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Meet an ex-OSU football player, a Power 107.5 deejay and a "Bachelor" contestant and seven other singles shown at their favorite places for a first date.
At Kathryn Gallery in the Short North. Photo by Michael A. Foley/Rycus Assoc.
Dustin Blake
Associate, Plymale & Dingus
Ohio State is not the only football team in the state to appear in a few national championship games. In fact, Dustin Blake played in—and won—three title games while on the football team at Mount Union College. Since moving to Columbus, the West Jefferson native has become involved with several organizations, such as Columbus Young Professionals. (He participated in a charity date auction with the group in February.) He says he’s looking for a woman who “can dish it as well as she can take it, and she must love dogs.”
Age: 30.
Education: B.S., business, Mount Union College; J.D., University of Akron.
Favorite movie: Anchorman or Wedding Crashers. Anything that makes me laugh.
Favorite TV show: “Seinfeld” and “Parks and Recreation.”
Favorite book: The Rainmaker, by John Grisham.
Favorite local meal: Filet Oscar at Mitchell’s Steakhouse.
Favorite musical genre: I pretty much like it all. R&B, hip-hop, country. . . . If you check my CD player right now, you will find Trey Songz.
Best vacation: The summer after I graduated from law school: Chicago, Myrtle Beach and my first time to Vegas.
Celebrity look-alike: Ty Pennington. I get that all of the time . . . only when I wear my tool belt, though.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? Wisely.
One thing you never leave home without: American Express.
What are you most passionate about? Friends, family and my dog, Champ.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? For the most part, depending on the venue, the singles scene consists of diverse, fun, outgoing individuals looking to have a good time and meet new people.
Idea of a perfect date: I would pick her up at her place. We would have dinner on the Cap, maybe at Marcella’s when the weather is nice and the front windows are open. After that, we would sneak up to the top of the Columbia Gas building with a bottle of wine and hang out drinking while we overlook the water.
Best date: Dinner at Lindey’s in German Village while the band was playing in the front room, followed by drinks at Club 185, and then I walked her to her car through the village at the end of the night, and it was topped off with a first kiss.
Best thing about being single: Freedom.
Worst thing about being single: You don’t have somebody to share events and stuff with. . . . That’s what it’s all about in the end.
What qualities are you looking for in a woman? Someone who is attractive, ambitious, family-oriented, with good values, outgoing and has a good sense of humor.
Jennifer Flatter
Legislative liaison, Ohio Department of Commerce
Jennifer Flatter keeps a busy schedule, between working to prevent home foreclosures, among other things, with the Ohio Department of Commerce and finishing her master’s in public administration at Ohio University this June. When asked about the silliest thing she’s ever done to impress someone, Flatter jokes, “I think it’s a little silly for me to let Columbus Monthly feature me.”
Age: 27.
Education: B.S., communications and political science, Capital University.
Favorite movie: The Sound of Music. I really admire other people who can sing, because I can’t. I also enjoy historic fiction, and it’s a great, classic story.
Favorite TV show: “The Young and the Restless.”
Favorite book: The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini.
Favorite food: I love Mexican food. You can’t go wrong with spicy food.
Favorite music: I have a very diverse music selection. I really love Tom Petty, but I also enjoy Beyoncé.
Coffee or tea? I’m both, every day. Coffee
in the morning and green tea in the afternoon.
Mountains or the beach? I love the beach.
Celebrity look-alike: I sometimes get Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Guilty pleasure: I love to bake, so eating baked goods, especially anything that can be topped with ice cream.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? Meet with a financial planner and learn how to invest. Then, pay off my condo and take my family on a few weeks’ vacation to Hawaii.
One thing you never leave home without: My journal.
When I’m not working, I’m . . . Spending time at the gym or with my friends, aside from working on my degree.
