Table for One
During my recent solo maiden voyage get-away to Galena, IL., one of the challenges I anticipated facing was eating alone in restaurants. Friends told me to bring a book, but I thought if I was looking down at the pages of a book, I might miss life. I decided to face it straight on, without any distractions.
The first night was perfect, I asked to be seated on the outdoor patio of the restaurant, which happened to over-look the Mississppi River. The views were stunning and I knew I wouldn’t be bored. My plan was to stay long enough to see the sunset. It felt a bit awkward at first, but I acted like this was standard practice, and I leisurely enjoyed dinner while I waited for the sun to set. It was a beautiful way to spend my first solo dining experience.
Day two, I spent having dinner at a charming Italian place, a recommendation by a friend. The food was excellent; I stayed present and enjoyed everything around me. Amazingly enough, the same couple seated next to me over-looking the Mississippi River were seated next to me again. We had a little laugh between us, like “oh, it’s you again”. With solo meal number two down, without a hitch……I was kind of getting the hang of dining alone.
Day three, the inn suggested a German/French Bistro and told me to mention they sent me. I did just that, and was seated at one of the two best tables in the house, near the window to people watch. As I looked over, the couple sitting in the other best location, happened to be staying at the same Bed and Breakfast, and we had shared breakfast together earlier that morning. We laughed and toasted each other from our top-notch seats, and enjoyed the wonderful food and service we received. While talking to my waiter, we found things we had in common from my home town that made me feel comfortable and connected.
The fourth and final solo meal was at an Irish Pub that was just as I had imagined from the appearance on the outside, heavy dark wood that was ornately carved around the massive bar. I met a nice couple having dinner and drinks. We laughed together over a goofy show on TV; somehow our laughter connected us for the short time I stayed.
When I look back at the solo dinners I can honestly say, I enjoyed myself. Of course, given the option, I would rather share dinner with friends and family, but the next time I dine alone, I will look life straight in the eye and confidently request a table for one……then, I’ll enjoy the view.
xoxox….Sheryl