“Just you?”
Two words asked harmlessly and yet tinged with scrutiny. A simple question that instantly cuts into any self-confidence mustered. Two words meant to seek clarification that instead unravel much of the courage it took to show up to this, or any, restaurant solo.
Sounds uncomfortable. And very much like a situation that anyone might strive to avoid. So why, you might ask, would I willingly propel myself into this scenario not just once but repeatedly?
The answer is more practical than anything else.
Over the years, I have learned so much from eating with others. My brother Teddy showed me the joys of avoiding comparison and how to live in the moment. Celia and Julia, of my trusty restaurant crew, taught me to share food and, with that, more of myself. For this, and so much more, I am forever grateful.
However, as a single 38-year-old, the reality is that more and more of my time is now spent alone. And as someone who absolutely loves trying new restaurants and different cuisines, that meant I needed to learn to embrace exploring the local food scene with no one but myself.
Of course, I’d partaken in solo meals in the past — cue the aforementioned anxiety anticipated upon arrival at the host stand. But rarely, if ever, had I done so in my hometown. Or by choice.
So, I decided to set out on a new quest, the hardest to date: to pursue my culinary passions without the constraints of company; to learn to love dining alone and, in doing so, gain insight into the Twin Cities’ dining scene and, perhaps, myself.