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Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

Posted by Lana Gay on Sep 03, 2010

Do you like to eat alone?

I don’t mind being alone. I live alone (I do have a cat, so does that count?), I have travelled alone, and right now in the studio, I am flying solo. One thing I can’t do alone – eat at a restaurant.

On the few occasions that I have, I’ve chowed down with wild force and speed, getting through that meal ASAP, usually with some sort of prop, like a book, magazine or my iPod.  

When I’m out by myself, I’d rather eat on the go. Though it may makes me appear like a slob (oh, THAT mustard stain on my coat!? Where did that come from?), and surely isn’t good for digestion, I like to walk and wander and eat.  All hail the mighty hot dog vendor!

Have you dined alone?
How was the experience?

I’ve heard many people say it's nice to focus on your meal and it’s flavours. Others have said it’s a peaceful way to enjoy time out. For some, it’s just a necessity when on a work trip abroad.

Post your comments on the blog, email feedback@cbcradio3.com or tweet @CBCRadio3

Also, have you heard about Dine Alone Records “dine alone” contest?

Photo by Lars Plougmann

Comments

71 comments
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  1. Mic 1000
    01

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I'm definitely a loner eater ... although they usually don't give me as big a table as in the picture on the blog.  

    if you don't have really good human company - I'd rather have company of a good magazine or the news rather than mediocore human company!  Plus you don't have to worry about table manners - bonus!

     

  2. mcb808
    02

    Dining alone

    It's fine as long as you have a "prop" as Lana said.  I frequent pubs mostly anyways so there's usually either the bar to sit at or watch something on TV. It's just flat out wierd to sit there are stare forward, no?

  3. AlexOfAnders
    03

    The Solo Diner

    I've eaten in restaurants alone. I find it a little awkward if you don't bring something to do, I usually bring a book, crossword or something to fill the time you're waiting for food. Sometimes I like just hanging out though and the staff often shoots the breeze with you more freely when your on your own.

    The most regular solo dining I do is I get a craving for Modern Burger once and a while. Sit at the counter, get a coffee, a burger and some fries. It's like a little slice of the old 50's lunch counter (even though it's usually my dinner). Oh, and when I get Nuba from the Seymour & Davie location I usually just stay in to eat it. I don't like walking and eating, only do it when the food is basically because I'm starving and don't have time to stop somewhere, even if it's just on a curb or something.

  4. AlexOfAnders
    04

    @Lana

    How about "I'll bring the buns" instead ;)

  5. tagish156
    05

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I'm not a big fan on solo dining.  I remember in first year uni I did a fare amount in the cafeteria, that was just depressing.  Certain occasions call for it though, such as travelling.  I enjoyed a solo meal in the chilis in Calgary Airport on my way to Ontario last week, and I've solo dined when I had a layover in Vancouver on the way back to the Yukon once.  I tracked down a BP's close to my hotel and made some new friends.  So I guess its not all bad.

  6. victornovemberlima
    06

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I have dined alone at a restaurant, most recently in Victoria.  It's just an uncomfortable experience because most people eat out at sit-down places with others.

  7. Spud
    07

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I find a solo meal a good opportunity to relax and re-energize before wading back into the fray.

    I usually prefer to have a table to myself. On the rare occasions that I have to sit at the counter or bar, I find the experience very taxing.

  8. nvp
    08

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    yup it's weird.

    if i'm alone i usually do take-out or street food.

    unless there's someplace with an interesting view, and a bar to sit at instead of a table.

  9. Lana Gay
    09

    @mic 1000

    Love the term 'loner eater'

  10. mcb808
    10

    On occasion

    it is fun to play tin foil hat man and talk to myself slowly rocking back and forth.  But only on the first Tuesday of the month...

  11. garfielduk
    11

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I have never dined out alone and yet I eat alone at home alone all the time unless you count Natasha (my dog)

  12. TheRadioHead
    12

    Holy crap!

    What is this song, Place Called Grace!!??!!

     

    Amazing , and not your usual R3 fare. 

     

    Thanks for introducing me to something new yet again, LG!

  13. bmv504mg
    13

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I have once or twice...it's just depressing.

  14. boders
    14

    I'm hoping that guy in the pic was simply early...

    sure I've done it, same as the examples tagish gave above

    I've never intentionally gone to a nice restaurant for a 3 or 5 course meal on my own just for the experience of it.

    sidenote: Whoa! Is this totally new to R3? (Saidah Baba Talibah) Seems so! Love it.

