The JC blind date: ‘I think she thought I was a show-off’

Pre-date jitters?

I don’t tend to get these but I’ll admit it was a bit odd showing up to a date knowing only her first name!

​Your first impression?

Bubbly, extrovert, confident.

​What were you hoping for from the evening?

Good chat and good food… and to remain comfortably tucked away in the JC features section rather than making it onto the front page.

​Did the conversation flow?

Yes. We talked about all sorts, from her horse-riding abilities (impressive) to travel plans to whether or not a pet cat could kill you.

​Did you discuss matters Jewish?

Surprisingly not, as far as I recall.

​Did Israel come up?

Yes, we’d both been there recently so we were able to share our experiences. It was nice to bond over this.

​What was your favourite Lilienblum dish?

Honestly all the food was amazing, but I’d have to say the beetroot tortellini.

​Would Rachel get on with your friends?

I’m sure she would; she’s very easy to talk to and was a good listener.

​Did you discover people in common?

Nope, with so much to discuss we could do without the ‘who do you know?’ chat.

​Did sparks fly?

I’d say there was chemistry, yes.

​Any no-nos?

Rachel wants us to go to Vietnam and jump out of a plane together. That’s not quite my idea of a second date.

​Plans to see each other again?

Sure, why not!

​Rachel in three words?

Bubbly, extroverted, thrill-seeking.

​What do you think Rachel thought of you?

Probably that I was a bit of a show-off. I made sure that my ability to speak multiple languages came up early on. Big red flag, if you ask me.

Pre-date jitters?

I was both nervous and excited – it’s always fun to meet new people. But having a photographer come with you on a first date was a first!

Your first impression?

Confident, charming and surprisingly calm.

What were you hoping for from the evening?

Interesting conversation, a chance of some good food and hopefully a spark!

Did the conversation flow?

Yes. Nathan was easy to talk to – we spoke about travelling, languages and family. No awkwards silences. 

Did you discuss matters Jewish?

Not really. Other than laughing about how we’d feature in the first JC blind date.

Did Israel come up?

Yes, we’d both been there recently. He spent time with his family over the summer and I went on a mission with UJIA to learn about the vital projects they support and the need for continued funding.

What was your favourite Lilienblum dish?

The fig carpaccio was amazing and the malabi made me feel like I was on holiday in Tel Aviv. I will definitely be back.

Would Nathan get on with your friends?

I think so, he was very easy-going.

Did you discover people in common?

Perhaps this is surprising but we didn’t play Jewish geography.

Did sparks fly?

We had a lovely evening. I guess time will tell.

Any no-nos?

None that I can recall. He had good table manners which is important as my grandma’s nickname is Queen of Table Manners.

Plans to see each other again?

Why not! I tend to go on two dates before jumping to conclusions.

Nathan in three words?

Confident, relaxed and sincere.

What do you think Nathan thought of you?

I think he probably thought I was quite bubbly but I guess I’ll have to wait and find out in the JC!

Rachel and Nathan ate at Eyal Shani’s LIlienblum in Shoreditch, EC1

www.lilienblum.co.uk

Want your own JC shidduch? Email: blinddate@thejc.com