Something not everyone would know about you: I was in a pageant in high school. It was a town festival in Arcanum, Ohio, called Old Fashioned Days. I didn’t win, but I placed. It wasn’t me, so it’s just kind of funny now.
What are you most passionate about? I’m passionate about my career and the work I do, but also about health and fitness. I love to take spinning and a group fitness class called BodyAttack, which I’m working to get certified to teach.
Favorite restaurant: El Vaquero.
Idea of a perfect date: As long as the weather is nice, to do something outside. It would be fun to take a day trip to a park or lake and go boating or wakeboarding.
Best thing about being single: I only have to worry about myself. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.
Worst thing about being single: I can’t think of much, but it would be nice to have someone to help me with things around my condo.
Describe your ideal mate: Someone who makes me laugh. Trustworthy, supportive and compassionate toward others. He needs the ability to compromise, to share my interests and enjoy athletics.
Alexa McAllister
Owner, Lexicon Works
If you’re a fan of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” you may recognize Alexa McAllister from the most recent season. Last year, her cousin submitted her application to producers. “I was in a relationship that she didn’t like, so this was her way of taking me out of it,” she jokes. Although McAllister only appeared in one episode, “I knew if anything else, it would be a great way to meet some people and build a network.” She’s recently made appearances in Atlantic City and Colorado with former bachelors and bachelorettes from the popular show.
Age: 25.
Education: B.S., communications, Marymount Manhattan College.
Favorite movie: Heat.
Favorite TV show: “Dexter.”
Favorite book: Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert. Her writing is melodic and beautiful, realistic and approachable.
Favorite magazine: Wired. Everyone should be required to read it.
Favorite meal: Pork chops, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
Personal mantra: A little bit of elbow
grease and good luck can accomplish anything.
Favorite band: Pink Floyd.
Coffee or tea? Coffee. Always. I’m a coffee-holic.
Mountains or the beach? Beach.
Describe your style of dress: Classic with an edge.
Celebrity look-alike: I always get Jennifer Aniston. That’s just because she and I both have Jay Leno-long chins.
Thoughts on online dating: I think a lot of people have had success from it. I believe in organic meet-ups, so it’s not my thing.
Guilty pleasure: A glass of champagne every night.
If you won the lottery, how would you
spend the money? I would buy a huge RV, give it to my parents and tell them to have fun.
Something not everyone would know about you: I own two Harleys. I’m a gearhead; I know how cars work.
What are you most passionate about? Anything dealing with truly empowering women, and anything that leverages women to be feminine and masculine when they need to be.
Something that always makes you angry? When people are pompous, and when they think they’re better if they have more money.
Favorite place to be in Columbus: I always go to Stauf’s in Grandview. During the day or night, it’s always a fun place to be.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? It’s a little bit old-school. Everyone eventually marries their high school sweetheart. There aren’t enough social activities here for singles.
Idea of a perfect date: One where I want to go on a second date.
Best thing about being single: Having time to figure out what you love.
Worst thing about being single: Having too much time to think about yourself.
Describe your ideal mate: Someone who is a believer in manifesting something that doesn’t actually exist, such as love or a home. I need someone who is a true daydreamer.
Joe DeLoss
Director of social enterprise at Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio, and “chief sandwich operator” at Freshbox Catering, operated by LSSCO
Joe DeLoss is passionate about entrepreneurship and social change, which is partly behind his decision to sell his home in Bexley and renovate a 1963 Airstream Overlander trailer into an off-the-grid condo. DeLoss says he wants to create a low-impact lifestyle, because it will allow him “to invest more in projects I really care about.”
Age: 25.
Education: B.S., business and communications, Capital University.
Favorite movie: I really like Wes Anderson movies. I laugh at The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou no matter how many times I see it.
Favorite TV show: I don’t own a TV, but I’ve recently started watching “Dexter” on my computer.
Reading material: When I get a chance to read, I mostly stick to books on lifestyle design and innovative business. Currently, I’m reading the 50th Law, by Robert Greene and 50 Cent. It’s about being fearless.
