FROM the moment you walk into a restaurant to meet your partner till the time you leave, stewards, bartenders and captains are silently observing you. Thanks to years behind the counter, they are a robust repository of dating stories.
And they are willing to tell.
My favourite love story is of this lesbian couple who met for the first time at the cafe. One of them was sitting alone at the community table and the other was part of a big girl gang. By happenstance, the two started talking and sparks flew. Like what they say about love at first sight. Itu2019s heartwarming to see them frequent the cafe, holding hands. There is a special seat at the cafe [ for partners] and when a couple asks for it, itu2019s evident that they are on a date. Also, there are times when a couple that frequented the cafe, break up and the next time, they arrive with new partners. The initial hesitance is evident in their body language, but things soon turn normal. Goes to say they love the cafe more than their ex- lovers.
I have seen couples at different stages of their relationship at the restaurant. Some are quiet and shy, while others are expressive.
Normally, we do not stand too close because we donu2019t want to intrude. But we gauge their actionsu2014 giggles, attentiveness, hand- holding, glancing at phoneu2014 how the date is going. Arguments happen as well. There have even been times where the couple has left in a huff without touching their food. For every bad date, thereu2019s a good one. We once received a request from a woman to decorate the outdoor section with candles and mellow lights.
She also asked for red rose petals to be strewn along the path, and red and black balloons.
She wanted a singer to hum a romantic song for her partner, while she proposed to him. She went down on her knees and asked the man to marry her. It was sweet. And he said, yes.
With older couples, it is the man who always picks the tab.
Younger couples want things to be done differently and usually split the bill.
If itu2019s a no- show, sometimes they even get their food packed, pay and leave.
NILESH MANIMARAN Captain, Birdsong Cafe, Bandra Employed since: 2017 ALAM GIR MONDAL Steward, Out of the Blue, Bandra Employed since: 2013 u2018 Sometimes, partners change; the cafe doesnu2019tu2019 u2018 If itu2019s a no- show, itu2019s pack up and leaveu2019 PIC/ SHADAB KHAN PIC/ BIPIN KOKATE Follow the hearts to read stories perfect for Valentineu2019s Day
The first date is usually awkward. They donu2019t know whether to go for a handshake or hug. Iu2019ve seen chivalrous men pull out a chair for the women.
Food is generally the icebreaker, and women seem to be better at placing orders than men. But you know a date is going well by the rounds of wine. Older couples seem more interested in the food, but they donu2019t hang around for long. The younger lot, talks more, eats less and stick around till late. We get about 20 couples a day at the restaurant. Some of them come back at least three times a month. Over time, they get more comfortable with each other. Some get close enough after a few dates to order each otheru2019s dishes. And, instead of sitting across the table, they take a seat side by side. Sometimes, it doesnu2019t go as well as expected.
This one time, when the girl had gone to the washroom, the guy clandestinely asked me not to ask for dessert. u201c Get the check directly,u201d he said.
RAKESH VARMA Assistant manager, Santu00e9 Spa Cuisine, BKC Employed since: 2017 u2018 You know a date is going well by the rounds of wineu2019