    @mcb - just sitting staring staring straight ahead while waiting weird? oh yeah! That's something I picture a David Cross character doing; walking in, ordering, sit completely straight, staring, not interacting with anyone. Then freaking out when a waiter won't leave him alone thinking something is wrong

  15. Mic 1000
    15

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    The Loner Eater is a complex breed, enjoying a good meal without the pressure to perform the art of conversation at the same time - sometimes you just want peace, quiet, some good reading material and flavour!

  16. nvp
    16

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    i had to switch to my earbuds for The Slew's Robbing Banks.

    it just a shame to have that song quietly playing in my pretending-im-on-the-phone headset!

  17. garfielduk
    17

    @Mic 1000

    We have an answer for that and it goes by the name of Take Out

  18. mcfflyer
    18

    Interesting timing of the question, Lana

    Since my wife and I separated in January, I have pretty much stopped dining out, because of the fact I don't have anyone to go out with, don't see the benefit of going out somewhere nice alone, and can hardly afford it anyway.  Even my local Chinese restaurant, I'll order my favourite dish (spicy garlic shrimp) as a take out, and not eat it there.  Even when I go to San Francisco to a show, I've found a local bar that serves food, and I'll sit at the bar and have a sandwich, but that hardly counts. 

    There was one exception however, and it does have an R3 connection.  The dearly departed Scott Muc came to San Francisco for a work conference, and asked me if I wanted to come down for a visit, as I had always told him "if you ever get down here...".  I took Amtrak down to Emeryville, the bus across the bay, and I got off at the Ferry Building and walked down the SF waterfront to AT&T Park to see the Giants game and meet up with Scott.  The visit was unfortunately brief, although it was great to see Scott.  On the way back to the Ferry Building, I did go into Sinbad's, a very San Francisco waterfront restaurant with a spectacular view of the Bay Bridge.  If I'm in San Francisco, I'm not going to miss the chance to have a grear seafood dinner.  So, I dined alone.  Certainly worth it.

    Now, if I had a girlfriend . . .

    Lee

  19. reid.creative
    19

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    i don't mind dinging/drinking alone in a pub. it can be relaxing to read the paper over a beer, people watch or chat with the bartender or other lone bar-folk. lone-dining in a restaurnt, however, i find to be rather awkward, and avoid if at all possible.

  20. jsitar
    20

    Props to props

    I'm ok with eating alone, sometimes it's a necessity when you want a pint and are catching up with people later or have time to kill in between things. I tend to either read or draw and have noticed that waiters and waitresses are a lot nicer to you if you're doing something arty. And yes, Pub, not restaurants. However, it's worth just going talk to the bartenders at L'Abattoir and learn their delicious boozey secrets.

  21. garfielduk
    21

    re: Listener Map Plug

    Are you on the CBC Radio 3 Listener Map if not (or you can't remember) click here to have a look

  22. fresh ginger
    22

    dining alone...

    sounds peaceful and quiet. It's not something that happens in my life. This is mainly due to having kids that think eating out is waaaay better than mom's cooking, plus living on an island with limited dining-out options. But if it ever does happen for me, I'll be sure to have a book/sketchbook handy.

  23. Lana Gay
    23

    What should we call Kurt's Food Reviews?

    Kurt Dahle from New Pornos will be giving us some food reviews on the road.

    What should we call his segment? Any ideas?

    So far my only idea is 'Food Pornography with a New Pornographer'?

  24. kn0ttyn3rb
    24

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    eating is usually a social experience but I have been spotted at various (usually Asian) restaurants by my own if I'm craving some kind of food and jump into a restaurant on a whim. maybe we're too scared of looking like a loner or having to spend time with our own thoughts!

    however, I would never, ever, watch a movie alone.

  25. nvp
    25

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    foody fills from the drumming pornographer

  26. victornovemberlima
    26

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I think the thing about dining alone is to master trying to do it confidently while not bringing any "armour" (e.g. book, crossword etc.).  I read or saw a fabulous monologue on this point.

  27. AlexOfAnders
    27

    @kn0ttyn3rb

    I've watched a movie in theatres on my own once. Even thought I liked the movie but somehow it wasn't fun and I've never done it again. It's weird to me since watching a movie in a theatre doesn't seem very social but when you go alone, you realize that somehow it is.

  28. joeyjoseph
    28

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I had to eat alone a lot when travelling and it was a lot easier to do in some places than others.  In Italy, the people at the tables around me would often strike up conversations with me so it didn't feel like I was eating alone at all.  In most Asian countries, though, it didn't go so well.  In fact, some restaurants in Korea won't even let you eat alone... dining is very communal there.  

