Dining for One

I was asked to write an article for the Daily Herald about dining for one. I kinda had fun reflecting on all the work trips I have been on and how I handled eating out. You can link out to the article in the Daily Herald, or read the info below...

Tips for success when dining alone is on menu

Have you ever had a hankering for fine cuisine, but haven't had someone to go with? Many will avoid dining alone, but that fear has prevented people from enjoying the pleasures of eating out. No more.

A couple of years ago I took a job where I had to travel for work. While I was initially excited for the chance to travel, I soon found myself in a quandary. What should I do about meals? Initially, I would get fast food, or go to a grocery store (which is ineffective if you don't have a kitchen in your hotel).

After awhile, I was starting to dread travel because I hated fast food and never got to eat what I really wanted, so I decided to try dining alone.

Property of The Daily Herald

I started small, by going to a patisserie because it seemed casual enough that if I wasn't comfortable I could leave. It was a success. Not too many awkward stares and I even looked around and learned something from the others I saw eating alone.

The next night I tried a full-scale restaurant with some tips I had picked up on. Another success! I soon learned that there isn't much to be afraid of when dining alone when you take advantage of the following tips:

• Take a book: When you're engaged in reading, you don't have to dodge awkward stares. Not to mention it suggests to everyone else that perhaps you even choose to be alone so that you can have some "me" time.
• Reservations: When you call ahead for a reservation, you don't have to wait by yourself and then hear the words, "Party of One" after your name. Sometimes people even think you're famous when you walk in and are seated right away. Pamper yourself.
• Get Dressed Up: For those of you who love a little entertainment with dinner, I suggest dressing up when you dine alone. It's always entertaining to watch as those around you try to put "the story" together as they observe you dining alone with style. It can be quite amusing.
• Timing: It is best to avoid the high times. If you were to dine around 4:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. and on, you will usually miss the crowds. Additionally, if you choose a local restaurant instead of a chain, you are also less likely to run into crowds. The local restaurant owners also will appreciate the business. Sometimes you can even get to know the storeowners, and when you have this relationship, they tend to treat you well.
• Work/Journal Writing: Many people bring work to the table for one. Some restaurants are nice because they have the table space you can lay your work out (you'll have to check because in some restaurants this won't be appropriate). It explains to everyone that you are most likely on the road traveling for work, which most people these days can relate to. Often times you'll even get comments from people walking by, saying things like, "Don't you love working on the road?" Those types of comments made me feel at home and understood.

Also, you could take the time to write in your journal. When you are engaged in processing and writing your thoughts, then others tend to respect your personal space. Additionally, it is fun to go back later and read some of your transcribed thoughts during those moments.
Ultimately, don't be afraid. If you are confident then others won't suspect that there is a problem, the reason people gawk in the first place is because they feel sorry for you. But if you don't feel sorry for yourself then the dining options are endless.