Famous NYC matchmaker reveals absurdly petty reason woman decided not to go on first date with eligible finance guy she was introduced to

Apparently, not everyone wants a guy in finance. 

Summer 2025 was the year every woman in New York City wanted a guy in finance with a trust fund and blue eyes. 

But it seems the tables have turned in 2026, as NYC Matchmaker, Blaine Anderson, said her lucky man in finance, RJ, got stood up on a date, despite her finding his 'dream match,' she revealed on X. 

The woman, 26, had an 'amazing' family, was 'sexy' and 'refined,' and was 'down to meet him,' but after the introduction had been made, the 32-year-old 'medium handsome' guy found himself without a date. 

'He texts me saying she bailed,' Anderson wrote. 

The reason the 'dream' girl decided RJ wasn't for her: His date spot suggestion of Crown Alley in Manhattan's Chelsea district. 

The craft beer and cocktail parlor has $8 soft pretzels and oysters for $2.50 each, alongside reasonably priced burgers and salads, and fun cocktails. 

But despite its excellent Happy Hour selections – including $1 oysters and 13 craft cocktails for $8 a piece – the woman just couldn't stomach a first date over a passionfruit margarita and a garlic pretzel. 

'Based on that alone, she knows he’s not a fit,' Anderson wrote. 'Obviously, I feel bad for RJ, and yeah, it’s lame to be judgy about first date plans, but… I actually agree with her on this one.' 

The matchmaker said it had 'nothing to do with wanting a more expensive first date,' but just that the woman 'knows her vibe.' 

'Giant pretzels don’t exactly give "sexy" or "refined,"' the matchmaker wrote. 

'RJ either needs to adjust his go-to first date plan, or go after the type of woman who wants to meet over a ham and cheese toasty.' 

However, many commenters disagreed with Anderson's assessment that the woman should have canceled due to location. 

'You can't all be serious If someone you're open to meet proposes a date place you don't like – you just tell them: "I don't feel like it, let's go somewhere else." What's all this talk about tests and standards?' one wrote on X. 

'People need to talk longer and get to know each other before going out or writing each other off. That's the real problem,' another said.  

Another defended the pretzel, saying it 'looks kind of okay.' 

'What was the main dish?' they questioned. 

Another agreed the location wasn't the problem, writing: 'Checked the menu and I see oysters on the half shell, warm olives with EVOO [extra virgin olive oil], and blue cheese stuffed dates. Yeah, I think the restaurant menu was not the problem. Guy dodged a high-maintenance bullet.' 

Crown Alley told the Daily Mail: 'We host many first dates from people from all walks of life and many have evolved into marriage proposals over the years. We have hosted many engagement parties, wedding welcome parties and even baby showers that all started with a first date at Crown Alley. 

'We are a casual, laid back neighborhood bar with friendly staff and our food and drinks menu caters to most people's tastes. Having a first date here rather than somewhere with a more "refined and sexy vibe" can often take the pressure off, making the date feel a little more relaxed and allowing people to be themselves.

'And as an FYI to Blake Anderson, while it's great for sharing, our pretzel is not a "Giant Pretzel." The plate it's served on, it just about fits on is 9"x6", so it's also great for a solo customer having a drink.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Anderson and Crown Alley for comment.