What’s Wrong With Nandos?
I’m either the most illogical guy on the planet right now or everybody else is crazy; I’d like to think it’s the latter because other than singing Sister Act numbers whenever I attend a catholic church I’m a pretty straightforward and normal guy. Yet over the last couple of weeks I’ve been dumbfounded by some of the statements I’ve heard from the people around me, am I alone in my recent thoughts? Am I alone in thinking that…
‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ is nowhere near a classic?
The Hangover is funny but not that funny?
Meagan Goode is overrated?
Arsenal play the best football…in London and that’s about it?
Yeah I said it! It seems like I am alone on these statements (someone please back me up) but what struck me as the most crazy, even from a neutral standpoint is that Nandos is considered as a disrespectful venue for a first date. Really? I mean sure it isn’t Giglamesh, Blue Elephant, Gaucho, Thai Square or them Italian restaurants with them nasty slim ass pizzas but Nandos isn’t that bad…is it?
Nandos? You must be outta your god damn mind
I ran the suggestion by a few female counterparts and all I got in response was scrunched up faces, finger-wagging, segments of hood language and teeth-kissing…well dayum! Twitter was no different, with the majority, both male and female unwilling to compromise with half-chicken being suitable. I was always under the impression that dates are a state of mind and wherever you go (bar Fast Food Places…that’s just stupid) you can make the best of it.
Nandos represents the gap between the ridiculous food-related date venues (Mcdonalds, Krispy Kremes, Waffle House etc) and the heralded date venues (see second paragraph). Other food places on Nandos level include Pizza Express and TGI Fridays, yet when asking the ladies whether they would let a brother take them to these two places they didn’t mind; but when Nandos was mentioned their face dropped like they heard Call of Duty was bringing out a special edition bonus game for their boyfriends. It got me to thinking “What’s Wrong With Nandos?” Lets look at the Pros and Cons of the best thing to come out of Portugal since…uhm…
Pros
You Get Your Money’s Worth
There aren’t many places outside of a Chinese takeway that can give you more than your money’s worth when it comes to food. Nandos does that in abundance; you and your date can both consume that chicken in delight knowing that you’ve spent good money to get your lips greasier than any Vaseline or lip balm could ever imagine. Not to mention you’ve got the UK equivalent of hot sauce that you can put on any food, Peri Peri sauce. The amount of people I know who stole the bottle during my days at Uni…
Familiar Surroundings
You’ve been there before, true, but that should make your first date more comfortable since you’re in familiar surroundings. You can be yourself because you’re in your element, he/she doesn’t want to see you using a knife and fork to eat the chicken, stop acting! Use your bush hands and get involved. You can have a moment as you laugh at the piece of coleslaw hanging on her lip. Nandos is comfortable.
More To Come
The casual nature of Nandos means that the date can never be over, there’s room for more activity. This could come in the form of cinema, a ride on them corny tandem bikes (horse’n’carriage we call em), dessert at a Cafe or Ben & Jerry’s, a Jill Scott inspired long walk…the options become endless AND you’ve saved money to do a whole lot more which leads us to the next point.
Money Saved
Let’s say your first date isn’t going too well and you feel like you’re talking to Ben Stein in Ferris Bueller, Ted from Scrubs or one of them miscellaneous women in Coming To America, at least you haven’t wasted too much of your money. The worst feeling is to have a whack date and you’ve spent more than you wanted to. Take a look below, I mean bar the rapping twins and “the group thing” chick I’d kill myself if I spent dough on the rest.
Future Dates become exciting
With a casual date like Nandos out of the way for the first date, the only way is up. It’s unlikely you’re going Wimpy’s so you can both expect to go on to do bigger and better things. Nothing like going a step-up every time.
Cons
One Degree of Separation
Nandos is that one place where everybody has been to at least 20 times; meaning if you’re on a date there is a 60-70% chance that one of you will see Jason, Michael, Tracey, Letitia, Ola, Abigail or Amber aka one of your friends, workmates or family members there eating too. So if you’re the private type on the dating scene then Nandos isn’t for you.
A-Game Required
When you take a girl to a restaurant on the Thames, half of your job has been done. She will be too caught up in the moment, smiling, possibly taking pictures and boasting to her friends on the BB/iPhone/HTC/Nokia (they still make those?) about how amazing the view is. When you take her to Nandos however, your conversational skills must be up to scratch because nobody’s gonna be boasting about bonsai plants and the bus stop outside the window.
