212.987.1582

Urbanista dispatched blonde bombshell Zoe Adams to report on the singles scene in Manhattan—no, no, not Carrie Bradshaw style. Rather Zoe is going to check out the people (matchmakers, dating coaches…), places (the Home Depot on 23rd Street, Bar Martignetti…), and things (8 Minute Dating, It’s Just Lunch…) that could help you locate Mr. Right. The good stuff Zoe finds will make it onto the Urbanista rolodex; the disasters clearly won’t. But you’ll be able to read about her exploits here, in her periodic column, Unattached.

Let’s face it: Sometimes Cupid goes MIA. There are thousands of single men in the city, but whether you’re a newcomer to New York or were born and raised here, finding an eligible bachelor to accompany you to all the fabulous events and activities the Big Apple has to offer can seem overwhelming, if not downright impossible. Enter Janis Spindel, professional matchmaker, dating coach, and your new Fairy Godmother on the Upper East Side.

I know what you’re thinking: “A matchmaker? Seriously?” Before I met Janis, I too was skeptical and assumed dating services were strictly for losers who couldn’t get dates on their own and had to enlist outside help. But, if you look at your own relationship history and cringe, you might need the intervention.

I tested the matchmaking waters and attended one of Janis’s lectures at the 92nd Street Y called “Kiss and Tell,” where Janis gave tough-love but constructive advice to all of us singles in the crowd. From the get-go, I learned that one should never expect any sugar-coating from Janis, and though her style may be abrupt, she speaks the truth. She urges her clients to “get real” about their loves lives and dating expectations, saying “You can’t sit at home and wait for a knock on your door!” No coddling here.

She also gave us some useful dating tips, such as ideas on how to start a conversation with that guy you may have your eye on. “Men, if they are raised right, will always talk to you, even if you’re short, dumpy, and ugly,” Janis told us. She suggested that we try using a prop to kick off interaction with a guy, something like “That’s a great tie! May I ask where you got it?” If he doesn’t answer or is rude back, then you don’t want to know him anyway.

After “Kiss and Tell,” I went in for a one-on-one with Janis to get the lowdown on her services. Here’s how it works: She and her many assistants maintain an active database of over 10,000 men and women (most of them from New York City) who are looking for love, not a one-night stand. For women, getting into the database means sitting down with Janis or her assistant for an interview to discuss what you are looking for in a relationship and partner. A private interview with Janis will cost you $1,000 and a chat with her assistant will set you back $500, but if you get a group of six or more women to do a group interview, the fee will be greatly diminished if not completely waived. After the interview, Janis will discuss with you setting up personal introductions and the fees associated with it. She can also direct you to her favorite hair salons, pilates studios, nutritionists, counselors, and other services so that you look and feel your best on all your upcoming dates. In fact, as I left, she strongly recommended that I get my roots touched up before I go on my next date.

As Janis will tell you, and as I later came to see with my own eyes, her rolodex isn’t filled with just anyone. These are well-educated, attractive, and successful men and women. To get them in the same room together, Janis also throws fun fetes for the unattached, where clients from her database chitchat, swap business cards, and book future dates. She invited me to one held in a chic SoHo restaurant so that I could see for myself that she can deliver. Again, I was skeptical. Would the room be full of boring, unattractive, socially-challenged deadbeats who can’t get a date to save their lives? To my surprise–and utter delight–I met men of all ages (though most were in their 30s and up), who were intelligent, gainfully employed, and (wait for it, wait for it…) handsome! Check out the pictures from her past parties on her website to see for yourself. I am a skeptic no more.

Want the key to get into Chez Janis? You need to become part of her database. Call her office (212.987.1582) or visit her website to set up an appointment. Believe it or not, there are good men out there, and Janis will find them for you. And if you don’t live New York City, you can still have access to Janis–check out her new book. –Zoe Adams