  29. kootenaygirls
    29

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I just returned from Las Vegas whre I travelled alone.  I dont find it uncomfortable at all. 

    Sometimes I have my phone and I will often sit at the bar or by a window.

    For those of you who are afraid of being alone.  Face the fear and do it anyway right!

  30. heathery
    30

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    No, I don't like dining alone; even if I have a book, there are too many people enjoying "togetherness" time and it makes me feel lonely. I've had to do it while travelling & wouldn't repeat the experience. Coffee shops are a different story. I can eat and drink comfortably in a coffee shop, but then I always have my laptop with me for work purposes, hence I am "connected" to other people/the world in some visible way.

  31. kn0ttyn3rb
    31

    @Alex

    I think I don't watch movies alone because I barely watch movies to begin with, and usually when I do go it's due to some kind of social pressure.

    P.S. almost time to leave for Squamish!! I'll call when I'm close to your office?

  32. garfielduk
    32

    @Lana

    How about this title:

     

    Dahles Dining Dial In

     

    Drummer Dhale describes dining delicacies discovered during daily diary dates.

  33. mcfflyer
    33

    @kn0tty

    Brenda, don't forget your highly coveted CBC Radio3 scarf.

    And have fun!

    Lee

  34. AlexOfAnders
    34

    @Brenda

    I had too much stuff so I gotta go home first, I drove to work to make it faster. I'm leaving around 4p

  35. mcfflyer
    35

    @AlexofNelson

    So, you driving up there?  You're the wheelman?  Are you going to let Brenda use her charm and good looks to get out of sharing for gas?  Just wondering.

    Lee

  36. AlexOfAnders
    36

    @mcfflyer

    Nope, just to get to and from work early enough to meet my ride at my house.

  37. mcfflyer
    37

    @AofA

    Oh. 

    Well then.

    Have fun!

    Lee

  38. hipped hop
    38

    Dahle's reviews

    I really thought about this and the only thing I came up with was The Chew Pornographer. Enjoy.

  39. Mic 1000
    39

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    Eating Pornography

     

  40. leeanne
    40

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    Daytime: prefer dining alone with a book and/or my journal.

    Nightime: not unless I have to, if i'm going to dine alone, i'll do it at home with cheaper food!

  41. AlexOfAnders
    41

    @Lana

    I think I like Kurt Dahle is The Food Pornographer! Food reviews from a New Pornographer

  42. nvp
    42

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    The Dining Drummer

    Pornographers Choice

     

  43. deeglowbot
    43

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I was surprised when a coworker of mine said that she hates going to resturaunts alone. Even fast food. I don't see what's the big deal with going for fast food alone. But I do think that you need company at a fancy resturaunt but only because it always takes a long time for the food to come.

    Being afraid to eat alone could be dibilitating if your friends are busy, or if you're alone and hungry for some other reason.

    But on the flip side, if you always feel like you must eat with people, it would make you more social over all, because you'd call people and ask them out to dinner more often and in the end you would probably end up with more firends.

  44. fresh ginger
    44

    food porn...

    Y'all have great suggestions. All I came up with was Vicarious Food Porn.

  45. plingativator
    45

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I've always wanted to go to a restaurant and ask for a table for two. Then I would slowly order a drink, appretizer, eventually a full meal and probably dessert, all the while telling my server that my second would probably be showing up any time soon. I'd try to act more depressed as the meal went on too, then just pay and leave without anyone ever joining me. Seems like the way to do it.

  46. Mic 1000
    46

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    yeah The Food Pornographer is pretty prefect!

  47. nvp
    47

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    i googled "The New Gastronomer" and it already exists

  48. Lana Gay
    48

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

  49. Lana Gay
    49

    @TheRadioHead & boders

    Saidah Baba Talibah is awesome!

    Found that one on the Playlist for the Planet submissions.

    She has a really cool story as well, check out her bio http://radio3.cbc.ca/bands/Saidah-Baba-Talibah

  50. victornovemberlima
    50

    Saidah Baba Talibah

    Was really awesome... I was dancing in my swivel chair here at work.

  51. Rachipoo
    51

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    As hard as I've tried, I can't comfortably eat alone - at least not without a prop.  And even, I don't know if I'd say I'm comfortable.

    I think for me, this stems from this one experience that I had when I was quite young (maybe in my early teens).  I remeber watching an old man, eating a hamburger at MCDonalds.  He took his bites slowly, and chewed monotonously, then swallowed. Over and over again. Without looking at anyone, without looking up - just chewing and swallowing.  It was one of the lonliest sights I've ever seen.

