Jay Bazzinotti, 48

Product manager

His exes would say: that he can't commit

Best date ever: Watching the sunrise and biking down Mount Haleakala in Hawaii

He's happiest: at his house in Maine doing chores

Amy Ripka, 37

Chemist, violinist

She couldn't live without: The New Yorker, her violin

Worst date ever: At 31, she went out with a guy from MIT who said: "Be glad you're not 35. Women are undateable after 35."

7:30 p.m., Tamarind Bay Coastal Indian Kitchen, Brookline

Strike One Jay: I wasn't nervous. I'm 48 and been down this road a few times.

Amy: I was chatting with one of the restaurant employees when I heard someone behind me say he was here for the "Amy-Jay" reservation.

Jay: Amy was the only person at the bar.

Amy: I didn't feel a lot of chemistry. It seems shallow, but I do believe that first physical impressions often have an impact on your compatibility in the romantic department.

Jay: I was pleasantly surprised. She was attractive, well dressed and groomed, and seemed happy to be there.

Amy: He seemed a little nervous.

Jay: There was a slight awkwardness while we were brought to the table, but once we sat down, it was on.

Strike Two Amy: Jay talked a lot. I felt a little like it was hard for me to finish a thought before he was talking again. He did apologize for this.

Jay: It got very easy. She was great to talk to. There were no pregnant pauses.

Amy: He has traveled the world, even more so than myself. He's clearly well read on a variety of topics (science, WWII, the Catholic Church, politics). I felt that though he was very knowledgeable and worldly about many things, in the end, I'm hoping to feel at ease with a date. I didn't feel at ease.

Jay: She asked me about myself, then told me about being a violinist and a chemist, which was interesting, as I love violin and classical music.

Amy: It didn't get better as the evening progressed.

A Hit -- or a Strikeout? Jay: I liked her immediately. We had a great deal in common.

Amy: I've seen many of my friends in terrible marriages and know that if it isn't easy in the beginning, it only gets worse. I'm looking for someone with whom I just click with. We didn't work as well together as I'd hoped.

Jay: There was nary a red flag. I could see myself dating her if she was interested.

Amy: You can think someone is interesting and funny but not feel sparks.

Jay: I think we could have stayed talking for hours.

Amy: I asked him to walk me to my car because I don't like walking around alone at night in areas I'm not familiar with. I was tired and looking forward to getting some sleep.

Jay: I gave her a little hug and kiss. It seemed a good idea to end it and not be pushy.

Post-Mortem Amy's Grade: Amy declined to rate the date.

Jay's Grade: A+

Second date? Jay gave Amy his contact information, but Amy says "probably not."

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