Effort and Enterprise Questioned
Apparently by picking Nandos you have entered the realms of lazy behaviour. The ease at which to attend Nandos gives off the impression that a brother doesn’t care enough to make en effort. Nandos alone suggests lack of enterprise which makes it that more vital that a brother steps up his game in conversation and choice of activity afterwards before she decides to call it an early night.
Glorified Chicken and Chips
Yes, Nandos is a glorified Chicken and Chips. Compared to major restaurants which are glorified home cooking and therefore are deemed classier, Nandos is merely Dixy Fried Chicken marinated in Peri Peri Sauce. The side dishes only elevate it to KFC status so we are still on the glorified chicken and chips trail…sad news.
The Name Says It All
In addition to competing with other menus, the fact that Nandos is two syllables means it needs some type of foreign pronunciation to bring it status since it doesn’t have an adjective or slogan like “Express” “Fridays” “Elephant” or “Silk”. Ga-U-Cho…sounds classy, Bu-Sa-Ba…sounds classy, Nandos…sounds like a tanned chav, doesn’t work does it.
Nonetheless…Despite not personally choosing Nandos for my ideal restaurant of choice on a first date I don’t see the problem with it. I ask you all, is the date about the location, food or company you keep? If it’s the company as it should be, then you should try to compromise with the location if it is indeed Nandos. Nandos never hurt nobody so what’s the problem? My name is JC and I back Nandos…that’s my thing.
I’m gone like Bubba Sparxx (what ever happened to him?)
JC
What do you guys think? Gentleman, could you still take a girl to Nando’s on a first date? Ladies would you accept Nandos? Do Pros outweigh the Cons? Speak on it!
32 comments on “What’s Wrong With Nandos?”
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As you say, I dont see a problem with Nando's but the ladies arent very keen. So I dont think I would ever do Nando's for a first date.
Maybe after the restaurant on the Thames (Le Pont De La Tour is a good one) and we know each other like that, then we can ease up a couple of rendezvous later into Nando's and the like.
You say that if you start with Nando's, the only way is up. Mehn, how much do you want me to be spending on taking this lady out? Today we spend £30. Next time, £50. Next one, £100. And before I know it…..I'm doin a Heskey!
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Let me start off by saying of you initial statements:
‘My Dark Twisted Fantasy’ is nowhere near a classic?
The Hangover is funny but not that funny?
Meagan Goode is overrated?
Arsenal play the best football…in London and that’s about it?
the only one I can agree with is the last one (although classic is a huge claim for MDTF!) now on to my favourite part, the food!
They say a close mouth don't get fed so hear me and hear me well: If I take you out to Nandos and you are unhappy feel free to leave or sit there and watch me eat. It is not by force that you have to eat, just know any time I receive anything I deem substandard in the future I will point out ie when it comes to my birthday and you take the easy way out and buy me a United shirt!
Lol on a serious note for a first date Nandos isn't bad, I always thought a first date was about getting to know someone not about trying to impress so the girl has stories to go back and tell her friends, maybe I been doing it wrong!
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I don't think there is anything wrong with Nando's, the name is fine! I think if you both decided on Nando's because you were skint or just liked it then its fine.
However if it is left to the man to arrange a date and the woman is expecting him to pull out all the stops than Nando's aint the one, however like someone has said you start at £50 then the next date is £100 how can a man be expected to keep that standard…..then when it becomes nando's time the woman wants to cuss him because the standard he started with has dropped….
Bu Sa Ba sounds like a sexual act…snm ;0
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Nando’s is not acceptable on a first date because I go there on my lunch break therefore it is a snack therefore it is cheap therefore its says a lot about you. Everyone likes chicken but to me its just shows that you are are lazy and unimmaginative think outside the box do some research because girls are impressed with a guy when he makes an effort just saying.
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Im gonna drop a huge bomb here, and say that im probably the only brother in this land that hasnt eaten nandos (never even set foot inside). this is nothing to do with feeling like im too big for the place, but rather that i fail to find there being an appeal apart from very often being a social gathering “spot” ……having said that, it doesn’t mean I haven’t had my fair share of women knocking suggestions on places to eat. Through experience I’ll completely agree with you that the name of the restaurant tends to do half your job on the first date……I mean a brother could be zilch on conversational skills during a date at a restaurant on the South Bank ( its all bout location), and still end up the next morning grinning like David Villa after ‘El Clasico’. Unfortunately women tend not to understand that the economy doesn’t always allow these gestures to be exhibited first, cos very often they expect the bar to keep going up from there (If anyone doubts that then I’ll kindly refer you back to the “Heskey Danger-list”)
Well that’s my view anyway…………*looks outside* “Damn still snowing, wonder where I put my scarf and sunglasses?”
