine, Gwen and I enjoying cocktails and colorful art

Gwen filled us in on her birthday celebration at Feinstein’s at NYC’s Regency Hotel, where her longtime friend, actress Tyne Daly surprised her with a special serenade. Nadine and I mused about old flames – the one she’s currently reconnecting with, and the one I’m happy to be leaving in the past because he’s been divorced three times.

With plans to get together again soon, we parted company and I headed over to Bar Italia on NYC's Upper East Side for drinks with J-school classmate and blogger Liz.

Liz has launched Travelogged, a fun and fabulous site that gives new meaning to the word wanderlust. We gushed about some of our favorite recent travels – Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and St. John in the USVI for me, Costa Rica and California’s wine country for her.

While enjoying a scrumptious plate of Italian meats and cheeses complemented by a smooth Sauvignon Blanc, we also talked about the perils of class reunions (Liz skipped ours) and the perks of life in the blogosphere.

Coming up…a look at “Desire Under The Elms” and more outrageous online dating tales.

A Great JDate

Last week, I met up with fellow Upper East Sider and Jdate.com member Scott.

Our first stop was Per Lei, a hip neighborhood eatery that attracts a mixture of locals and Eurotrash. Over drinks at the bar, I soon learned that Scott and I have a few unfortunate experiences in common – losing a parent to cancer and dating people with pets.

Thankfully, we were able to share a few laughs about the latter. Scott became turned off to dogs after he got stuck walking one girlfriend’s Shitzu every day. When another significant other informed him three months in that she’d bought a pooch, he had an announcement of his own – it was over.

A very warm and smiley guy, Scott also impressed me with his varied career. After stints as a social worker and investment banker, he picked up and moved to China to launch his own teddy bear company (which explains his profile photo standing beside a giant bear).

Felice: This wine bar on the UES is a great date spot. And the Tuscan bread is delish.

At our second destination, the much quieter and more appealing wine bar Felice over on First Avenue, Scott told me about his current gig as a pet pharmaceutical sales rep. He filled me in on the science of making pet prescription drugs, a task he is occasionally charged with as the company’s backup pharmacist.

Though I tried to stay focused during his lengthy tangent, I could feel my eyes glazing over as he spoke of chemical compounds and pill pricing. A little science talk goes a long way.

Scott walked me home, squeezing my hand and giving me a quick kiss before saying goodnight.

He has since invited me to join him during one of his daily workouts. It's a departure from my idea of a traditional second date, but why not? With bathing suit season approaching, I need all the incentive I can get to set foot inside a gym.

Girls Night Out: Upper East Side

Saturday night, my cousin Alexandra and I enjoyed a girls night out on the Upper East Side.

The festivities began with a delicious dinner at Italian bistro Zucchero e Pomodori (prosciutto and melon, filet of sole oreganata).

Afterward, we strolled over to First Avenue, passing a festive Greek Orthodox Easter block party along the way and appreciating all over again the diverse mosaic of life in the Big Apple.

We ended up at Stir, a lively neighborhood bar and lounge that I’ve since decided to visit more often. In addition to serving up great music and a friendly vibe, the crowd is a good mix of twenty and thirtysomethings.

Stir: One of the best bars on NYC's Upper East Side

Alexa and I were only standing at the bar for a few minutes when a tall, adorable guy approached.

Complimenting my eyes, he said he had to come and talk to me – adding, curiously enough, that he’d already met his goal of getting someone’s phone number so it wasn’t just a line. A little too much information, I thought, opting nevertheless to overlook his faux pas and accept his offer to buy us drinks.

After introducing himself and his friend Peter, Joe continued to engage me in conversation. Alexa and Peter hit it off, discovering they both live just blocks away from each other in Queens.

It turned out Joe is a native New Yorker too. We fell into easy, flirtatious banter as he filled me in about life as a firefighter and his passion for outdoor sports.

Before the night ended, he kissed me. Fireworks, so to speak, were definitely there.

Too bad Joe now lives in Rhode Island.

Up next…after-work schmoozing for the Starlight Foundation and an unexpected reprise with my greatest love.