Favorite food: Right now I’m on an Indian kick. I like Udipi Cafe.
Favorite music: Anything from folk rock to DMX. No room for popular country, though.
Coffee or tea? I’m a tea person.
Mountains or the beach? Mountains. I like hiking. Something about mountains makes me feel really content. I think it’s the peace of mind knowing that whatever I’m facing is not that big of a deal.
Do you arrive places early or late? Early.
Dream vacation: Spend a summer hiking in Grindelwald, Switzerland, with my dog, B (shown).
Celebrity look-alike: Regretfully, two people told me recently that I look like a Jonas brother.
Guilty pleasure: Bad Steven Seagal movies, meaning most of them.
What are you most passionate about? Sustainable change.
Is there something that always makes you angry? Seeing money spent ineffectively in the nonprofit community.
Proudest accomplishment: It’s between my sister giving my nephew my name and launching Freshbox Catering.
What makes you laugh? Sarcasm and awkward situations.
Favorite bar and food destination: Club 185 in German Village and the North Market.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? I think zestless is a good descriptor. It seems difficult to meet genuinely new people with common interests and perspectives.
Best place for a first date: I’m a sucker for a dog park or ZenCha Tea Salon in the Short North.
Idea of a perfect date: I would aim for an afternoon park date in the fall, followed by wine and tapas somewhere. If you start the date early, you have a whole evening to build on.
Best date experience: Going on a last-minute backpacking trip to Zaleski State Forest (in southern Ohio).
Best thing about being single: Not feeling sorry for working so much. I’ve got a slew of projects in the works and I’m always finding something to work on.
Worst thing about being single: Being single when you would like a partner in crime. Not having someone to relax with when everyone you know is hitting the town.
What’s the silliest/craziest thing you’ve done to impress someone? In high school, I faked a broken arm, with a cast, during a choir concert to ask a girl to prom.
Describe your ideal mate: An independent and adventurous woman that knows where she’s going, even if she’s unsure of the route.
Cap Clegg
Owner, Columbus Financial Concepts
If you’re ever trying to reach Cap Clegg on a Tuesday afternoon, he’ll have to call you back. For the past 10 years, he has traveled to Marion Correctional Institution as part of a prison ministry program. He facilitates a program centered on character reformation. “I never ask what they are in there for or for how long, because I don’t care. We’re dealing with the here and now.” Volunteerism is a huge part of Clegg’s life in Dublin as well. “It’s about being out with people and giving back,” he says.
Age: 55.
Education: B.S., business, Rocky Mountain College (Billings, Montana); J.D., Ohio Northern University.
Favorite movie: Last of the Dogmen.
Favorite TV show: “NCIS” and college basketball.
Favorite book: Tom Robbins’s Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.
Favorite magazine/newspaper: New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Outside magazine.
Favorite music: Late ’70s/’80s rock-and-roll, like Bob Seger and Springsteen.
Coffee or tea? Coffee.
Mountains or the beach? Mountains.
Favorite vacation spot: Breck Inn, Breckenridge, Colorado.
Celebrity look-alike: I’m not sure how drunk these people were, but some say Tom Selleck without a mustache, but it depends on the sunglasses I’m wearing.
Thoughts on online dating: I’ve been trying it for the last six months. It’s interesting. People are looking for an answer real quick. But I don’t try to date; it happens and I just enjoy being with people.
Guilty pleasure: Spending time alone reading a mystery fiction book when I have a pile of stuff to read or do at the office.
When I’m not working . . . I serve on boards for Leadership Dublin, the Dublin Fund and Dublin AM Rotary Charitable Foundation. I’m also a community volunteer, so I’m usually on the sidelines doing something.
Something not everyone would know about you: I’m pretty transparent, living and working in Dublin. Everyone knows everything about you there. Even though I belong to Kinsale, I’m a really bad golfer. My handicap is a 28.
