Essence's most eligible bachelors

29 | Brooklyn | Restaurateur

His passion: "I made everything in my restaurant, including the chairs. Along with my dog, Zena, it's my baby."

His dream date: "I would love to make her my shrimp scampi. We'd have red wine and watch Casablanca."

What catches his attention: "A woman out by herself having a good time. It shows confidence."

You'd be surprised to know: "You might catch me singing Nina Simone or Adele in my SpongeBob boxers."

E-mail: eligiblenorman@essence.com

35 | Harlem | Class act

His passion: "I've been an educator for 11 years and teach science at an elementary school. It's taught me patience and how to handle different personalities."

Why he loves Black women: "Some of the smartest women I've ever met were Black. Black women have something you can't get anywhere else."

His dream date: "We'd jet to Miami for the weekend and sit on the beach. I might even sing a little Boyz II Men in her ear."

How he'll know he's met The One: "I want somebody who makes me so comfortable I let my guard down. I like a woman with style and who can cook."

What you'd be surprised to know about men: "We care a lot more than we show sometimes. If I'm out with you, I'm tuned in to everything you say."

E-mail: eligibletyson@essence.com

33 | Philadelphia | Poet

His passion: "I started writing when I was 16. A young Black male writing poetry wasn't the most popular thing, but it was a way to tell my story. Now through my foundation, the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement, I get to help other young people do the same."

What he finds sexy about Black women: "Everything. Their facial expressions. Their resilience. Their laughter."

How to get to his heart: "Pick up the phone. I like to hear your voice. We can't build a connection through text messages. If I can talk to you for two or three hours, that's special."

His journey: "As a kid I was overweight and bullied. After my dad died, I got serious about taking care of my body -- though I still enjoy a piece of red velvet cheesecake."

What you'd be surprised to know about men: "We're afraid to be afraid. We want to give somebody all of us, but sometimes we put up walls. We crave the nurturing of a woman and want to give her the same."

E-mail: eligiblegreg@essence.com

39 | Upper Marlboro, MD | Executive | Dad

His passion: "Surpassing the million-dollar sales level has been amazing in my career. Still nothing compares to helping families through Fertile Ground, the nonprofit I started with my friend."

His type of woman: "I meet women so into their careers they forget family. I like a lady who works hard but can turn that off."

Dream date: "I love seafood -- so dinner on the D.C. waterfront."

How to catch his attention: "Swag and a smile. Clothes are nice, but a smile and eye contact have more impact, even if we're just passing in the street."

Why he's ready for love: "I travel to Hawaii and other gorgeous places quite often for work. I would love to share those moments with someone."

E-mail: eligiblemike@essence.com

35 | Washington, DC | Computer Engineer | Dad

His passion: "I love to experience different cultures. This year I've been to Peru, Spain, Costa Rica and Africa. Luckily, I get to travel a lot as a technology consultant."

Why he's looking for love: "I'm ready to meet my match. My parents have been married 37 years and I want that."

His sweet spot: "I love a woman to lock eyes and be affectionate. I'm a Leo, so if you stroke my ego right, I'll purr."

E-mail: eligibleantoine@essence.com

37 | New Orleans | Builder | Dad

His passion: "I'm a civil engineer. After Hurricane Katrina I rebuilt more than 40 homes for loved ones. It was amazing to help them move back home. Now I am a project manager on the $14 billion rebuilding of the levees."

How to catch his attention: "The first conversation is very important. Teach me something I don't know."

What he's looking for: "I like an intelligent Black woman who is nurturing, because I'm a family guy."

E-mail: eligiblejeff@essence.com

44 | Montclair, NJ | CEO

His biggest accomplishment: "I'm from St. Croix and pitched Tempo Network as an MTV executive. They launched it and I now own the Caribbean network."

How he'll know he's met The One: "David is my favorite person in the Bible because he was so imperfect, but he was God's friend. I want a woman I can discuss those stories with."

E-mail: eligiblefrederick@essence.com

23 | Washington, DC | Billionaire heir

His passion: "I work about seven days a week, but it's doing what I love. I'm launching my clothing line and coproducing the movie The Butler starring Oprah Winfrey. My parents [BET founders Robert L. Johnson and Sheila Johnson] taught me you have to believe in your vision, then others will follow."

What catches his attention: "A woman with a mean walk."

His type of woman: "Confidence is sexy. I like an independent woman who is smart and sophisticated."

What you'd be surprised to know: "I can throw down in the kitchen. I would make my date scallops as an appetizer and seared tuna with green beans and brown rice for the main course. We'd share my banana cream pie for dessert."

E-mail: eligiblebrett@essence.com

31 | New York City | Computer Scientist

His passion: "Working with computers has taught me there are many ways to get to your desired outcome. I've always loved putting things together with my hands and I love football. I merged my sports and programming skills by inventing the fitness program Body by Dwayne."

His type of woman: "I enjoy dancing, so I need a lady who can move, from hip-hop to a Latin jam. Also a woman who picks an action movie over The Notebook."

What he finds sexy about Black women: "Along with being honest and loyal, Black women make a way out of no way and never quit. I want that in a wife."

The key to his heart: "I love Red Lobster biscuits and pretty feet. A woman with French-manicured toes already has my attention."

E-mail: eligibledwayne@essence.com

25 | New York City | Educator

His passion: "I am dedicated to helping Black and Brown children excel in the classroom and recently completed my master's at Georgetown."

How to catch his attention: "Intellectualism turns me on. I like a woman who is comfortable with herself and who could go from handling business in a two-piece suit to hanging out on Friday night. I want sneakers next to her heels."

His guilty pleasure: "Gambling. I'm a math teacher and love how numbers influence one another. I once sat at a blackjack table for 92 hours."

What women would be surprised to know about men: "We love just as hard as you but sometimes show it differently. I may not send a dozen roses, but instead send a text message to let you know I'm thinking of you."

How he'd pop the question: "I love memories, so I'd have a trail of our pictures from the front door to the bedroom. The last picture would have an engagement ring on top."

E-mail: eligiblesean@essence.com