Table for one, please.
Traveling alone means dining alone. I’ve met such wonderful people since I’ve been in Bologna that tonight is the first night I’ve gone to a restaurant and dined solo. I was walking toward Da Vito, a restaurant I’ve wanted to try, when a lush, beer garden with live music summoned me. I decided Da Vito would wait until domani.
Having dinner alone isn’t easy; I don’t care what anybody tells you. If you’re like me, the iPhone gets put away at meal time, so your options are fairly limited to reflection and soaking up the environment around you. So, I always prefer dining alone when I have music to enjoy. It just feels better when you have a jazz band playing in the background. There’s plenty of people to watch, your toes start tapping subconsciously, you have a glass of wine or two to forget that people are wondering why you’re alone, and then the meal arrives and you couldn’t care less what’s going on around you. The added bonus in Italy is that I don’t know what the hell they’re saying anyway…
Although, I did catch a table of 3 guys staring, smiling and talking. I just smiled back in appreciation. I hope I didn’t have arugula in my teeth.
Oh yeah, speaking of…this was my dinner:
Piatta Primavera:
I had a better view of the foliage than the band, but I preferred it that way.
And, finally, the panna cotta with caramel. It was light and delicious and perfect for this weather!
If you’ve never sat alone in a restaurant, without distractions (a book, iPad, phone, laptop, friends) then I highly suggest you give it a whirl. I dine alone quite often and it’s always a bit unsettling at first…maybe because we humans are pack animals…we look around the room at various groups and get the feeling that we don’t belong.
But it’s good…healthy…I think even necessary to take a step out on your own every now and again. In the handbook of self awareness, I’d be willing to bet it’s a prerequisite to feeling comfortable in your own skin.
So…Tavolo per uno, per favore.
Buon appetito!
So many pretty colors – in your descriptions and photos:) I’m glad you found some good music to accompany your dinner. I agree with your thoughts on dining alone. I see your Italian is coming along:)
I spent many a meal alone when in Miami and you are absolutely right, the time for self reflection is precious and with each meal comes more and more peace with yourself and surroundings. Soak up every minute!
I spent so long on the road I learned to do most things solo. Dinners…movies…If I wanted to do something I had to do it solo. My favorite part is that most feel they should pity you but have no idea how nice it can be.
so brave Jo. I love it! the food pics are, clearly, my favorite. :) xo
Love reading about your adventures, keep em’ coming!!