What are you most passionate about? My relationship with God. It’s important and it’s something I continually work on.
Something that always makes you angry? Stupid people.
Favorite place to be in Columbus: Highbanks Park.
Favorite restaurant: Basi Italia for food, and Tutto Vino for the atmosphere and a good glass of wine.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? I don’t really think about it to be honest. I’ve always been single, and I’ve never had a problem finding dates. There’s a lot of intelligent people here. That’s fun when you find someone who is intelligent, curious and open to sharing.
Idea of a great date: Doesn’t depend on what you do or where you go, but who you’re with—that you’re comfortable with each other and you make each other smile. Also, there’s good and open sharing, and you’re comfortable touching and being touched by each other.
Any bad dates? I’m 55 years old, so, yeah, I have a bunch of those stories. Like, if you walk in and they’re chewing gum, dressed inappropriately for where you’re going, or if you take them to a Reds game and they hate baseball.
Best thing about being single: Waking up with who I like every morning. When I get married, it’s going to be one time. It’s going to be a long romance. I can’t imagine getting ready to get divorced and waking up with somebody I don’t like.
Worst thing about being single: Spending Sunday nights alone. There’s bad TV. It would be nice being able to share Sunday nights with someone, with a fireplace, and to talk about plans and the week ahead.
Describe your ideal mate: Intelligent. Someone you can go to a party or an event with and not have to entertain them the whole time. And when you look across the room and smile at each other, you know you’ll leave together happy.
Deal breaker: Lying. I don’t care what the truth is . . . just tell the truth. And be yourself. Don’t tell me you like baseball if you really hate it.
Misty Jordan
On-air personality at Power 107.5 and morning show co-host
Misty Jordan really loves her job on the radio. After working at ABC-6/
e-mails and Facebook messages with ideas from listeners. “They feel like I’m their girlfriend, and they just want to help me find shoes. I love it.”
Age: 34.
Education: B.S., sociology, Wilberforce University.
Favorite movie: Closer. I love all of the conversations. There’s so much that happens you have to listen to. It’s so condescending, but I was so engrossed.
What’s on your TV? This is so embarrassing, but I’m a reality show junkie. I love all of the VH1 shows. I watch two stations, VH1 and CNN, so reality news and reality TV.
Favorite book: Letter to My Daughter, by Maya Angelou. There were several life lessons that she was passing on that didn’t seem “teachy” or “preachy.” She allowed readers to learn from her life.
Favorite websites: I read gossip websites. I look at those more than anything.
Favorite food: Ice cream and seafood.
Personal mantra: I believe in saying yes more than you say no.
Favorite music: My taste is all over the place, from John Mayer to Lil Wayne. And my father just turned me onto this Spanish singer named Esperanza Spalding.
Coffee or tea? Tea.
Mountains or the beach? I climbed a mountain once. . . . It was a random thing to do in Arizona, but I am a beach person by nature.
Celebrity look-alike: Jada Pinkett Smith.
Describe your personal style: Punky couture. I like clothing that screams personality and has a few flirty details. Comfortable, fun, sexy and at least one item that throws the whole outfit off, but at the same time, brings it all together.
Guilty pleasure: Infomercials.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? I would take my parents on vacation and buy a condo in Miami. Then, spend some time vacationing in the French Riviera. Probably start a nonprofit organization and then live off of interest.
One thing you never leave home without: Cellphone and lip gloss.
Something not everyone would know about you: I can be shy, and I’m kind of a hippie at heart. Even though I believe in expensive purses, I still want to save the environment.
What are you most passionate about? Young women and their self-esteem. I really try to reprogram young women in their values. It’s so important to reach them at that age. I do work with the Fairy Goodmothers and the Boys & Girls Club.
What’s something that always makes you angry? It drives me crazy when people aren’t accountable or do not take responsibility for their actions.
What makes you laugh? I can find humor in everything.
