Community Chat

[Moonchilde]

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@missy1 wrote:

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@Moonchilde wrote:

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@drizzellla wrote:

Moonchilde -  I admire you for being comfortable to eat alone.

I would not be comfortable eating by myself. I would get the meal "to go" and either eat in my car. And put the radio on and listen to music. Or take the meal back to my house or hotel.

I enjoy eating by myself but not with other people at tables around me. I would rather eat alone in a familiar environment.

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@drizzellla, I would be uncomfortable going out alone to dinner, though I have when necessity dictated. But it’s never bothered me at breakfast, brunch or lunch.

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I thought you were talking about fine dining. Now you say you don't go out to dinner alone. At those times (lunch/breakfast) if space is available then they should sit where you want. (meaning if there is a waiter there)

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I honestly have no clue what anything in your paragraph above actually means.

The only thing I said about ‘where’ is that I was not referring to diners, coffee shops, major chains, etc.  

Is “fine dining” limited to be only applicable to a meal consumed after 6 pm, and not during daylight hours? First I’ve ever heard anyone say that. Never realized you literally couldn’t have an exquisite meal before the moon is up.

The rest of it? I give up.

[AuntG]

@Moonchilde sure is opposed to sitting at a bar to eat. I often see single diners being served at the bar and they seem very comfortable.

[cherry]

Spoiler

@AuntG  I am the same way. I am not sure why, but I don't like setting at a bar

For one thing ,I am short, and  bar stools aren't built for petites. I also don't like rubbing shoulders with strangers while I eat.

I don't think I would be comfortable during the meal

[Moonchilde]

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@Mmsfoxxie wrote:

I've never thought of going to a high end restaurant alone but I've seen a person or two eating alone.  Whether they had a problem getting a decent table, I can't say.

But I would never sit at a bar even if that was all that was available, alone or not.  For one thing, I'm short and my feet would dangle; there is no back support on those stools that won't stay still.  And I think that if I went out to eat alone, the bar would be too active.  I doubt if I'd want to be involved in conversations that might be initiated.  I'd want peace.

I do sit at the bar while waiting for my carry out order sometimes.  Different circumstance.

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ITA, @Mmsfoxxie.  So many so quick to believe someone was passing a moral judgment on them that there couldn’t be any other reason, right? Sigh.

[suzyQ3]

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@AuntG wrote:

@Moonchilde sure is opposed to sitting at a bar to eat. I often see single diners being served at the bar and they seem very comfortable.

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@AuntG, I think that @Moonchilde is allowed to have her own preferences, don't you?

[Moonchilde]

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@AuntG wrote:

@Moonchilde sure is opposed to sitting at a bar to eat. I often see single diners being served at the bar and they seem very comfortable.

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Your point? If you would be comfortable (the only valid criteria?) then every other person should be comfortable too?

People, your “reaching” is starting to blink neon.

[puttypiesmom]

I think I would cry if a restaurant refused to seat me at a good table with a view or any table because I was alone.  That is terrible.  You are a paying customer and should be treated no different than anyone else.  I think a class action suit is justified or a call to the ACLU or if your local news has human interest stories, this one is perfect.  There should be public outrage over this...it is discrimination.  

[Annabellethecat66]

@Moonchilde I seldom eat by myself.  I have a friend (another widow) and we eat lunch together at least 4 times a week.

However, every now and then I'll get some take out and eat it in my car listening to my radio (I enjoy doing that).

I cannot imagine anyone being made to sit with strangers.  That's unbelievable!  I'm a real people person (I love being around strangers).....BUT (and this is a big but) not while I'm eating and especially not with a bunch of people who are friends....and especially not dinner (need I go on)?

Ugh!  That is just plain crazy to ask that of anyone.  Your (or any single person's money) is the same as anyone else.  If the restaurant doesn't have enough tables (or whatever is the issue) they need to get more tables.

I'd say, "No thank you!  I prefer to eat alone".  There is no way I'd do what someone else wants if it isn't what I want!

If you think I'm blowing hot air you don't know me.  I always speak up if I feel like something isn't right.  That's just crazy.

I've never heard of such a thing.  Good grief!

[Trinity11]

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@Moonchilde wrote:

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@missy1 wrote:

I used to eat out many times alone.  I would go to places like Golden Corall, Chinese buffet, casino buffets, and places like TGIF's. I never had any problems, dining alone. I have been to even Disenyland and the movies alone. I am guessing fine dining they would save the better tables for more than one dining? not sure.

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And they have the “right” to - but IMO it’s wrong, and tacky. If I’m waiting with several other groups of potential diners I would never expect to get a table for four. But when a place is not busy and tables are empty, I highly resent the ‘you can’t sit there because more people might arrive’ excuse. 

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I understand exactly what you mean @Moonchilde. My daughter does a lot of traveling in her job and often eats in some fine restaurants. She has complained about the exact same treatment and mentioned it to me in the past. I probably have not encountered it personally as of late because I haven't been eating out as much in the past few years. However, when I was working, I completely understand about the better tables reserved (unwritten but reserved) for parties of more than one.

It has been going on probably for some time now.

BTW, thanks for the interesting, provocative topics. You always make me think...

[Reever]

I can't  believe this much discussion is being had about a non issue. No one cares if you are dining alone. If you feel like people are staring at you that's in your head. Most people are too self involved to even notice what others are doing. So sit alone at a table or a bar and enjoy your meal. Restaurants are happy to have your business.