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Before I start, this is a 25 yr old working womans perspective….
Firstly, In no way, shape or form is nandos a respectable first date, if my 14 year old sister can go there with her pocket money on a regular its a certified no-no! Sorry guys….
Secondly, all this if we start at Nandos women should be thinking the only way is up business is ruuubisshhhh lol!. If your girl came to the date rocking a shower cap, string vest and hi tek trainers you wouldn’t being thinking she will look better next time! We all have our standards lets be honest oh! lol!
and finally…let me make it clear that I would expect no man to do for me, what I would not do for him so I would never take a man to Nandos on a first date either
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@Da Realist,
This hit the nail right on the head! Same way I would put in an effort is the same way i EXPECT a first date to be imaginative and that in no way means it needs be expensive either. I am not a fan of dinner dates for a first date as a rule anyway because that could make for some very awkward non organic conversations anyway but that is just meAs someone else said about groupon that is also a FAIL. I can imagine nothing worse than someone trying to pay at the end of dinner with a 2 for 1 voucher
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Since when did dating become about financial credibilty? back in the day a first date was meeting behind a tree at 2 in the afternoon to hold hands and talk about nonsense, now its about how much someone is willing to spend to feed you, or how expensive their taste is? thats where i think so many people are going wrong, lately people tend to forget about the actual gesture behind something…..i duno, its annoying, and thats why theres so many unhappy single women…….and men infact! arrrghhhh! Just enjoy someones company, regardless of what you do man….jheeeez *smacks forehead*
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Lol great observation (again), I’ll address the starters before I get into the main;
Kanyes album I didn’t even like, nevermind consider a classic.
The hangover, much like inception, was overrated (you know how many people told me that movie blew their minds and made them wonder if they were “asleep or awake?” Really though? …Really?!)
I kinda disagree about meagan, but she does do her self a disservice these days by only being seen trawling the clubs In some trashy get up.
Arsenals my team so gonna leave it at that lol.The problem with nandos is simple; it’s common.
Common doesn’t have to be mean bad and It doesnt have to mean cheap (ed hardy was everywhere at one point, despite costing an arm and a leg – and looking tacky), but once established, it is instantly undesirable to women who, above all else on a date, want to feel special.Oki badu makes a good point though, obviously a man needs to make an effort but if the main effort women are noticing is financial then… is she just looking to be bought?
and fair enough; if a woman turned up in that crazy shower cap & hi tek ensemble id run a mile lol. but if she turns up in jeans and flats then that’s fine, i can work my way up to the elegant, figure hugging dresses, same way she can work her way up to the Gordon Ramsey restaurants.
That being said I wouldnt start with nandos though. it’s got too much of a stigma.
(and what DID happen to Bubba?) -
haha, i remember when we discussed this on twitter, i’m @writwrongz btw..
anyway, Nandos is cool, i frequent there quite often.
Now, what i take issue with is bruthas thinking that coz it’s sufficient for you and your boys, that it’s sufficient to take the girl you like on a first date, no, no.As you said, it’s familiar, for both of you, so my question is, why take her somewhere she’s already been?
if money is the issue, there are nuff places in london to go for the same price and for equally as good food that i guarantee homegirl hasn’t been to, a little creativity goes a long way, especially on the first date.Nando’s, i love you, but you’re not a first date spot, maybe a fourth date kinda place, when your familiar enough with eachother to go to a familiar place WITH eachother.
i’m out like Dame from Rocafella.
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To me, First Dates….are about First Impressions. As a ‘non-picky’ female myself…I wouldn’t mind a bit of Nandos on a first date, but as mentioned…there must either be post-chicken activities….or the second date (if it happens) needs to lean more to the creative side…..Most females may/may not agree…therefore my advice is, if you’re happy to run that risk….be prepared for the soon to follow…”I’m washing my hair” line….(exceptions can be made here for black females for whom such an activity does actually take several hours).
Otherwise…another great article
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Any chick that turns her nose up at Nandos is likely to end up with a guy who has been around the block enough to know not to take a girl there (aka playa playa!). Therefore by showing a blatent disregard for the importance of a guys personality, which could make even a trip to Nandos or even Dixy seem amazing, she hereby forefits her right to complain when she finds out that Jermaine who took her to dinner on the thames is banging her best friend-a situation that’s made more likely if she decides to boast about the date on the thames…
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i would love a date to nandos anytime, the choice restuarant does not determine whether or not it will be a good date (or guy), i’ll much rather go to a restuarant where can both be ourselves rather than just trying to impress one another with lies and pretences. i want the real you and where better than a familiar environment!!!! i love nandos!!!
