Most of my work travel is solo. There are parts of it traveling alone that I like, and parts I don't. It is easier to check in, clear security and wend my way through airports solo. I never have to wait for someone to get out of the bathroom, or get dressed and ready to go when I am traveling alone.
But, eating out alone has become a drag. I don't enjoy it the way I once did. I end up sitting there fiddling with my phone, or reading. I have found two things that improve this.
One is taking a seat at the bar and watching the bartenders work. The first time I did this was at K-Pauls in New Orleans. I stumbled across the place with no plans, figured I wouldn't be able to get a table but asked anyway. The host said, I can get you a seat at the bar and the menu is the same. I decided to give it a try, it was fun. Most restaurants offer the same menu at the bar as they do in the dining room. Having others around or simply watching the show makes the time go by. Occasionally I will find a restaurant with seats overlooking the kitchen, another score for me, I enjoy cooking, and I also enjoy watching a professional kitchen work.
Another option, is planning ahead to go out with professional colleagues. For the trip to New Orleans, I made reservations for two nights and asked others I knew would be attending to join me. Both evenings proved to be great fun.
How do you feel about eating out alone?
I enjoy traveling alone but rarely eating alone. And I don’t like counters unless they’re u-shaped because I hate having my back to the room. A remnant of my gangland days?
ReplyDeletedoesn't bother me. I am there to eat, not entertain the rest of the room. I usually have a REAL book with me for amusement. but I do like the bar idea.
ReplyDeleteIf I have a book with me, I can eat anywhere alone. I did it all through high school. I walked home reading a book. I've got friends now who/whom I prefer to eat with. I need somebody around to bore.
ReplyDeleteYou are so fun and witty, those who left alone, lost out on your greatness.
DeleteAw, aren't you sweet! Thank you.
DeleteHe's only telling the truth!
Delete*SNIFF!*
DeleteI ALWAYS have a real book with me, no matter where I am, so I don't mind eating alone. I guess I wouldn't really like it in a swanky, upscale restaurant, but I probably wouldn't be there, anyway!
ReplyDeleteIn some ways I do this all the time viz. Someone engrossed in his cellphone (there is a word for this but I forget it).
ReplyDelete