Favorite place to be in Columbus? I like the Short North and Easton.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? I think it can be hit or miss. There are plenty of places to go. It’s easy to meet people; people are pretty friendly and engaging. There are a good variety of places to go and meet people and be seen.
Idea of a perfect date: Being picked up, taken to dinner—including dessert—and then something spontaneous . . . something out of the norm. So, anything from a couple’s massage to a shooting range.
Best date: I met a guy through a friend, and he and I had dinner plans. But the romance started early in the day. He had a dozen roses in three different colors—white, pink and yellow—delivered to me. Then he ordered custom-made dark chocolates, topped off with a spa package. By the time we had dinner, I was already blown away. It was so special, and something I’ll never forget.
Worst date: I was going to go to the movies with this guy. I met him at his house and I’m sitting on the couch when this chick comes into the room. She’s like, “What are you doing? How could you do this to me?” I got my coat and left. He called me and was like, “Why did you leave?” I still can’t believe that actually happened.
Best thing about being single: Options. And you can always have a girls’ night out without feeling guilty.
Worst thing about being single: You’re always out with the girls.
Describe your ideal mate: Sensitive, spontaneous, honest, consistent and a gentleman.
Deal breaker: Lying.
Dimitrious Stanley
Co-host of “The Football Fever” on ABC-6/
If you know anything about Buckeye football, you know Dimitrious Stanley, either from when he played for Ohio State and the Miami Dolphins in the ’90s, or now from ABC-6/
Age: 35.
Education: B.S., mass media communications, Ohio State University.
Favorite movie: Dumb and Dumber.
What’s on your TV? National Geographic or the History Channel.
Favorite book: The Art of War, by Sun Tzu.
Favorite food: Crab legs, but I’m allergic. All of a sudden, I got sick as a dog after I ate them once.
Favorite music: Hip-hop.
Coffee or tea? Tea.
Mountains or the beach? Mountains.
Celebrity look-alike: 50 Cent. But I don’t think so at all.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? I would pay off all of my bills and keep working.
Is there something most people don’t know about you? I buy three pairs of the same color of shoes. Once you buy it, they’ll stop selling it at some point, so I want to make sure I have at least a year covered.
Favorite place to be in Columbus: My house.
Favorite hot spots: I love Lindey’s and the Social Room.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? Terrible. Everyone is either married or engaged. It would be more fun if there were more singles events.
Idea of a perfect date: Get on a plane, fly to San Diego, have dinner, take a walk and come back.
Best thing about being single: Freedom.
Worst thing about being single: Spending Sundays alone. That’s the only day I have nothing to do.
Describe your ideal mate: It has to be someone who works out. Also, someone who is open-minded, not anything crazy, but someone who will try different things. Someone attractive with a good spirit and a good heart. Also, a woman who could put on a ball cap, jeans, a T-shirt, put her hair in a ponytail and walk out the door. You don’t always have to be looking like you’re going to the damn prom.
Karen McCoy
Principal,
Karen McCoy is passionate about her work as a landscape architect, as well as her involvement in German Village, where she resides. She serves as a board member on the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, as well as participating in several German Village Society committees. She has been actively involved in designing Columbus landmarks such as the Arena District and the bride and community gardens at Franklin Park Conservatory. “I love the creative design process and I get much satisfaction when a project is completed, but the real joy comes when the project comes
to life with people enjoying it,” she says.
Age: 53.
Education: B.S., landscape architecture, Ohio State University.
Favorite movie: If I have to pick one favorite, I go back to something that resonated with me, Singin’ in the Rain.
Favorite TV show: I’m hooked on “The West Wing.” I love the witty dialogue and the strategy. It’s a romanticized view of the White House, but it was fun to think for an hour that it could be that way.
Favorite magazines: Bon Appétit and Sailing Magazine.
Favorite food: Anything Italian. I like Due Amici and Giuseppe’s in Bexley.
