Thursday, March 29, 2012

Dining Alone with Dignity

























Your rumbling stomach is pining for something satisfying, and your schedule has afforded you an hour of leisurely bliss. The mediocre sandwich shop around the corner is growing less appealing by the minute, as your hunger pangs are accompanied by an au natural soundtrack. Alas, eating alone does not mean you must settle for takeout, as dining solo with dignity is absolutely an option. Heed my warnings and come prepared, as staring at the wood grain of a table does not alleviate your assumed social anxiety when sitting alone. A tablet device will serve as the perfect companion, as it allows for the hasty consumption of a variety of short articles. I would advise against relying on your phone for all your entertainment needs, as it looks desperate and ill-prepared. Dining solo pros can easily identify your amateur attempt at looking busy. 

Of course, when choosing your venue, you must select wisely. Be sure to go to a restaurant that will happily accommodate your party of one. Look for spots with bar seating or table options smaller than four-seaters. Never make a reservation, or you will appear creepy and premeditative. Don’t order more than two alcoholic drinks, and never a colorful cocktail reminiscent of anything served in a Miami nightclub. If you’re really brave, order dessert, but for the average solo-diner, a shot of espresso should suffice. Leave an average tip and don’t smile too much. Upon your departure immediately return to your regular activities. 

Dignity maintained. 


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A few fallbacks when dining solo:


The Food Hall by Todd English
1 West 59th Street, New York, NY

Hasaki
210 East 9th Street, New York, NY

Le Grainne Cafe
183 9th Avenue, New York, NY

The Smile
26 Bond Street, New York, NY


(photo via designwire)

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