Quote:
Originally Posted by
JayJay 
I enjoy dining alone on occasion and even prefer it. It happens most when I'm on business travel but I'll do it locally, too.
It doesn't bother me to dine alone but I've had a few experiences when it seemed to bother others. For example I've had servers offer to bring me something to read, which I always decline. I've had on lookers make comments about how it must be awful dining alone. Servers at upscale restaurants often prefer that I eat at the bar, if available, which I also decline. People sometimes seem not to understand that I've chosen to dine alone, and that I enjoy it.
Wow, that's never happened to me. Most staff give me better attention when I'm alone and are more likely to strike-up a conversation, thinking that I'm "in the industry" or just a person who really appreciates food and should have good service. And yes, lots of people will think you're a critic -- on a few occasions I've had people stop at my table as they were leaving to ask who I wrote for, and even had a woman seat herself at my table mid-meal to ask me what I thought of the food and if I could recommend other good restaurants in the area since I must be a critic. What's interesting is that when I return to a restaurant I've eaten at alone, the staff usually remembers who I am since I've had time to talk to them, and they provide even better service, often times sending freebies along, like a few cocktails or an extra course. It's positive reinforcement like that which makes me not care about dining alone.
