Funny you would call it a bad first date food.
Back in the olden days in the early 1980s I had a buddy room mate. We both got new girls from contacts that were "setups" and we agreed to cook for the girls on a double date at our duplex. We had artichokes and fried chicken. Neither girl had even seen an artichoke and had no idea what to do. Lots of eating with fingers and napkins used. We all had a great time and laughed a lot. It worked out great for my room mate and I.
I don't think I even thought of that night since your post. It has only been 40 years.