Life
JC blind date: ‘I felt we had quite a lot in common’
For this month’s blind date, our two hopeful singletons dined at kosher restaurant Mazal in Camden
February 6, 2025 15:45
By Karen Glaser
2 min read
For this month’s blind date, our two hopeful singletons dined at kosher restaurant Mazal in Camden
February 6, 2025 15:45By Karen Glaser
Gary Manhine[Missing Credit]
Pre-date jitters?
I hadn’t been on a date for a long time so, yes, I was a bit nervous. And because it’s a blind date, I had no idea what he’d be like and whether he would like me.
Your first impression of him?
He came across as a kind and caring man and we seemed to have quite a lot in common. He seemed quite a good match for me.
What were you hoping for from the evening?
To meet a man with whom I would get on well and who would want to go out with me again.
Did the conversation flow?
It absolutely did. I felt at ease talking to Justin.
Did you discuss matters Jewish?
We both live in Borehamwood and so spoke about the goings-on in our community there.
Did you discuss matters Israeli?
I was born in Jerusalem and we quickly established that Justin had visited the parts of city where I had grown up – we talked about these neighbourhoods.
What was your favourite Mazal dish?
Without doubt the shawarma in pitta with hummus, tahini and Israeli salad. Absolutey delicious!
Did you discover people in common?
Yes, it turns out we do have a few mutual friends.
Did sparks fly?
I thought Justin was nice but there were no sparks, alas.
Plans to see each other again?
We exchanged phone numbers but I didn’t get the impression he wants to see me again.
Justin in three words?
Polite, inquisitive, good listener.
What do you think Justin thought of you?
We have quite a lot in common but I don’t think Justin wants to meet again. My hunch is that this is because I have been married and have children.
Photo: Gary Manhine[Missing Credit]
Pre-date jitters?
No jitters, just intrigued to see Mazal for the first time and excited to meet the person this newspaper thought would be a good match.
Your first impression?
She seemed to be very chatty and driven.
What were you hoping for from the evening?
Short term: levity and likemindness. Longer term: to have finally found my match and for this to have been the beginning of a wonderful period in our lives.
Did the conversation flow? It certainly did, and I tried to show that active listening is a strength of mine.
Did you discuss matters Jewish?
We live very close to one another so we got to share our experiences of the local community and our respective shuls.
Did you discuss matters Israeli?
As she grew up there and has family in Israel, we inevitably did. I also explained my familial connection to one of the hostages, Avinatan Or – our grandmothers were first cousins.
What was your favourite Mazal dish?
The hummus and shawarma. I’m not spouting a cliché when I describe them as mouth-watering. And the portions were plentiful. It is an outstanding restaurant!
Would Sara get on with your friends?
We're all good souls, so I'm sure everyone would find mutual ground.
Did sparks fly?
No sparks from where I sat but that's not to say that it wasn't a pleasant afternoon.
Plans to see each other again?
I'm sure that we willl because we live so near to each other, a local coffee shop will see us having a catch-up sometime soon.
Sara in three words?
Devoted, cultured, timorous.
What do you think Sara thought of you?
As an empathetic human being who is a good listener.