Table for One....

So last night, I decided to try something that I have never done before; go out to eat by myself, to a sit down restaurant. I have always been curious how it felt to go to eat at a legitimate (no Subway, no McDonalds) restaurant, party of one. I have always seen this act happen in movies or TV shows and it always looks so “romantic”, what would it be like in real life? (Just to dispell any negative ideas, no I am not a loner, I did have plans with real people last night; just not until later.) So I threw on my coat and walked just down the block to the new Indian restaurant by my house. (Okay, also to clear up any confusion, I have always loved Indian food; even before Joel and my parents moved to India!) As I walked in the door, I was suprised at how busy it was and I was quickly approached by a host...

“How many?”
“Just one, please.”
(Look of confusion on the host’s face)
“Uhhhhh... One? Ummmmmm...Okay, let me see what we have available.”
“How long will it be?”
“Uhhhh......... I think that table (points) over there is about to leave. Maybe five minutes?”
“Okay, sounds good, I’ll just wait.”

From that point on the interactions were somewhat better, I think that the host (who turned into my waiter) got more comfortable with serving a ‘party of one’. As I sat down I took a look around the room and noticed that I wasn’t the only one who had a table alone, there were a two others sitting alone at their tables.After a couple of minutes and a couple of observations of the other parties in the restaurant, an idea popped into my head. What do you think it would be like to combine parties in restaurants? You know, this group of two with that group of four; think of what an interesting concept. Just think of the conversations and new connections that could be made if we all stepped outside of our comfort zones and met and dined with strangers. I remember my parents telling me about one of their anniversary dinners at the
Old Rittenhouse Inn up in Bayfield WI. I have only been there once, but it is by far one of the best places I have ever eaten; the food was spectacular! (Only better was a dinner in Paris when I was 16 and all of my meals at the Angry Trout in Grand Marais, MN! Okay back to the subject at hand!) My parents went there for their 25th wedding anniversary for Saturday dinner and they were seated at one table with many different couples. If I remember correctly, they really enjoyed the opportunity to eat, sit and talk with these couples; all at a different stage of their lives. I thought of that story and wondered how good it might be if that could be duplicated in my dining life. Though I imagine I might get some pretty funny stares if I approached strangers to have dinner with me and I don’t think people would take me seriously.

I found that eating alone was fun to a certain point, but eating with people is better. I found that I was making many observations and conversations in my head; it would have been nice to share those with someone. And when you spill chicken tikka masala on yourself, the only one who’s laughing is you. And that draws even more stares; because first you’ve got bright orange food on your shirt and second, your laughing at yourself.

With all that being said, it was a good experience but one that I might not repeat all that often. I really enjoy having dinner or lunch with friends, it’s one of my favorite activities! I am glad, though, that I at least tried this out!