True love comes to those who wait Blind Date Dolci re-energizes Midd dating scene

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For most Middkids, last Friday's evening meal was a typically uneventful precursor to the night's festivities. But for the 88 students who gathered at the Proctor Dining Hall entrance at 5:30 p.m., this was certainly not the case. These fortunate individuals were preparing to make new friends at Blind Date Dolci, and the much-anticipated event did not disappoint.

A general buzz of excitement and apprehension filled the entrance of Proctor as Student Government Association (SGA) President Eli Berman '07.5 and SGA Director of Social Affairs Andrew Herzik '07.5 paired selected students and their dates with an air of humor and guided the couples into the dining area.

"Well, I think we did it!" exclaimed Berman, vigorously shaking Herzik's hand, as the last blind date couple walked past the entrance table where a welcome sign read, "If there is a wedding, we expect invitations." For Herzik and Berman, as well as for the 44 couples, Blind Date Dolci was off to a great start.

Herzik and the rest of the SGA Social Affairs Committee organized the event. "The purpose of Blind Date Dolci," Herzik explained, "was to provide an alternative to the 'get really drunk and hook up with random stranger who looks really hot right now and really made me laugh for those two minutes we interacted."

It was clear that the couples enjoyed themselves. The dining area was filled with the hum of light-hearted chatter, whether it was to inquire if the word "bisque" on the menu implied a presence of seafood, or to answer the question that appeared on one of the various pink note cards that were sprinkled across the place settings as "ice breakers" for the couples. One read, "If a tiger and a shark were thrown into a jello-filled pool, who would win the fight?"

Emmy Komada '07 said, "I signed up to experience awkwardness to the highest degree, but it actually wasn't that awkward at all!"

Berman defined Blind Date Dolci as the SGA's attempt to reinvigorate a social scene that has gone through some significant changes this year. "The SGA recognizes that Middlebury social life is lacking something," he explained. "With the new liquor inspector, social life is shifting away from the social houses. We hope that this event will serve as a venue to fulfill what it is that our social life lacks."

Considering the excitement that persisted throughout the evening, it did seem that Dolci was fulfilling Berman's stated goal. No one had to speak over loud music or worry about beer getting spilled down his or her back. And the event was certainly a big draw - even though attendance was capped at 88, over 150 students applied to attend.

The success of the night must also be attributed to the Dolci waitresses and the head chefs, Sue-Jean Chun '07 and Maggie Ray '07, who provided a variety of delectable treats, from cranberry-brie pastries as appetizers to French-cut Rosemary Dijon lamb chops as a main course selection. To cater to the night's mood, one of the dessert options was listed on the menu as "For the Oh-So-Daring Couples… Grilled Banana Split for Two." A shared feeling of delight rested on the faces of the students as many left empty plates in front of them.

For Herzik, the event served to provide an opportunity for people to "get out of their completely solidified social niche and meet some fun and interesting random people." Ultimately, Blind Date Dolci allowed for a casual social atmosphere in which students simply had a great time and left with some amusing stories.

Two students who are currently dating signed up to be paired with someone new for the evening. Upon arriving, however, the two found that neither of their assigned dates had been able to come and by default they ended up together. A riskier, first-time couple even initiated a kiss on the lips to pose for the camera. One student arrived "fashionably late" and in full Rugby gear with a sports-bag wrapped across his chest. Even practice could not prevent him from making it to Blind Date Dolci.

Though there were some surprises, the whole evening went off without a hitch. "I'm amazed at how awesome the Middlebury student body is," Herzik exclaimed enthusiastically. "They completely rocked it!"

Diners echoes Herzik's sentiments. "It was so much better than I expected," said a smiling Pascal Losambe '07. "I would encourage anyone to go!"

The entire event created a memorable time for those who attended. In a broader sense, Blind Date Dolci represents the SGA's first step towards creating a new outlet for social life on campus. For those who missed the event the first time around, never fear - the opportunity to participate in another Blind Date Dolci may come sooner than you think. "We've received so much popular feedback I think we just have to do it again," said Herzik.