First dates can be intimidating at the best of times. It’s Just Lunch matchmakers know this very well and they work hard on your behalf so that you feel more comfortable and confident on that first date. Selecting your matches is not just a job for our matchmakers, it’s their passion. They get to know you in order to find matches with the most potential. They also know that the only way to find out if there is chemistry is to meet face-to-face, thus a first, no-pressure lunch date.

It’s Just Lunch matchmakers also know that you are a very busy professional and time is a precious commodity. There are many options for lunch dates in Toronto, depending on what your tastes and style are. Here’s a suggestion that may work for you.

Lunch date at Brookfield Place in the heart of the Financial District.

BROOKFIELD PLACE

Brookfield Place at 181 Bay Street is one of the most beautiful buildings in Toronto. What makes it quite unique is its atrium, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. 67-year-old Calatrava is one of the most successful and sought-after architects in the world. His “Turning Torso” tower in Malmo, Sweden is a truly amazing building (Google it). When you’re inside Brookfield Place’s atrium, you’re walking inside a work of art (Calatrava is also a sculptor and painter).

LUNCH

There are many options for lunch at Brookfield Place. The idea for this suggestion is to do away with formality, i.e., making a reservation at a restaurant like Canoe at 66 Wellington St. where you may have had a few business lunches. If you prefer to go that route, there is Ki, a cool Japanese restaurant, at the entrance to Brookfield Place. But I suggest you try the Marché at the far east end of the atrium. There are many options to eat in this market style, “build-your-own-plate” restaurant. Walking around the different stations you and your date can get to know more about each other as you walk along. Once you have your food you can find a table at Marché or walk out to the patio if the weather is nice and grab a table out there. For some people this may be a more relaxed first date than going through the formalities of eating at a typical restaurant. One thing to remember. It gets crowded and busy at Marché during the week, so go early (say 11:45 am or 12 noon), to avoid the big crowds and long lines. This way, once you’ve eaten, you will have time to walk around the atrium to admire Calatrava’s work and possibly see one of the many art exhibits that Arts Brookfield sponsors.

FUN

“If we’ve learned anything in our many years, the best approach to dating is to have fun at every step and enjoy the adventure of meeting someone new.” Enjoy food, art, architecture and your first date if you choose to go to Brookfield Place.