How eating good food can be the key to a better love life: survey

The key to a potential partner’s heart is through their stomach, according to new research – proving the old adage right.

A survey of 2,000 adults, half of whom are single and half in relationships, revealed how a good meal leads to a better love life.

According to the survey, it’s hard to go wrong with a good dinner date.

Forty-one percent believe that a sit-down dinner should be expected on the first date.

Although touchy subjects like politics or finance can cause disagreements at dinner, most respondents are non-argumentative when it comes to what they order.

Nine out of 10 respect what their partner dictates, never having a disagreement, even if there have been differences.

On the other hand, respondents keep a close eye on how their date talks (49%), what they talk about (44%) and their body language (33%).

Eating out for date night is a “come as you are” endeavor, with results showing there’s no need to hide your favorite food, as 85% of those who have different food preferences than their partner are willing to accept. they, and 95% of all respondents are not bothered by what their date orders on date night.

Conducted by Talker Research for Fogo de Chão, the survey delved deeper into what makes the perfect night out.

Nine in 10 agreed that a good date starts in a good place, saying choosing memorable venues is key to the best nights out (85%).

In fact, more than a third of singles wouldn’t consider a second date if the first one wasn’t somewhere up to par (36%), with 63% agreeing that it’s important to impress the other person by choosing the location of your first meeting.

“With so many Americans expecting a sit-down dinner for a first date, it’s important to choose a destination that has a dining experience with options for every dietary preference,” said Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão. “That way you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression with your date. That’s why a restaurant like Fogo is a great date option for any occasion, as we strive for an inviting dining atmosphere with culinary favorites for every dietary tribe on any day of the day that is sure to make for an exciting date. “

No matter what stage of the relationship, most respondents want a night that feels exciting (78%), and one in six would adventurously try a new dish on date night.

But while more than half of Americans (54%) think new beginnings pave the way for new experiences together, saying they would try a new restaurant on a first date; more respondents would prefer to wait until they meet casually (74%) or even further into the relationship (83%) to do so.

For those looking for other ways to play it safe and become more than friends over the holidays – respondents rated some of the best foods to order on a first date like baked chicken breast (44% ), salmon (28%), fried steak (26%) or filet mignon (23%).

“When it comes to choosing a restaurant, variety is key. Especially if it’s a first date and you’re not sure what the other person likes, you want to choose a place with something for everyone – whether it’s smaller, shared plates, vegan and vegetarian food, fruit, fresh vegetables and seasonal and salads or premium meat selections,” continued McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão. “And if your date’s correct pronunciation of pi-can-ha makes them marriage material, we’re a great destination for rehearsal dinners.”

While the right location is a must and different food preferences are not a hindrance, respondents also shared other “do’s” to make the date feel more romantic.

This includes put your phone on hold (66%), be polite with the service (65%), chew quietly (47%), keep the door open (44%) and turn off your phone completely (40%).

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 1,000 single Americans and 1,000 Americans in a relationship; the survey was commissioned by Fogo de Chão and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between September. 6 and September. 11, 2024.