Tonight I did something that I don’t often do–I went out to dinner by myself. Before you start boo-hooing at my ‘party of one’ status, I’ll interject that I’m in Williamsburg, VA today (and tomorrow) on business–I’m reconnoitering the area for our school trip. Yes, I know you’re jealous that I’m going to Colonial Williamsburg tomorrow morning to see if it’s any LESS boring than it was when my dad took me when I was 16.
So, back to my lonely little meal. Was it me or were the hostess and waiter shooting me pitying glances while I ate my meal? I was reading a book and trying not to look too pathetic, but I guess my efforts were futile.
Have you ever dined out alone? Did you get the pity-party treatment, or is it just me?
PS. Mom, if you’re reading this, sorry I didn’t mention my little trip while we were on the phone today–I didn’t want you worrying about me. I’ll be home tomorrow night! xoxo
PPS. MOM! I can’t believe I forgot to wish you and dad a Happy Anniversary!! Thanks so much for just calling my cell to remind me that I forgot. I’m a real class-act. Forgive meeeee!
The real question for me is…what book were you reading?
When I have occasion to eat out alone I often spend more time obsessing about how the wait staff will be reacting to the book I’m reading than what I actually order.
Good choices:
The Physiology of Taste by Jean Antheleme Brillat-Savarin;
The Itty Bitty Guide to Tipping by Stacie Krajchir;
Anything by Nora Roberts
Not so good choices:
Eat Thy Neighbor: A History of Cannibalism by Daniel Diehl;
Infectious Diseases by Sherwood Gorbach;
Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs
Oh, and Happy Anniversary to Mom & Dad!
My favorite book when eating out alone is “Explosives for Dummies.” Somehow, the waitstaff remains uneasy around me in spite of it.
Difficult one to handle!
I remember once having employed a lady member of staff, and we were meeting in a hotel in Middlesburgh, before I went to give some lectures the next day at a local hospital.
We had a drink in the bar and she went off to powder her nose, whilst I went to the table to look at the menu. The drinks waiter came up and I just ordered a beer.
“And what can i get for your wife, Sir?” asked the waiter. “O, she’s not my wife!” said I innocently and truthfully. “Very sorry, Sir” replied the waiter, and I suddenly felt I had said something very wrong, or implied I was away for a few days with my ‘floozie’!
This conversation, or embarrassment, would be unlikely to occur nowadays. I should say it was over 25 years ago!… and the lady in question, and my wife and I are all still on good speaking terms!
I just make little sculptures from the butter. After asking a waitron for a toothpick (for detailing and texturizing), I have my own little fiefdom.
I had the pleasure (term used loosely here) of being sent to pre-Katrina New Orleans alone, twice.
After I got tired of eating alone in my “hotel” room (let’s be honest, it was one of the economy places for people who didn’t have apartments) I decided that I would go out to eat. Besides, it was the company’s dime.
“And how many in your party?” the Matre’d would ask, peering to either side of my lonesome.
“One.” A deflated Stephanie would answer.
“Just one?” As if I couldn’t have picked up any of the homeless on my way in so I wouldn’t have to eat alone.
“Yup. One.” Because I did not want to be involved in hobo conversation. (I can hear it already, “Wow One-Eyed-Mark, how’d your one eye get lazy?”)
And table side, “Would you like to order or are you waiting for someone?”
“Beer. Gumbo. Alligator.”
Oh, and let’s not even get started on the stigma of ordering a tall Brooklyn in JFK while you’re laid over, flying alone and not ordering food.
(why why why do my quotation marks and parentheses create smiley faces!?! I’m totally not winking!)
These days I would WELCOME having an occasional dinner alone. Someone taking MY ORDER, cooking it FOR ME, and lest I forget – CLEANING UP AFTERWARDS.
I couldn’t give a crap if anyone thought I was Captain Lonely Hearts. I’d get decked out and make em wonder WHAT THE HELL IS THIS WOMAN DOING EATING ALONE???!!
Ahhhhhh, sounds like the LIFE Curly. Have fun in Va. xo
PS: Happy Anniversary to your lovely folks! And don’t worry, that’s not nearly as bad as the year I completely forgot my own mother’s birthday. Which I still feel terrible about, 9 years later.
Can’t say I have ever eaten a sit-down type dinner by myself but I have gone to a movie alone. My wonderful mother-in-law insisted on watching my then 3, 2 and a newborn while I went to watch “The Devil Wears Prada.” She hasn’t offered since but I sure did enjoy the time alone.
I actually used to do it all the time when I was in college, though it was always at a Denny’s at 2 in the morning and I was studying so I guess it isn’t the same thing nevermind and forget I mentioned anything…
I LOVE eating alone. I’ve done it all of my life. Honestly, I’ve never felt pitied or lonely.
Enjoying a great meal without having to make small talk or listen to someone is such a treat for me sometimes!