Table for One

I was never one to dine solo outside my home, but after a recent unaccompanied trip to Spain, I've come to adopt the idea wholeheartedly. Since my return, I've made a point of picking a new restaurant or cafe around town each week, and snagging a table for one to be alone with myself, my thoughts, and my meal. It's the perfect opportunity to people watch, brainstorm, and let the time pass, uninterrupted.

Photo

01. Michael Muller

Comments

[deea]

I love being alone with my journal and hot beverage, watching the world go by, wondering at it, letting it's blur become a backdrop for my thoughts.

[Ashley]

i agree! eating alone is one of the simplest, most beautiful things one can do.

[Elise / Pennyweight]

I agree... I used to be the same way. It's so nice to go and sit by myself now, I savor the time!

[la domestique]

Every once and a while, I take myself to lunch at my favorite restaurant. I sit at the bar with a glass of bubbles and order the full three courses- app, entree, and desert. At the end of my meal, I savor an espresso. it's a ritual I really enjoy.

[Joanne]

Agree- in fact, I went out alone for an early glass of champagne and oysters to one of my favorite places, then met a friend later for the midnight toast. A perfect evening! And I met some new people along the way!

[Dale]

I used to feel self-conscious whenever I found myself alone in a restaurant. Then one day, I realised there was nothing to be ashamed of. I then proceeded to order exactly what I wanted without any outside influences and took the time to enjoy every bite of my food, every sip of my wine!

[Alison]

what a lovely reminder to be good to ourselves. i will treat myself this week. thank you.

[Calantha]

During the summer I made it a habit of putting on a fancy summer dress and taking myself out on a dinner date. Book in tow, I'd ignore the occasional host/waiter's uncomfortableness at seating and serving a table for one and get to know myself a bit better while indulging in a delicious meal. Sometimes, you can be your own best dinner companion.

[Annie]

I love this. I've only had the opportunity to dine alone once or twice, on random occasions, but it does seem like a ritual more people should indulge. Thanks for the reminder. :)

[Mikael Jaeger Jensen]

In these days of sharing your life with everyone online though blogs, social media or your "smart" phone - sitting alone with yourself and your thoughts and a book, enjoying a good meal is the best "you time" you can ask for. If you find a nice place and you keep coming back you might get to know the people working there and that can lead to a really good time and you might even meet some very interesting people on the way. For me this is the best time to be creative.

[stephanie]

it wasn't until i studied abroad in spain that i gained the same appreciation for dining alone. nothing like stopping in a cafe there by yourself for a tapa and small beer!

[Maria]

I love this post because for so long, I have enjoyed going to restaurants "for one". it's a great way to interact with the people that work there, get to know them better, and more importantly to really take my time savoring the food. It is very natural for people in Puerto Rico to go dinning alone, probably something we picked up from our ancestors from Spain. :)

[Kristina Gulino]

Wonderful, wonderful encouragement. I think I may just do this tomorrow!

[Darcie]

I think the trick to dining alone is to focus on what you're able to enjoy and experience by yourself as opposed to thinking about what might be "missing" (i.e. another person). I love people watching, enjoying my food, and noticing things about my surroundings that I would miss if I were focusing on and conversing with a friend. It does seem to be a much more European concept than an American one. But they've got it right!

[Vivi]

It reminds me I haven't had coffee or dinner by myself for a long time, and I really miss it. Such a special time and peaceful feeling sitting down at the table and just enjoying food without having to talk... (don't get me wrong, I also absolutely love sharing a meal with friends!)

[Meg]

I love the honesty in this post. I also felt strange eating out alone, but one day I did, after being stressed at work, and I found myself calm and serene as I returned. Time to read, sit alone to meditate and relish in a delicious treat for yourself is a great practice in self-discovery and finding peace. You may find me at the thai diner around the corner from my office alone : )