I started making salted tahini chocolate chip cookies after having them at my sister's house (she is a former chef), but after making them once or twice, I had to stop. My husband, Brian, and I both can't stop eating them when I make them! I also don't mind eating alone in a restaurant. I probably pay more attention to my food instead of who I'm with, though I will say I enjoy eating out with Brian because then I can taste what he's eating as well as what I order for myself. Double score!
Not so much in the town where I live, or the town where I grew up -- a place someone might recognize me, basically -- I like eating alone. Especially at a bar, sushi or otherwise. When I do that, I try to keep my phone off, or at least not scroll through dinner. I like to listen. I like knowing that no one knows who I am. It is, I think, an exercise in patience, in quiet (even if the bar is loud), and in letting the imagination wander.
I worked in NYC and lived in Minneapolis so travelled back and forth. Typically I dined with clients but, when I could keep a night free, I LOVED eating alone. Best thing. Food tastes better too.
Hi Diana, nice piece! As you may remember, I was a chef in my former life and wrote two cookbooks: OceanWise 1 and 2. I know about fish and seafood. When fish is overcooked, it can taste fishy. Maybe try roasting again, for a shorter time. Fish cooks a few minutes more out of the oven. And check your oven temp.
What a great piece! When you are alone, but not eating alone... I recently was alone at an Applebee's in RI. The waitress told me the story of her relationship and asked if I thought she should leave him. P.S. Thank you for the introduction to Leslie!
I told her that she already knew the answer. And if she followed her decision, she would be glad she did. Leaving can be the answer. Sometimes staying is the answer too.
Eating alone in a French brasserie is bliss. I go for lunch if I can, always at a table and never at the bar. I want to see the people, guess what they are talking about. You immediately understand the dynamics of every table: the consultant bending over backwards for a new client; the senior manager leaning back while his aggressive young team shreds their supplier; the lawyer charming the pants of an associate; the aging couple that have already said it all.
I take a novel, my notebook, and a pencil. I order poireaux vinaigrette, rognons de veau à la moutarde, and half a litre of Brouilly (hey, it's only lunchtime...)
I started making salted tahini chocolate chip cookies after having them at my sister's house (she is a former chef), but after making them once or twice, I had to stop. My husband, Brian, and I both can't stop eating them when I make them! I also don't mind eating alone in a restaurant. I probably pay more attention to my food instead of who I'm with, though I will say I enjoy eating out with Brian because then I can taste what he's eating as well as what I order for myself. Double score!
Oh, yes, I love sharing! When I'm out with others, I pretty much insist that we all order a few things to share instead of individual entrees.
Not so much in the town where I live, or the town where I grew up -- a place someone might recognize me, basically -- I like eating alone. Especially at a bar, sushi or otherwise. When I do that, I try to keep my phone off, or at least not scroll through dinner. I like to listen. I like knowing that no one knows who I am. It is, I think, an exercise in patience, in quiet (even if the bar is loud), and in letting the imagination wander.
As always, a terrific piece.
Why not where you might be recognized? That's fascinating.
Yes to letting the imagination wander. That's the best part. Whole life stories about people we'll never see again.
I think I like being in writer mode, and not having to be myself.
I worked in NYC and lived in Minneapolis so travelled back and forth. Typically I dined with clients but, when I could keep a night free, I LOVED eating alone. Best thing. Food tastes better too.
The food DOES taste better! Maybe because you can focus on it?
Yes. Company is guaranteed pleasant too. You can talk about yourself all you want!
I love to eat alone at local eateries; I have an Indonesian one around the corner and go there regularly for a bowl of Soto Ajam (chicken soup).
You must be in a cool city if you have a neighborhood Indonesian restaurant!
Yes! It’s Amsterdam.
Of course!
Hi Diana, nice piece! As you may remember, I was a chef in my former life and wrote two cookbooks: OceanWise 1 and 2. I know about fish and seafood. When fish is overcooked, it can taste fishy. Maybe try roasting again, for a shorter time. Fish cooks a few minutes more out of the oven. And check your oven temp.
I will try! ❤️❤️
I love eating, drinking, and traveling alone! :)
The best!
I used to not like dining alone before I had kids. Now that I do, eating out by myself is like a mini vacation 😅
I hope you get one of those mini vacations soon!
What a great piece! When you are alone, but not eating alone... I recently was alone at an Applebee's in RI. The waitress told me the story of her relationship and asked if I thought she should leave him. P.S. Thank you for the introduction to Leslie!
Did you tell her to leave?
I told her that she already knew the answer. And if she followed her decision, she would be glad she did. Leaving can be the answer. Sometimes staying is the answer too.
I feel lucky. I love to be with people, but I also love being alone. I think the key for me is that I tend to think I have a choice in the matter.
Great post, as always. Thank you. 🙏
Oh, thank you, dear Stevie! And I totally agree with you: The freedom to decide is the liberating part.
Yay! Another fan of Leslie Brenner
There are lots of us, for sure!
I eat alone when I am in transit and I enjoy my meal with a glass of wine and a good book.
That’s the best!
Eating alone in a French brasserie is bliss. I go for lunch if I can, always at a table and never at the bar. I want to see the people, guess what they are talking about. You immediately understand the dynamics of every table: the consultant bending over backwards for a new client; the senior manager leaning back while his aggressive young team shreds their supplier; the lawyer charming the pants of an associate; the aging couple that have already said it all.
I take a novel, my notebook, and a pencil. I order poireaux vinaigrette, rognons de veau à la moutarde, and half a litre of Brouilly (hey, it's only lunchtime...)
I watch, listen, read, eat, drink, and write.
And always, I leave a wiser man!