|
|
|
|
SoloDiner Tip WINNERSfor 2002! |
|
SoloDining.com Home | Information | Restaurants | Tips | For Restaurateurs | SoloDining.com Newsletter | List of Popular Topics |
|
|
To read the winning tips for 2004, click: 2005 |
|
|
THE How-to Booklet of Solo Dining Tips & Strategies:
The Art and Satisfaction of Dining Alone — REVEALED!
is now available for purchase in PDF format!
Start eating alone at unsophisticated restaurants and repeat, repeat, repeat the experience, going to different places each time.
When you make a reservation, specify where you want to sit; I avoid seating near the kitchen or in the middle of a room.
Name withheld by request
After the first year of eating by myself, I found others doing the same. Soon we were greeting one another and now we have our own table. The four of us sit together, discuss the news of the day and then go our own ways (usually after two hours). You just never know what will develop.
P. Zalkowsky — Olympia, Washington
One of my pet peeves is the child who is let loose in a restaurant by its parents. I have had several experiences where a two or three year old comes up to the table, puts little hands on the table and proceeds to annoy.
I put down my fork and put on my teacher's glare while never saying a word.
After a minute, the child backs away and scoots back to his parents — great result without making a scene!
P. Stich — Alameda, California
Solo dining is a wonderful way to met nice or interesting people. Besides enjoying good conversations, I've often learned about a foreign country and what it's like to live there.
Name withheld by request
Hope you'll never have to use this tip . . .
Once while dining in a booth a drunk guy sat down and was bubbling away. When my food came, he began to eat it, so I just watched. When the check came, I gave it to him and told him to pay it. (He did.)
Name withheld by request
In Munich, the waiter made a point of letting me know that the woman seated at the next table (also alone) was a translator. I invited her to join me and we struck up a friendship. I met a wealthy industrialist at an elegant restaurant in England in much the same way.
I hope my experiences will encourage other people to give solo dining a try.
R. Zwern — Burbank, California
You never know what will happen when you dine out alone. One evening, I ended up with a dozen long-stem red roses from the waiters and the restaurant. It was a great night!
Name withheld by request
Don't miss out on the surprising pleasures of solo dining. I met a wonderful man friend who was also dining alone. The restaurant was crowded and the hostess asked us to share a table. We're friends 10 years now.
D. Stafford — Pacific Palisades, California
Practice confidence and determination. Never do something you don't want to and never sit where you don't want to either!
D. McLaughlin — Peoria, Illinois
If you'd just as soon not be alone for long, go to dinner early. The seating and service is faster; you'll get in and out quickly.
Here's my most entertaining experience dining out alone: At a hotel restaurant in San Francisco, I was given the table at the center of the dining room. It was located on a raised gazebo. The waiter tripped coming up the stairs and poured a large pitcher of ice water on me. My scream was heard everywhere!
Name withheld by request
I have traveled a lot on business, and when dining alone I find that I get superlative service when I bring along a small pad, and take notes throughout the meal.
The staff thinks I am a restaurant reviewer, and have no idea that I am actually writing to-do lists, grocery lists, etc.
Vitoria — Miami, Florida
Take things to read or do. Sometimes sit at the counter in a casual restaurant. And, most important, change your attitude when necessary — start believing at the time that you like being alone.
D. Beck — Sherman Oaks, California
Planning a trip? Visit our sister website. Click here: SoloTravelPortal.com
