DINING SOLO

This past week was full of excitement. Michelin Star Chefs from Sichuan and Italy, Spanish Mixologist, wine & whisky paired tasting menus, Master Classes…all celebrating the sheer existence of Luxury.

Amidst the cacophony of the French, Americans and Dutch, there stood a guy watching everything around in amusement, enjoying every sip and bite. His only crime- he was all alone.   

Some people looked at him with pity and invited him to join their group while others simply ignored his existence! And before you “Aww…” this guy or feel sorry for his lack of company, I would like you to answer this-

Why is it such a big deal to attend events, go on a holiday or dine just by yourself…

Perhaps, its’ the associated stigma of being seen as a "friendless loser"! Some of that sense of unease surrounding booking a table for one no doubt dates back to our childhoods, when sitting alone in the high school lunch recess was tantamount to social suicide.

Strangely, travelling for work alone is completely acceptable but dining alone isn’t. In our society, there is no room for being alone in a public space, unless there is something seriously wrong with you.

Try telling someone that you went to watch a play or had dinner at this really nice place or went out for a movie. The obvious question that comes in conjunction to this is ‘who did you go out with?’ and may god be with you if you answer this wrongly!!

Eating alone is the most extreme form of feeling disconnected in our culture. This is why restaurants these days have come up with a lot of gimmicks for the so called “Single Diners”…. They keep a bowl with a gold fish on your table, offer you I-pods to listen, get you a set of books to reads….just to make sure that you don’t feel ‘alone’ ( and that's why we escort services too )! A restaurant in Japan, even gives you an over sized Hippo toy just to give you company! 

 

But does one really need all this….. 

The very first words out of a host’s mouth can alienate a single diner.  “Just one for lunch today?”  Yes!  Please,  tuck me in a corner somewhere and stamp the big “L” on my forehead!

We have all been taught that Human beings are sociologically wired to crave community and relationships. But this doesn’t mean that an occasional outing with yourself makes you a loner!

Try spending time with someone whom you have little in common with! Now that’s’ far more alienating than being alone.

So next time you want to try out a place and can’t find a foodie soul- go alone & try it, you might just like your own company.