Sexy, saucy and totally single. That describes the 250 or so people who applied to be a part of our summer Reader Review crew, the Alfresco Flirts. You wooed us and wowed us with your dating game, then really knocked our socks off at our scorchin’ Summer Kickoff at Pontiac Cafe (see photos at metromix.com).
We’ve narrowed it down to 10 finalists who think they’ve got flirting muscle to flex–and then some. Now we need you to pick your fave Flirts: two girls and two guys. Vote now on metromix.com. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday; we’ll reveal the final four Alfresco Flirts next Wednesday.
BONUS: Can’t decide who should review the hottest outdoor singles scenes for metromix this summer? Try out your pickup lines in person: Meet the Flirts finalists Friday during Summer Lovin’ at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 6:30-10:30 p.m. $65-$75. 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-926-7133.
GIRLS
Edie Diaz, 31, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Best opening line: “Actually, I love nipple rings too!”
I’m a good wingwoman because: I think everyone should have a good time and get some love. A good partner in crime is always an asset. Plus, it’s nice to have someone help you come up with a witty line or a ridiculously funny excuse for why you just cannot give that man your number.
What I’ll teach you as a Flirt: How to take the heat without any sweat.
Kim Siders, 29, INTERNET SALES MANAGER
Neighborhood: Old Town
Best opening line: Line? Ha! I have an opening game: Write five questions on a bar napkin and start polling the crowd. Cleverly disguise some deal breakers in there, too; weed out the ones you wouldn’t date.
Funny flirtation: I took a video camera to the Taste of Lincoln and asked people to do their best dance moves. There’s nothing like butt-shaking in front of the pierogi stand.
Why is the alfresco dating scene so hot? The Chicago heat makes us all a little nutty. The skimpy clothes help too!
Saumya Gumidyala, 22, STUDENT
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Dating philosophy: It’s about quantity, not quality.
I’m a good wingwoman because: A few things I like to practice: Alwayslook like you’re having a good time; know how to keep your distance; have no shame; and if it looks like it’s going downhill, save your friend and get out of there.
Funny flirtation: After a rockfestival where one of the performers used midgets as part of the show, one of the little people said to me, “I’ve got money; I ain’t trippin’.”I told him I wasn’t into guys paying me to go on dates.
Anna Poston, 24, FASHION DESIGNER
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Favorite alfresco singles scene: Alcoholic? Japonais and Green Dolphin Street. Virgin? Diversey Harbor driving range and Wiggly Field dog park.
Best opening line: I subscribe to the sexual magnetism school of thought: Eye contact + smile = success.
Funny flirtation: I was attracted to my scuba diving instructor in the Caribbean. Later, I saw him on the upper deck steering the ship. He asked if I wanted to drive, and I said, “Only if I can be in charge of the throttle.”
Amy Coughlin, 24, RECEPTIONIST
Neighborhood: Mt. Greenwood
Favorite alfresco singles scene: 115 Bourbon Street. It’s sizzlin’ hot over there. The patio is huge with an outside bar . . . everyone looks hot by the end of the night.
Best opening line: “Excuse me, do I know you? You look familiar.”
Dating philosophy: Dating is fun, exciting, and I welcome it. It’s better than staying at home and watching a movie while eating a No. 2 from McDonald’s, supersized.
GUYS
Lamar Lockett, 29, DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
Best opening line: “Hey, you have something on your back.” Then I’ll walk over and pretend to wipe “it” off. I’ll tell the person it looked liked cat hair. Then I say, “Do you have cats?” Instant conversation.
Dating philosophy: Try anything once.
Funny flirtation: Last year at SummerDance I asked a lady to dance, but then realized she spoke Spanish and only a little English. Between the mixed-language conversation, we danced and flirted the night away, and it all ended with a little beso (kiss).
Jesse Kreider, 28, ACCOUNT MANAGER
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Favorite alfresco singles scene: Zella and Mickey’s for the “fresh-outta-collegers.”
Dating philosophy: I’m waiting for that one girl to spin me around and turn my life upside-down. So I’m not looking for the perfect girl, just the perfect girl for me.
What I’ll teach you as a Flirt: I was an engineer in college. Don’t worry; I conceal my nerdiness. I also went to the most analytical B-school on the planet, so I’m gonna bring some analysis to the alfresco dating scene: overall vibe on a numerical rating scale, ratio of guys to girls, etc.
Saam Hagshenas, 26, LEAD SINGER FOR HEY CHAMP
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Dating philosophy: Be happy with who you are before trying to commit to someone else. Otherwise, you’ll spend the whole time trying to please yourself. And I don’t mean pleasure yourself, sicko.
I’m a good wingman because: I can talk about anything with anyone; I speak a couple languages; and I have a ridiculous poker face. (Not to be confused with “blue steel,” as seen in the photo.)
Why is the alfresco dating scene so hot? Perhaps this is a dated notion of romance, but shouldn’t it be about moonlight and stars? I’ve yet to read a poem that describes a girl’s eyes reflecting smoke and incandescent lighting.
Chris Szwiec, 27, MARKETING ACCOUNT MANAGER
Neighborhood: Wicker Park/Bucktown
Best opening line: “How many ‘Golden Girls’ can you name?”
I’m a good wingman because: I’m kind of a big deal: I used to drive the Weinermobile. Plus, I lived in Spain and like to wear ’80s Billy Idol and Toto T-shirts to get people talking.
Funny flirtation: At a bar, I pulled my pants just low enough to see some crack. After sticking a dollar bill in longways, my buddies approached girls to pull the dollar out. The first girl to pull it out was a keeper.
John Burks, 25, PROJECT MANAGER
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Favorite alfresco singles scene: My place, on our spacious rooftop deck. Public places include SushiSamba Rio, Zella and Pontiac.
Dating philosophy: Teambuilding. When I don’t have a girlfriend, I want to date a group of girls that can handle specific situations. When my “starters” can’t get the job done, you bring one off the bench.
I’m a good wingman because: I do some work as a professional wingman for Rent Mr. Right Now.