    Now, I always think of that when I eat alone and I feel a little sorry for myself - weird because I'm not old, nor particularly loney.

     

  52. Sywanyk
    52

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I never eat, watch movies, or do anything alone!

     

    However, in 10 days I leave to backpack across India solo for 3 months. Although I'm sure I'll meet fellow travelers along the way, I will have to get use to eating/traveling alone for the majority of the time.

     

    Cudos to those who can, and enjoy, eating alone. I envy you.

  53. Treeroot
    53

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    This is a beautiful poem by Tanya Davis which sums up being alone quite nicely. Once you have watched this, being alone won't seem as frightening....to those who find it as such.

    Dining alone, allows for personal reflection and in some cases growth...not only in the stomach

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs

  54. cleaver
    54

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I have made an effort to become comfortable going to things alone. I've moved around a lot, and end up in new places, where I don't know many people, but I wouldn't want this to limit what I do. If a band or a movie that I want to see comes to town, I feel comfortable going on my own.

    I am still working on the eating out solo thing though. As others have said, fast food, diners, pubs, cafes, basically anything during the day is OK, but it gets a little iffy when it comes to nicer places and the dinner hour. I'm working on it though.

    I do still bring my book with me though. Actually, I rarely leave the house without it. I do like to take a break and people watch while I eat though... the book is just for waiting before and after the food.

    And I second the Tanya Davis suggestion. Lovely video.

  55. MusicSoop
    55

    Kurt Dahle Food Reviews

    This is what I got...

    Gluttony I Promise You

     

    The Feeding Mouth Show

     

    A Bite Out Of My Tour

  56. hipped hop
    56

    @MusicSoop [55]

    Okay, I don't think anything can beat Gluttony I Promise You. Well done!

  57. AlexOfAnders
    57

    @MusicSoop

    I completely agree with hipped hop, Gluttony I Promise You is awesome.

  58. Funhog
    58

    @Lana

    I am just like you Lana when I eat out alone.  Typically with whatever reading material I can find and at lighting speed and for the most part miss out on the experience and taste of what I'm eating completely.

  59. cathyort
    59

    @Funhog

    <----  My dog would like to meet your dog.

  60. MusicSoop
    60

    @hipped hop & AlexOfAnders

    I had a good LOL at your suggestions too.  

     

    Was disappointed I couldn't figure out a way to use "Comestibles".

     

    Kurt and the Comestibles!  ??

  61. Funhog
    61

    @cathyort

    Very Handsome Teddy.  Her name is Samaria and she likes long walks and runs, chewing on bones, and schooling her pups (we keep two for a total of 3 Huskies! I know, I'm crazy) 

  62. kathyjean
    62

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I eat alone frequently.. haha. I hope that doesn't make me sound like a loser. I have just relocated to a new city, and have a couple acquaintence, but no real dinner buddies. I'll have to change that. I love dining out. There's just such a social aspect, even if you just chat with one of the waitresses or waiters. I do usually bring something to read. 

  63. nvp
    63

    over and out. happy labo[u]r day weekend.

    and happy live-at-squamish-fest, and happy block-party-at-victory square to all.

    looking forward to hearing all the field reports.

  64. kathyjean
    64

    @Saskatoon People!

    I have created a Facebook group for CBC R3 Fun Club - Saskatoon Chapter. :) Here is the link!! Come one, come all. (Even if you are a lover of Saskatoon, you can join. We're accepting people!)

  65. garfielduk
    65

    @cathyort & Funhog

    <------ what about my dog?

  66. kathyjean
    66

    @GARF

    Your dog is cute as well!! :)

  67. kathyjean
    67

    happy labour day weekend, all

    I'm out! Join the group!

  68. CDNz1
    68

    @Lana [23]

    How about...

    Kurt Dahle's Foodie Tales

  69. Funhog
    69

    @Garfielduk

    Of course I think your dog is awesome! 

    CBC Radio 3 Sled dogs unite!  We just need a few more to start a team.

    Have a great weekend everyone!

  70. garfielduk
    70

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    Should I be honest and say <----he is Diefenbaker from Due South?

  71. JPdOrleans
    71

    re: Today on Lanarama: Foodie Friday! Dining Alone.

    I don't mind eating alone because I enjoy the peace and quiet.

    I often travel for work and, being the father of three children and enjoying good food, beer and wine, I like to have a good meal that doesn't require cleaning up after! I've gotten very used to eating alone in restaurants in Canada, the US and Europe!

71 comments
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