THE FUSE

First dates are for first impressions. Although plenty of first daters opt for sporting events, concerts, or old-school movie theatres, if the goal is getting to know one another, loud, crowded venues do not afford the conversation opportunities you will have over coffee or a meal. Yet when you choose to break bread together, choice of venue predicts value. And because you want to both see and hear each other, a pre-date venue visit allows you to investigate everything from menu to mood, price to privacy, climate to crowd control. Here are some ideas.