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. 