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On Eating Alone in Paris
Why should a meal on our own be uninspired or scarfed down as if consumed on the shoulder of an interstate highway? The joys of a table for one.
By Stephanie Rosenbloom
I'm interested in your experiences. I've LOVED short solo trips - it feels like I've grown wings. ;D
But I don't go into a sit down restaurant (where you order at your table and not from a counter where you pay) by myself except an occasional breakfast. I've never gone into one for dinner alone.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ClaraC
I'm interested in your experiences. I've LOVED short solo trips - it feels like I've grown wings. ;D
But I don't go into a sit down restaurant ... Do you do that?
yes, as in today
Yes, several times during the last month.
Chose a table that I prefer and enjoy my meal and time alone (watching others, sometime engaging with others, often reading, always thinking up new adventures, always asking lots of questions and inquiring of the adventures of others. ! (I usually avoid peak times, but often chose Happy Hour (can be crowded (as in today)). Seldom hurry while in a food establishment (unless they are really busy and need my table). Sometimes (if busy), I ask them where they prefer a single person to sit (I often do this in Asia, where you are more likely to share tables with other singles and couples and families. )
I'm interested in your experiences. I've LOVED short solo trips - it feels like I've grown wings. ;D
But I don't go into a sit down restaurant (where you order at your table and not from a counter where you pay) by myself except an occasional breakfast. I've never gone into one for dinner alone.
Do you do that?
Sit at the bar. They have the same menu typically & you're not feeling out of place since there will usually be people sitting either side of you including some solos & a bartender to chat with if wanted. Sitting alone at a table in a restaurant that isn't really casual, where I can read a magazine too say, can be uncomfortable. Also outside tables for lunch on a nice day are a good alternative since no one will even notice you with all the buzz around & lunch can be a cheaper price for the same meal served at dinner. Dinner could then be at a more casual place later for a light meal.
I've never, ever understood why people are hesitant to go out to eat on their own
They feel awkward because almost every other table at a typical full service restaurant is families, groups of friends, or couples who can interact with each other. Breaking bread (especially away from the home) is often culturally associated with enjoyment of shared social experience.
Not saying it's right or wrong, just pointing out why they feel that way. Going against social norms can feel weird.
They feel awkward because almost every other table at a typical full service restaurant is families, groups of friends, or couples who can interact with each other. Breaking bread (especially away from the home) is often culturally associated with enjoyment of shared social experience.
I travel for business every week. On Monday thru Thursday nights it is very common to see many people eating alone. Perhaps a different crown on the weekends though...
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