What’s on your radio? The radio dial in my car and at home are turned to public radio. It was a sad day for me when Fred Andrle announced his retirement.
Favorite quote: “It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.” [Albert Einstein]
Coffee or tea? Coffee. Dark and bold.
Mountains or the beach? I typically say that I’m happiest in the water and at total peace in the woods. I equally like both.
Favorite vacation spot: One of the best was probably on a friend’s sailboat hopping through the islands of Abaco, Bahamas. It was great to experience the lifestyle of living on a boat and cruising. I loved the camaraderie, trusting and helpful nature of the cruising sailor culture.
Celebrity look-alike: During the last presidential campaign, I would get stopped by strangers in Columbus and other cities who told me that I looked just like Sarah Palin. This experience prompted my Halloween costume in 2008 for the German Village Monster Bash. I attended the party as Sarah and won a prize for scariest costume.
Thoughts on online dating: My general feeling is that while it increases your ability to meet people, it’s an unnatural process. It becomes far too analytical and removes chemistry and emotion that happen when you meet someone in a normal circumstance.
Guilty pleasure: Pistacia Vera.
What’s something not everyone would know about you? Last year, I won the NCAA bracket in my office.
What are you most passionate about? I’m passionate about my work in design, satisfying my clients, especially in urban design and making better cities for us to live and be in. Also, about our soldiers—we need to have far more benefits in place for those who return wounded. We should be ready to offer immediate and long-term assistance.
When I’m not at work, I’m . . .
Volunteering on various committees and seeing family.
Idea of a perfect date: Sailing anywhere.
Best thing about being single: The freedom you have over your personal schedule and decisions.
Worst thing about being single: That’s also the worst thing. I like being exposed to the way other people think. When I’m with someone, I would want to be a better person.
Describe your ideal mate: Someone kind, positive and who smiles a lot. I actually have tried not to list a lot of standards, because I feel like if you do, you probably limit the possibility of considering traits of somebody that you haven’t considered or thought of.
Brittany Westbrook
Former general assignment reporter, WBNS-10TV
Brittany Westbrook has returned to her roots. The Bexley native, who graduated from Columbus School for Girls, attended Northwestern University to pursue her love of journalism. “My high school counselor encouraged me to do this,” she recalls. “I love giving people a glimpse of others’ lives.” After working in Dayton, Illinois and Pennsylvania following college, Westbrook is exactly where she wants to be: in Columbus. “I always wanted to come home,” she says.
Age: 29.
Education: B.S., broadcast journalism, Northwestern University.
Favorite movie: Love Jones.
Favorite TV show: “The Mentalist.” I also watch a lot of HGTV.
Favorite books: Unafraid of the Dark, by Rosemary Bray, and Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston.
Favorite magazines and newspapers: I love InStyle and Lucky. I’m kind of a “girly-girl.” I like USA Today, because it has the common man’s story. And I pay attention to People’s Style Watch section.
Describe your personal style: Polished and sophisticated with a dash of spice.
Favorite food: I love grilled cheese.
Personal mantra: Three R’s: respect, receive and recycle. I’ve been using this since high school.
Album/song on repeat now: I like “On to the Next One,” by Jay-Z. In general, I like urban soul, such as Maxwell and Robin Thicke.
Coffee or tea? Definitely coffee, every day.
Mountains or the beach? Neither, really. I kind of prefer the city.
Guilty pleasure: Desserts.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? I would pay off all of my debt, make sure my two nephews and niece have college funds and I would put some into savings. I need a new car. I’d like to donate some, too.
One thing you never leave home without: My makeup bag and cellphone. I do my makeup in the car when I’m rushing.
Is there something not everyone would know about you? I’m pretty much an open book, but not a lot of people know that I come from a mixed family. My grandmother is white. There’s a little bit of everything in my family.
