Feb 14, 2013

On eating alone

As much as I enjoy sharing meals with others and in groups, I very much enjoy it in solitude as well. Some may do it once in a while out of necessity, but I seek it out and look forward to taking myself out. I'm sure this desire is fueled by my introversion — I find it so nice to just sit back, observe other patrons in the restaurant, take in all the details of the space, and not have to share my food (kidding on that one!). Yesterday, I was in between shoots around lunch time and knew I wanted to go to Rosemary's. I love their focaccia and simple, but well-prepared dishes.


Is it strange that I find more beauty in the messy remains?


The bar area is kinda a dream space with its mix of subway tile, marble, wood, and of course, the hanging copper pots.


I am actually leaving for Paris tonight, so expect a little break on Lingered Upon. Much to come when I return!

25 comments :

  1. I love this post! I think most of us are afraid of being "judged" for not having company, but sometimes our best company is ourselves. Instead of focusing on the conversation (which is still great of course), we can focus on ourselves, our minds and the food we are consuming.

    Have a safe trip to Paris!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well said! I do quite enjoy my own company ;P.

      Delete
  2. One of my favorite things to do! Introversion (or at least, solitary activities) has become more and more accepted recently, especially with the popularity of Susan Cain's Quiet: The Power of Introverts.

    As with anything, I think of solo dining as not better or worse than dining with company. It's just different. Frank Bruni wrote a good piece about it a couple years back: http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/12/15/all-by-themselves/ Sometimes it's to focus on the food, like when I've dined solo at Sushi Yasuda and Per Se. Sometimes it's to people-watch, like when I go to my neighborhood restaurants. Sometimes it's just because I feel like sitting quietly.

    Thanks for writing this thoughtful post! I hope lots of people respond in agreement.

    Have fun in Paris!

    ReplyDelete
  3. i too am an introvert and am much more comfortable alone than with others...a meal alone, with some coffee and a journal, sitting, sipping, people-watching completely recharges me. glad to hear i'm not alone. safe travels to paris, look forward to hearing/seeing fruits of your trip--always love looking through your lens on life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Recharge is a great way to describe it. That's totally how I feel.

      Delete
  4. I'm an only child so I've eaten alone in restaurants many times. It is such a great experience!

    Have a safe trip to Paris and enjoy!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. If you're in need for coffee in Paris, I was recently recommended Ten Belles (which wasn't open yet last time you went to Paris)! :) Looking forward to your Paris photos!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like to eat alone too, sometimes so I don't have to deal with a companion being bothered that I'm always taking photos of my meal (I also feel the empty plates look prettier too.) Enjoy Paris, and I can't wait to see photos when you get back!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lovely pictures. It's not only eating, but sometimes I enjoy roaming alone around new unexplored places/ streets, totally free to peak in any of the shops ;) have a fantastic trip to Paris. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks delish. I don't like eating alone at dinner but a nice sunny afternoon lunch alone (whilst reading a book of course) can be quite something. I hate eating when I'm the only one in a group of people, I'm not sure why, but I feel like I'm being stared at when I do.

    Anna x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good post. I, too, often eat alone for the focused experience. Safe trip, have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Have a lovely time in Paris! I cannot even begin to tell you how often I dream of Paris. Hoping to save up and go with my sweetheart to celebrate my next birthday. Been far too long since I've been to that magical city.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love how you casually dropped, "I'm leaving for Paris tonight...". =)
    I, too, seek out meals by myself. I always have a book with me when I get the chance to do it. Every few months I also would take a day off, just to get lost in the city for hours. One of my favorite things to do.

    ReplyDelete
  12. After reading this post, I feel like we could be friends in real life! :) Really love your blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Have so much fun in Paris. I still dream of that focaccia at Rosemary's too, I want to go back when it's warm to take advantage of the roof! Gorgeous photos, as always.

    ReplyDelete
  14. these photos are lovely.
    have fun in France!

    ReplyDelete
  15. beautiful photos - your lunch looks delicious :)

    have a wonderful time in Paris!

    ReplyDelete
  16. i admire people who enjoy eating alone in a restaurant! for some reason it's something that i'd like to do, but have never done out of self-consciousness. your photos of the mostly-eaten plates are beautiful! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I agree, being alone can actually be very enjoyable. There's a feeling of freeness in having to consider only your own needs, making decisions based solely on what suits you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. such a wonderful post:) I also enjoy taking time out and cooking for myself. Its nice to have some time of your own.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yet another gorgeous cafe that has me excited for our next trip to NY, whenever that may be. I love eating out at cafes alone!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I cannot agree more to your comments about eating alone! I too enjoy having lunch/dinner time all to myself every now and then :-D

    ReplyDelete
  21. I don't think it's strange AT ALL that you find beauty in the messy remains. In fact, I'm happy you do, because my one of my FAVORITE photos from our wedding is of a table at the end of the reception, candles burning low and the table full of messy remains. Definitely a sign of an evening well spent or a meal enjoyed to the fullest :) Enjoy Paris!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I found your site over at Four Months in Paris, so glad I did! I'm always a sucker for pretty photography, especially with food. Can't wait to follow along.

    Elizabeth of The Corner Apartment

    ReplyDelete