Organic Chemistry

Can two farm-to-table enthusiasts find love over free-range chicken?

Chris Shustak, 48

Computer consultant, hobby farmer

3 things he can't live without: Homemade bread, high-speed Internet, milk fresh from a cow

He's happiest: Eating a homemade blueberry muffin with fresh butter

Sarah Reece Bishop, 53

Preschool teacher

Perfect Saturday: Just having someone to share one with would make it perfect.

Happiest: Eating food from a farmers' market

7 p.m., Harvest, Cambridge

THE SEED

Chris: I had to chase loose cows and horses that broke through a fence right before I left.

Sarah: I decided to go with a less dressy pink cashmere cardigan, black flouncy skirt, black knee-high boots (new for the occasion!), and a string of pearls.

Chris: Sarah was the only person waiting around the front door. Our eyes instantly met.

Sarah: He was definitely attractive, youthful, full head of hair.

Chris: Her makeup and perfume were perfectly applied.

Sarah: We were treated to a fireside table -- the best in the house!

Chris: I stopped thinking about the menu, the time, the diners nearby. It wasn't infatuation, but Sarah was so interesting.

Sarah: It took Chris awhile to decide on an entree. Our waiter was patient.

DIGGING IN

Chris: I thought about ordering the duck, but I didn't relish the idea of eating something that might require lots of activity with fingers or silverware. I chose steak.

Sarah: I ordered the Giannone Farms chicken.

Chris: She presented me with a Valentine's Day card and a small box of Godiva chocolates. I felt embarrassed that I didn't think to do the same.

Sarah: I learned that he is a member of Mensa. His computer work went right over my head.

Chris: She has a way of making the people around her feel at ease. It must be her experience dealing with 2-year-olds. I will vouch that she didn't have to send me to the timeout corner at any time during our date.

Sarah: He was bighearted, grounded. I had the sense that he knew who he was and liked who he was.

PASSING SEASON

Sarah: From the moment we met, I thought I'd be sharing the evening with a perfect gentleman, but probably not the "one." I was a little surprised that he had never married and a little disappointed that he hadn't had children.

Chris: There were no sparks, just a warm glow. That's a good thing. I've been in relationships that spark early. They seem to also fizzle just as quickly.

Sarah: I gave him my e-mail address.

Chris:There is so much more that I'd like to learn about her.

Sarah: He said he'd enjoy seeing me again. I'd love to meet someone a little more outdoorsy and rugged. I didn't laugh as much as I had hoped.

Chris: I walked her to her car. She offered a hug, which was a surprise. I didn't make any overtures of my own. I'm old-fashioned about those things.

POST-MORTEM

Sarah's Grade: B

Chris's Grade: A

SECOND DATE?

Chris is hoping for another, but Sarah wants to be friends.