First dates are stressful. From deciding what to wear to making sure you don't have a giant zit that wants to join in on the fun (been there), you have enough to worry about. The last thing you want to stress over is making a mess of dinner, or your food making you feel more uncomfortable than you already are.
And while we would never dissuade you from ordering that messy cheeseburger, here are some first date foods that will help you keep clean, fresh, and comfortable.
Bite-sized pasta
Pasta seems like a no-no to order for a first date. But chances are you're going to find yourself at a place with pasta. Bite-sized pasta like ziti, penne, and farfalle can be a great choice, since you can stab them with your fork and that good grip will help save your outfit from stains.
If you're set on long noodles, stay away from red sauces and order a cream or oil-based sauce in case you do spill. Just be sure to pop a mint after dinner if you order a garlic-heavy dish.
Sushi
Sushi is clean, beautiful, and easy to eat. As long as you can master chopsticks, sushi makes a great first date option. You won't have to worry too much about spillage if you're careful with your movements and go light on the soy sauce.
Ginger, which is often found in sushi dishes and on the side, is great for digestion and can calm your stomach if you get the first date jitters.
Sushi offers a wide variety of options, so even if your date is vegetarian or the thought of raw fish freaks you out, you can still find a roll that works for you.
Chicken
Since red meats can leave you feeling bloated and fish can leave you smelly, chicken is the perfect option. Almost any restaurant will have a chicken dish on the menu. Just go light on the sauce if you get it, or ask for it on the side to avoid mishaps.
Fried chicken was even voted the best first date food. Which makes no sense to me, since I usually look like a wild dog when attacking a plate of fried chicken, but hey, to each their own!
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