Dating Italiano Style

We are finally getting settled in to our new home in the Big Apple, but one thing is still lacking -- a sense of family. Nothing says home like family, right? To our surprise in walks Caroline Manzo, our favorite Jersey housewife! Of course we all know and adore her two hunky boys Albie and Chris and are thrilled that they are the clients we are going to match. This is the kind of matching we look forward to!

While Patti gets the 411 on what Caroline's bambinos are looking for (and what she wants for them), Destin and I go out to meet the brothers. Sure enough Albie and Chris are great guys but very different from one another. Albie is a more experienced, mature, gentleman. Chris on the other hand is young, funny, still a kid, and a work-a-holic. We needed to find Albie a sweet, down to earth girl who isn't just after him for fame, while Chris needs a cute, young girl who can have a fun time but bring out the adult in him. 

As usual the recruiting session was a bit difficult here in NY. The girls just aren't manufactured like those in Cali. Sure they're more real in NY and not a bunch of plastic actors and models, but they all hide their beauty under shmatas and skyscrapers!  In the end we chose a great small mix of girls for Albie and Chris. 

The idea of having an intimate lunch at the Brownstone with Chris and Albie pretending they were not the millionaires was a total blast. Sitting in that room watching the boys interact and trying to figure out who liked who was great! It made us feel as though we were on the date with them! I have to say my most favorite thing about this mixer was seeing Chris and Rachel. Those two reminded me of Destin and I on our first date. We were so into each other that time stopped and it was like no one in the world existed. MAGIC! Albie however, after some mommy tough love, tore down the wall and opened up to Nikki. 

So we found out what their dates were, and I have to admit, Albie's choice was spot on. A first date should be romantic but not too romantic and comfortable.  Chris on the other hand … Medieval Times? Who wants to watch staged jousting and eat a giant turkey leg on a first date? Do you want the end of the night to lean in for a kiss dripping in turkey juice? ACK! Chris I love you but not appropriate. Albie we are very proud of you for choosing a great girl and learning from us. Open your heart, break down the wall, and love will show its colors. Chris, kudos to you, the hard working man, but you need to work hard at love too. Be fun loving, but let the romance out once in awhile. We love the Manzo familia, they're a spicy bunch!  

This blog is dedicated to Andreea, our former food taster for the Millionaires Club.