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LOL
I don’t think its ‘Nandos’ that is the problem as who doesnt enjoy nandos reaallllly, come on! Hooooweeeever it is the fact that it is the ‘First’ date. As nando’s is kind of a common average place to go it is better saved for the dates that may come later i think. For the first date it is better to try and make it stand out from the others and going to Nando’s especially if that is a common place for you , it will hardly be special or memorable as you will probably confuse the date with the time you went with Jason, Michael, Ola or Abigail rather than your actual date. It will show lack of effort unfortunately, lol, even if that is not the intension and it is simply down to the enjoyment of the food it still remains otherwise.lol. First dates,yes of course it is going to be about the company bla bla lol, but as with first dates you assess all things too
and that first decision, will imply something about a perons character before you’ve even got to this datei guess!! Nevertheless!!! Highly expensive places where the food is basically a leaf and an olive
with seeds! That is just an insult and waste of both time and money mate!Great work as usual, looking forward to more ! Keep it up BWNG!!!!!!!!!! hehehe!
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Loved this post. Nando’s isn’t an issue per sae. For a first date, it’s pretty lame in terms of imagination but outside of that, it’s a minor – like other have said, it’s about the company and using the time to get to know one another.
The more important factor to me is this; if he takes you to Nando’s and omits the obligatory hand wash in the basin by the cutlery, he automatically ‘fails’ and there will be no 2nd date. End of! (More than one brother has been dropped for said behaviour)
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Nandos = NoNo for a first date. end of. even if your young your still better of scrapping a few coppers together for any restaurant (groupon etc do restaurant deals all the time). if ur thinking of taking a girl there then ur better of just inviting her round urs for a ziggy and some takeaway KFC, cause ur clearly cant be too bothered. so save time n money n try for a beat on the first date. short walk from the sofa to the bed.
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Weigh things correctly: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ is nowhere near a classic, but it’s as close to a classic as any album has come interms of production in the past 5 years.
The Hangover is as funny as you want it to be, in this short attention span age it stood the test of time, that says something.And yes there is something wrong with Nando’s as the first date unless you are a teenager, you need to put more thought into a first date (because it shows you were actually thinking about what she likes, instead of inserting her as you would any other girl into a generic date scenario), its not about food or cost, its about getting to know each other in the right environment without having to get up to go and pay for the meal before you eat. Dinner dates are lame in general until you can afford the ambience of a great restuarant.
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I’ve been a silent reader all of 24 hours and think your blog offers some very interesting perspectives. You livened up my Sunday evening, thank you
I’m 21 and say no to all of those restaurants on a first date (apart from Gaucho) Busaba is my favourite restaurant with my girls, so bound to see one of them there!
For a first date you want to let us know that you have put thought into what you think we can both enjoy together, open me up to something new, or something special, memorable!
Although, going to Nandos would definitely stay in my mind! -
i dont care what anyone says the Hangover is too funny. the tiger song is the one!
Nandos is a no no for me, i don’t eat chicken, yes shock horror. but no-one is expecting gaucho cos i go all out 3 course and a cocktail so you’ll be paying £200, just an inbetween is fine, or a chain.try giraffe or las iguanas (2 for one cocktails) as many have said it about initiative or imaginative. what about a picnic? or fish and chips on the beach? think guys think!
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Oh yeaaa, Nandos. I can imagine it now… Nothing sexier than staring into the eyes of your date while he tears flesh from a chicken carcass and reaches over the table to affectionately tap your hand with his greasy fingers: “Pass the peri peri!”
It’s not necessarily disrespectful. Going to Angus Steak House with a vegetarian date would be disrespectful, at least Nandos have 2 veggie options (unless they have upgraded since I last visited)! It is, however, unimaginative and maybe a tad boring. Be a bit adventurous!
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There is nothing wrong with Nandos in my opinion! However the best dates I have ever had have occured outside of a restaurant. My best first dates were playing tennis – it was amazing. Also going bowling and learning how to play pool for the first time. After that where I end up in the second date does not matter. As long as it is not cinema and movie.
Nandos has unfortunately become as ubiquitous as Geordie girls in tiny skirts in Winter with no tights on. It used to be a cool first date place but because it has been so rinsed out and filled up with all the people who graduated from KFC to Nandos it might as well be KFC again Loool! I still love a Nandos meal in moderation but it has become an excuse for having no imagination to decide where to eat when there are so many alternatives for a similar price because people can’t bear to be apart from chicken waaaaaangs, half a chicken, quarter chicken, chicken in pitta, Peri Peri sauce and did I mention chicken…