What are you most passionate about? I really believe in girl power and female empowerment. I want women, particularly young girls, to believe they can do anything.
Are there any local causes that are important to you? I just finished a young women’s leadership project with the YWCA. I’m also trying to schedule some time to do orientation for Dress for Success.
Favorite restaurant/bar: I like Eleven and Level Dining Lounge. If we’re going for a chain, Brio at Easton. And I like Barcelona, especially during the summer when you can sit on the patio.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? I haven’t had a lot of luck. I don’t know if it’s that I don’t get out enough or what it is exactly. There’s lots of stuff to do, if you’re willing to do it. Maybe branching out, maybe going downtown, beyond Easton, and trying some of the other spots that aren’t so obvious.
Idea of a perfect date: Dinner and conversation. I really love musicals and plays. I don’t find men who like that much. I really want to do something where we could talk. I don’t mind bowling . . . I’m not great, but it’s a fun date.
Best date: My college boyfriend was really good at this kind of stuff. We had been apart for the summer. He came to Chicago and had everything completely planned out. I thought we were going to this meeting. He had a hotel room booked and dinner planned.
Best thing about being single: There’s nothing holding you back. No checking schedules . . . you pretty much decide “yes” or “no” on a whim. I love the flexibility.
Worst thing about being single: I don’t mind it much, but I would say not having that person when you come home. I love my dog; she’s a cutie, but not one for conversation.
Describe your ideal mate: He is fun and adventurous. Good with conversation. He’s focused, but flexible. I am not a Type-A personality at all. He has to be passionate about life and able to check me. I can kind of be a big personality. Also, he likes to travel and live life every day completely.
Matt Litzinger
Executive chef and owner, L’Antibes
When Matt Litzinger went to college, he was a talented trumpet player on a music scholarship. But his love for cooking led him to the Culinary Institute of America, and now he owns (and cooks at) L’Antibes, a four-star French bistro tucked away in the Short North. “Being a chef is an enrichment program for me. The people really help me bring meaning to why I’m here,” he says, adding that his workweek is usually close to 65 hours.
Age: 30.
Education: B.A., music education, Miami University; culinary arts degree, Culinary Institute of America.
Favorite TV show: I don’t even have cable.
Favorite book: Food Lover’s Companion, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
Favorite magazine/newspaper: The Economist.
Favorite food: Mexican. Even though I own a French restaurant, that doesn’t mean I necessarily love French food.
Favorite musical genre: Jazz and indie rock. I like so many things equally as well.
Favorite vacation: I like visiting my parents. They live in Pickaway County on a lot of land. But going to the Philippines is my most memorable trip.
Thoughts on online dating: I believe in fate, and I think it’s appropriate for some people, but not for me. It’s like manipulating the system. I’d rather be single forever than set up a relationship manually.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? I would invest it in property and expanding my business.
Is there something not everyone would know about you? I play guitar and sing, but not in front of a lot of people, unless my staff is bummed out. Sometimes I play folk songs to cheer them up.
What’s something that always makes you angry? Complainers.
What’s the singles scene like in Columbus? It’s good, but I think people have way too many expectations and they need to just loosen up a little bit. I’ve been to a lot of other places. There’s a conventional, conservative side in Columbus. People need to chill out about the timeline of life.
Idea of a perfect first date: For me, it’s just being comfortable with what you’re doing and not giving the other person the idea that you have expectations of them. I would most likely ask to meet somewhere, whether it is Cup o’Joe or ZenCha Tea Salon.
Worst date: I like all people. I think [bad dates] can only come from insecure people.
Best thing about being single: You don’t have to answer to someone else. At the same time, if I found someone that I was attracted to, it would be easy to have a relationship. I work a ton of hours every week. When a woman calls or texts without any consideration of my career, it’s not considerate of my time.
Worst thing about being single: You don’t have anybody.
Describe your ideal mate: Confident. Someone who knows who they are and I don’t have to help them find out.
