tips for solo fine dining
far from a stigma of dining alone, i rather enjoy it sometimes. of course i love nothing better than noshing and catching up with friends over a good meal, candles burning and laughter echoing into the evening, but i also relish the time to spend savoring a dinner out without distraction.
lots of people eat alone either by choice or convenience. breakfast and lunch are easy. dinner is a little trickier socially. but, sooner or later, you may find yourself in this situation and it can be really fun.
when by choice, i'll choose a place i'd like to try and make a reservation. it will automatically pop up starting at "2" on the scrolling bar, so back it up to "1" and for anytime between 5:30 to about 7 pm.
take a magazine or book. the hostess counter almost always has a copy of a magazine the restaurant is featured in at the front that can easily be borrowed and then returned. or, a pen and notepad. i'll admit sometimes i have **pretended to act like a food writer or critic for the sheer fun of it. take a bite, write something down, that kind of thing. this will bring the speediest and best service in a pinch, but don't abuse it. but i'm getting ahead of myself.
sometimes you will be relegated to a table by 1) the restrooms, 2) the stove or 3) the drafty front door. take the one by the chef, if possible, as it can be fascinating to watch the food being prepared. do not distract them with questions or comments, they are under pressure and wielding sharp objects. do compliment their skills to the wait staff and management if possible and tip generously.
sometimes you will be given the best seat, or maybe even a table for 4, wherein your waiter will clear the other 3 place settings. *be confident. remember, you have made reservations and deserve to be there as much as everyone else. be sensitive, however, if the line is piling up and your spot or extra unused chairs are needed. at times i have offered to move to the bar stools or a smaller table (it's always better to offer than be asked to move).
if they bring the check before you are finished, this is a clear sign they are wanting to turn tables. this is why it's always a good idea to carry some extra cash (should you have planned to pay via card) for that cup of decaf or dessert you hadn't been asked if you wanted but that it is still within reasonable rights to order. *see above.
give yourself 20-40 minutes, depending on courses, to savor food combinations. put the security blanket of your cell phone away. without a conversation to help slow consumption, it can be tempting to rush through each course. i put my fork or spoon down between bites, sometimes look around (it can be tricky to know where to look without seeming as though you are staring, so i find a focal point, like a painting on the wall or vase of flowers. it's equally as fun to people watch without letting on that you're watching. listening can be entertaining and insightful as well. humans are less inhibited during the primal act of eating, making for both the best and the worst of times).
so the next time you find yourself dining alone, savor it! enjoy the meal from the sights and smells to flavors and creative combinations. if you really enjoy it, you could even become a **real food critic.
lots of people eat alone either by choice or convenience. breakfast and lunch are easy. dinner is a little trickier socially. but, sooner or later, you may find yourself in this situation and it can be really fun.
when by choice, i'll choose a place i'd like to try and make a reservation. it will automatically pop up starting at "2" on the scrolling bar, so back it up to "1" and for anytime between 5:30 to about 7 pm.
take a magazine or book. the hostess counter almost always has a copy of a magazine the restaurant is featured in at the front that can easily be borrowed and then returned. or, a pen and notepad. i'll admit sometimes i have **pretended to act like a food writer or critic for the sheer fun of it. take a bite, write something down, that kind of thing. this will bring the speediest and best service in a pinch, but don't abuse it. but i'm getting ahead of myself.
sometimes you will be relegated to a table by 1) the restrooms, 2) the stove or 3) the drafty front door. take the one by the chef, if possible, as it can be fascinating to watch the food being prepared. do not distract them with questions or comments, they are under pressure and wielding sharp objects. do compliment their skills to the wait staff and management if possible and tip generously.
sometimes you will be given the best seat, or maybe even a table for 4, wherein your waiter will clear the other 3 place settings. *be confident. remember, you have made reservations and deserve to be there as much as everyone else. be sensitive, however, if the line is piling up and your spot or extra unused chairs are needed. at times i have offered to move to the bar stools or a smaller table (it's always better to offer than be asked to move).
if they bring the check before you are finished, this is a clear sign they are wanting to turn tables. this is why it's always a good idea to carry some extra cash (should you have planned to pay via card) for that cup of decaf or dessert you hadn't been asked if you wanted but that it is still within reasonable rights to order. *see above.
give yourself 20-40 minutes, depending on courses, to savor food combinations. put the security blanket of your cell phone away. without a conversation to help slow consumption, it can be tempting to rush through each course. i put my fork or spoon down between bites, sometimes look around (it can be tricky to know where to look without seeming as though you are staring, so i find a focal point, like a painting on the wall or vase of flowers. it's equally as fun to people watch without letting on that you're watching. listening can be entertaining and insightful as well. humans are less inhibited during the primal act of eating, making for both the best and the worst of times).
so the next time you find yourself dining alone, savor it! enjoy the meal from the sights and smells to flavors and creative combinations. if you really enjoy it, you could even become a **real food critic.
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