Italian Tasting at Gioia · 40s-50s · Thursday, May 28

A Thursday evening for single people in their 40s and 50s on the private rooftop at Gioia in Historic Wooster Square. Two and a half hours of structured small-group conversation, a light Italian tasting from the kitchen, and a cocktail and mocktail menu that's worth showing up for on its own.

The format

A Singles Salon is structured conversation in small groups of 3-4, never one-on-one. Over five seated rounds (fifteen minutes each) and a final standing mingle, you rotate through the room and have a real conversation with everyone there. Each table has conversation cards (actual interesting questions worth answering, not awkward icebreakers).

Bracelets

At check-in, you can pick up a colored bracelet, or two, or none, that signals what you're open to: friendship, something casual, or something serious. It's a low-key way to read the room without the awkward ask.

Who's in the room

Most the people at any Singles Salon are looking for a date. Some are looking for new single friends in the same age bracket, or both. All three are valid reasons to be there. The 40s-50s age tier is self-selected, and we consistently run close to a 50/50 gender split.

The food

Gioia's kitchen has put together a light Italian tasting to bridge the dinner hour, three small bites served during the evening:

• Crispy polenta medallion with gorgonzola, seasonal jam, and pistachio
• Salumi board, chef's selection of cured meats with seasonal accompaniments
• Marinated beets and goat cheese, served on a porcelain spoon

This is a tasting, not dinner. If you're hungry, plan to grab something before or after. Anything on their menu will blow your mind!

The drinks

The cocktail and mocktail menus are some of the most thoughtful in New Haven, and the alcohol-free options are taken just as seriously as the spirits list.

The venue

The Rooftop at Gioia is a private space in the heart of Historic Wooster Square, on-site parking lot, easy walk from anywhere downtown.

Schedule

• 6:15pm: Doors open, check in, grab a drink
• 6:45pm: Salon starts promptly
• 9:00pm: Structured part wraps, stay as long as you want with the people you've just met

Tickets

$65, includes the Italian tasting and the full Salon. Capacity is intentionally limited. Our salons consistently sell out.