Dining Solo
06/23/2010
Although I have traveled to Paris with my husband and also with my mother, I have also gone it alone. The first thing most people said when they found out I was going solo was, “What are you going to do about meals? I could never eat alone in public.” I am amazed at how often I hear that. I just don’t understand why. The thing is, nobody else is that concerned about you. They’re not whispering to each other, “Look at that poor thing, eating alone.” I usually take a book and/or my journal to jot notes of the day in when traveling, but more often than not, I just people watch and enjoy the surroundings. How about you?
Now, why can’t I get a salad like this at home…? Funny ~ I just noticed my journal on the table in this photo….
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More power to you ~ to not have a problem being in your own company : ) And you’re not really eating alone. You’re dining with PARIS! That’s a beautiful salad, btw.
PS What’s the name of the restaurant and where is it?
Hi Cynthia ~ thanks for stopping by :-) I am the worst when it comes to actually paying attention to the name of a place. I can, however, tell you, it was on a pedestrian street in St. Germain. It is a passage between Cour du Commerce Saint André and rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, close to Boulevard St. Germain. The Odeon metro stop is just across Blvd. St. Germain. There doesn’t seem to be a name on this passage on Google maps, but having looked at the street view there, that is it. It seems that the addresses the business on that street are coming up Cour du Commerce Saint André.
People (women) STILL feel that way about eating alone? I guess it’s not too surprising, but so many “of us” travel etc. solo, that you would think it might get easier. Anyway, I don’t mind at all…I find waiters (in France this is) are especially attentive! I am not one to be totally un-self conscious, and yet, eating doesn’t bother me at all. I do agree, a book, magazine, tour guide, something like that is helpful. Also, French restaurant meals can take HOURS, so it’s always good to have something to read!
Chalk me up as another one who doesn’t mind eating out alone. I do it a lot on business travel. I take a book and also try not to go at peak business hours (mostly so as not to take up a whole table) and I find that most servers are super attentive. And the best part (esp. for a foodie like me): I always get to pick the restaurant!
I’m funny. I feel totally confident eating alone in the States, and have no issues with being alone in a restaurant there. I actually kind of like doing it. I guess because it is more “known” territory! I’m sure if necessity forced me to dining alone here in Paris, I would do it, but it would feel lonely to me to not share the good meals with another and being in another culture and language environment, too. You have my deepest admiration and respect for making a go of it solo in a restaurant here! Kudos to you.
I *love* the journal on the table! How fun that it was in the shot!
You take care, Beej.
I am a PRO at solo dining! One of my best travel memories was in Sydney… I went to the chichi Icebergs restaurant on Bondi Beach one day for an incredible seafood lunch. Long story short, when it came time to collect my bill, my waitress told me some other table – that had already left the restaurant – had picked up my tab. They thought I seemed so happy and they just wanted to treat. I still have no idea who was at that table, but what an amazingly generous gesture.
And here in Paris, I’m quite content to sit at a cafe and enjoy one of the top-notch salads on my own. Especially now that it’s summer and you can linger on the terrace. In fact, isn’t that a joy of living here? Sitting alone at a cafe and watching the (stylish) world go by?
That said, it has become preferable to me to dine solo during the day than at night. :)
I had a couple great meals alone in Paris last month and had mixed feelings. Early dinners were fine but on my last night I ate alone and was seated across from a couple who wouldn’t stop staring at me! They made me feel so weird but maybe it was just me!
I go to Paris a number times on my own and I don’t mind eating alone there. I find that most Parisians are so into their own conversations and the wonderful food, that they don’t notice. I also think that when you are being looked at, it may be because they wish they too had the courage to enjoy their own company. A woman who has the confidence to eat on her own is more intriguing.
I’m travelling solo to Paris in October. While I don’t mind eating alone usually, this is my greatest fear of the trip. Mainly because I won’t have anyone to dilute the experience ( ie. OMG, I don’t understand anything on the menu) and secondly because I’ll be lonely. I really want to feel comfortable.