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Fine Dining: Solo

mm84321

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I suppose this is a slightly odd situation. There are a few restaurants that I have on a list to try this summer, and most of them are rather swanky establishments: Daniel is number one on the list. However, my friends don't all share a mutual passion or appreciation for fine cuisine, and either can't afford, or don't feel like shelling out over $200 for a single meal, as they don't see its worth.

So, given that I am currently single, and nothing is looking particularly fruitful in that department at the moment, I've decided to just go at it solo. It may not be such a bad thing, as whenever I go out to eat with my friends we always get carded if we try to order alcohol, but the times I've gone out and eaten on my own, I'm always served without any questions asked; I'd really like having the wine pairing with my meal.

My question and concern is this: The times I have gone out to eat on my own, it has almost always been at a sushi bar or a more casual and laid back setting. Is it going to be awkward sitting down in a restaurant, such as Daniel, by myself? At least at a sushi bar, I could talk with the sushi chefs and the fellow patrons sitting next to me. I'm just a bit concerned about what it's going to look and feel like for me to just be sitting there at a table by myself. Should I bring a pen and pad to make it look as if I'm a food journalist or reviewer? A deck of cards? Does anyone here dine out solo regularly that can shed some light on this for me?

Thanks.
 

binge

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I do it all the time. I don't give a **** what other people think. Take a pen if you like, or just enjoy the meal. If you want company, why not hire an escort?
 

impolyt_one

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there's no shame in dining alone; just dress appropriately and enjoy the food. Those places are not made for the general population, so it's understandable that some people may just end up coming in alone.
 

mm84321

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I'm not too concerned about what others will think. I'm just trying to visualize what it's going to be like sitting alone. I guess I may be over thinking it.

If you want company, why not hire an escort?

Well, then I would have to pay for her meal, and if I were willing to do that in the first place, I might as well just take one of my silly, uncultured friends.
 

mm84321

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Typically, which is the best night of the week to make a reservation?
 

NAMOR

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why dont you go with another sf'er? im sure someone would be open to a man date. no ****, of course
 

mm84321

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I'd very much enjoy that. However, I do not know of any SF'ers in the NYC area, nor of any SF'ers that would wish to willingly sit down and subject themselves to my company for two and a half hours.
 

Monaco

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I remember a thread like this a while back. I'd say take a book and go enjoy. When I used to work at a fine dining restaurant, people did this all the time.

I'd also like to add that food is meant to be savored for everything it's worth, you appreciate it more when you're sitting alone and just focusing on the flavors, textures and smells. When you talk to somebody or are distracted, it takes away from that certain experience. For $200, you better go alone!
 

toothsomesound

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Originally Posted by mm84321
I'd very much enjoy that. However, I do not know of any SF'ers in the NYC area, nor of any SF'ers that would wish to willingly sit down and subject themselves to my company for two and a half hours.

A lot of SW&D dudes are in the New York area although not sure how many would be down for the 200+ meal. I'll be in the city for the rest of the summer starting next week, shoot me a message. Also are you not 21?
 

Manton

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At any Keller restaurant, all solo diners are automatically VIPed--extra courses, off-menu stuff, better wine, etc.--on the theory that they are really into food and so would appreciate special attention more than most.
 

mm84321

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Originally Posted by AndrewRyanWallace
A lot of SW&D dudes are in the New York area although not sure how many would be down for the 200+ meal. I'll be in the city for the rest of the summer starting next week, shoot me a message. Also are you not 21?
I don't know anyone who posts in SW&D, though. I'm 20.
Originally Posted by Manton
At any Keller restaurant, all solo diners are automatically VIPed--extra courses, off-menu stuff, better wine, etc.--on the theory that they are really into food and so would appreciate special attention more than most.
That's really good to know, as Per Se is on my short list of places to try.
 

globetrotter

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I do it all the time, enjoy!
 

JS1357

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I personally don't dine at fancy places unless I have company. I will often wait until I have friends or family visiting until going to a place like that. If I really feel like spending money, I will just go shopping! At least there's no social stigma about solo shopping. (Yikes) Even if you don't have a girlfriend or boyfriend at the moment, there's no reason you couldn't take your brother/sister/mom/dad to a good meal in the city. Daniel/Perse/etc.. are too nice to waste on a first date. (Unless you are that desperate for second date)
 

mm84321

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Originally Posted by JS1357
I personally don't dine at fancy places unless I have company. I will often wait until I have friends or family visiting until going to a place like that. If I really feel like spending money, I will just go shopping! At least there's no social stigma about solo shopping. (Yikes) Even if you don't have a girlfriend or boyfriend at the moment, there's no reason you couldn't take your brother/sister/mom/dad to a good meal in the city. Daniel/Perse/etc.. are too nice to waste on a first date. (Unless you are that desperate for second date)

My sister lives in Florence, and my parents, like my friends, do not see the value of spending that much money on dining. They enjoy good food, but they are sort of old fashioned Italians, and aren't really into the whole haute cuisine thing. I go out with my mom to eat on occasion (we went to Le Bernardin for my birthday), and would love to go with her to Daniel, for instance, but her palate is just not very eclectic, or varied, and she would probably not eat half the stuff on a tasting menu there anyway. I think going by myself may have certain advantages.
 

Blackhood

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One of the people I admire most in my life is a guy who is always happy in his own company. Its a skill I reckon has to be learned, but once acquired results in an almost zen state.

Take this chance to dine alone, and find the beauty in seeing the world move around you. You might find that as well as an incredible meal, you'll be more relaxed and less self concious in your daily life.
 

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