Fun & Famous
DINING OUT ALONE IN 7 STEPS
I really enjoy dining out alone. It requires a few conditions, but once you've checked those off, I'm good to go. The funny thing is that I often don't even manage to eat alone. Am I in Milan and visiting my hidden gem Rosa y Gabriele and I find the entire Flemish fashion press there. Or I get into such a conversation with the lady next to me that we end up at the same table sharing a cheese platter. Yesterday in Berlin I was also completely ready for a solo lunch, just me, myself, and my laptop, when I ran into Marvy Rieder and Monique Mathijssen (stylist turned photographer). They are so pleasant that I ended up stuck with them for the rest of the day.
But anyway. Suppose you're alone and you're eating alone and you're a bit apprehensive about it, then this is my helper list.
1. Don't go to a trendy IT place
You'll probably feel like a little loser. Go to a neighborhood restaurant where everyone gathers and people actually come to eat so you don't sit staring at your plate for hours and hours. Another option is the restaurant of a hotel. They are used to solo diners.
2. Bring something with you
If you have a book or a magazine with you, you have a. something to do and b. everyone sees that you are consciously eating alone and not that some jerk left you hanging.
“You deserve it, so accept it.”
3. Order wine
Who needs other people to have a good time? Not you, right? You're abroad or in a nice place. You're in a restaurant. Treat yourself. And feel free to order a starter too.
4. These are your assets
If you have a pen and a notebook with you, everyone understands that you have to eat alone for work reasons. Not because no one wants to eat with you. And go ahead and use your phone. Normally maybe rude, but now it's completely justified. Go wild.
5. Become besties with the waiter
Then he will come over to chat and refill your glass. Anything to avoid being the pitiful sheep that makes everyone feel a bit awkward.
6. Tip
A generous tip is, if served well, always a good idea (at least, at least here I thought differently about that), but especially now. You're in control and not pathetic.
7. Let it all please you
Does the table next to you offer you a drink? Accept it and toast in their direction. With a smile. Does the waiter want to take your coat and help you into it? Fine. You deserve it, so accept it.
Just enjoy your peace, because before you know it, someone will sit next to you again.
