How on Earth Is Fried Chicken the Best First Date Food?

Earlier this week, Hinge, one of many dating apps that caters to lonely hearts in their mid-20s, released the findings of its survey regarding the best ways a first date can guarantee a second date. Respondents were concentrated in major metropolitan areas across the country—New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston.

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There are some vaguely interesting insights hidden in the survey. For example, 79% of respondents in New York prefer to go to movies or shows on their first dates. The most popular drink to get on a first date is the Bloody Mary at 50%, trailed by an old fashioned at 35%.

But I was utterly confounded, borderline awestruck, at respondents’ admission that the food most likely to guarantee a second date was fried chicken, commanding 24% of the vote. (Not far behind was, simply, “vegan” at 23%. Poor pancakes, sitting soppily at 9%, behind pizza’s 15% and sushi’s 19%.)

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Well, I’m not quite sure what to say. I’m usually self-conscious and dainty with my food on a first date if I opt for dinner (which I rarely do), ordering a small plate of salad alongside a drink. I'm careful not to expose my messy, occasionally feral eating habits—which tend to emerge when, say, I’m facing a bucket of fried chicken.

Fried chicken when you're in a relationship? Sure; no problem. I'd even consider ordering it on a third date, if the vibe's right. But the only first date I can remember where I ordered fried chicken also happened to be my last with that person.

What's the verdict: Is fried chicken an acceptable date food? And what is the best first date food, anyway? Make your voice heard in the comments section.