Solo Eating Out
faithyang
Posts: 297 Member
Okay, so I'm planning a couple of days to myself where I'm eating at places on my Noms lists.
But as with most people I'm used to eating out against a social / companion backdrop, so I get to try many different foods or at least see how they look like in real life because everyone in my group or my significant other orders different dishes. I've done solo eating before but it was always within the context of work lunch typical time constraint or some utilitarian purpose.
Now this is obviously a #firstworldproblem but how do I get over the feeling that I'm 'losing out' when just ordering more than one dish to myself (they are obviously full sized portions, not tapas sized) to try different dishes? I see at least 3-4 dishes on the menu and I'm always 2 seconds away from yelling GET IN MAH BELLEHHH.
Also, any other solo eater experiences? How do you guys decide what to order when at a cafe/restaurant that has more than one dish you think you do really like?
But as with most people I'm used to eating out against a social / companion backdrop, so I get to try many different foods or at least see how they look like in real life because everyone in my group or my significant other orders different dishes. I've done solo eating before but it was always within the context of work lunch typical time constraint or some utilitarian purpose.
Now this is obviously a #firstworldproblem but how do I get over the feeling that I'm 'losing out' when just ordering more than one dish to myself (they are obviously full sized portions, not tapas sized) to try different dishes? I see at least 3-4 dishes on the menu and I'm always 2 seconds away from yelling GET IN MAH BELLEHHH.
Also, any other solo eater experiences? How do you guys decide what to order when at a cafe/restaurant that has more than one dish you think you do really like?
0
Replies
-
Go back more than once....
I don't do it often, but if I'm dining alone I don't tend to go anywhere fancy with amazing food, it's normally somewhere a bit more basic. I save the exciting places so I can share the experience and food with someone0 -
Hmmm...I've never thought about ordering more than one entree at a time. That's mostly because I hate to waste food and it's all going to come home, and they often rarely reheat well.
If there's a place that has more than a couple items I'd like to try, I'll see how I like the item I do decide on and if it's good I might make a trip back to try something else.0 -
Yeah, just go back another time.
For deciding in the moment, I close my eyes and think about which protein flavour my gut wants and go from there. There are chicken days, pork days, beef days, mackerel days. If I have no idea (unlikely, usually if I think hard enough my gut provides an answer), I'll quickly glance at what others have ordered to see how what they got looks.
I also don't usually order a dish I can or do make for myself. Unless it's the place to go for that specific thing and all signs point to it being a mindblowing experience. (I mostly hate cooking chicken, so it gets one tick in the plus column for that.)
Re eating alone, as soon as you say "table for one", servers usually get it and take it upon themselves to offer you a comfortable seating situation if they can and it's not too busy. Like they'll offer you a table in a cozy corner. It's also slightly less weird if you sit at the bar.
This is a neat thing you're doing
0 -
I suppose, if you had the extra money, you could order one meal there and one to go and pretend it's for a friend. Then go home, eat it while re-watching all of Daredevil on Netflix, in your pajamas. Um, I mean... is that just me?0
-
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Problem is that my significant other has very VERY different food preferences to me so i tend to defer to his preferences as I can eat his food (I do like his kind of food too) in addition to liking many other types of food, but he's very fussy and can only eat HIS kind of food.
So its really hard for me to find the opportunity to eat out in addition to sticking to my lifestyle 'diet' - basically this opportunity has cropped up because my significant other has gone overseas and I'm "free" to plan up my 'cheat' days to eat at the places off my very huge NOMS list.
I guess that's the reason why it has manifested itself into a I WANNA EAT 3-4 dishes at one go because I just simply get a very limited opportunity to eat what I like and want without feeling like I'm forcing someone else to sit there and stare at me eat or pick fussily at their food (which annoys the hell out of me as its such a waste of money + you're not enjoying the experience).
@livingleanlivingclean - that's so true. All my fancy places are sort of stuck in this horrible limbo.
@bpetrosky - Argh that's the thing, I hate wasting food too. I already tend to order too much food when I have eating companions with me. But I do doggy bag it home and 'spread it out' through a few days whenever I do have leftovers so I don't overdo my daily limits.0 -
What about finding out if your favourite places have tasting/degustation menus available? That way you can sample little bits of lots of things?0
-
Just order everything and eat it all0
-
spatulathumbs wrote: »I suppose, if you had the extra money, you could order one meal there and one to go and pretend it's for a friend. Then go home, eat it while re-watching all of Daredevil on Netflix, in your pajamas. Um, I mean... is that just me?
Haha, now there's an idea.
But I don't have a problem eating multiple dishes solo in front of people...its just the food wastage issue and I guess dealing with the very obsessive compulsive issue I have with food.
I DO however, like to watch netflix, movies or play video games in pjs, freshly showered (its a thing. I don't know why), with a fine selection of chips, oreos, biscuits and occasionally, good ice cream, and a tall cold glass of milk. I just only manage 2-3 chips, an oreo or biscuit or two and a spoonful (or two) of ice cream along with a few sips before I get really stuffed and feel sad that I can't repeat that experience or eat more, but by god its so satisfying.0 -
Not to be snarky at all, but what about inviting someone who's not your husband, in the future? Catch up with an old friend, that kind of thing.0
-
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Problem is that my significant other has very VERY different food preferences to me so i tend to defer to his preferences as I can eat his food (I do like his kind of food too) in addition to liking many other types of food, but he's very fussy and can only eat HIS kind of food.
So its really hard for me to find the opportunity to eat out in addition to sticking to my lifestyle 'diet' - basically this opportunity has cropped up because my significant other has gone overseas and I'm "free" to plan up my 'cheat' days to eat at the places off my very huge NOMS list.
I guess that's the reason why it has manifested itself into a I WANNA EAT 3-4 dishes at one go because I just simply get a very limited opportunity to eat what I like and want without feeling like I'm forcing someone else to sit there and stare at me eat or pick fussily at their food (which annoys the hell out of me as its such a waste of money + you're not enjoying the experience).
@livingleanlivingclean - that's so true. All my fancy places are sort of stuck in this horrible limbo.
@bpetrosky - Argh that's the thing, I hate wasting food too. I already tend to order too much food when I have eating companions with me. But I do doggy bag it home and 'spread it out' through a few days whenever I do have leftovers so I don't overdo my daily limits.
Sounds like a good opportunity to take then. Get yer NOMS in! It's a shame your SO is fussy, I'm like you: I'm a universal NOMer.
I'd try it this way: Order the entree you will have for dinner, and during the meal (if it's good), ask the server to make a second dish to go. I've never known a server to say no, anything to increase the check average and get a bigger tip.0 -
just go again,and order something else that you want to try.Okay, so I'm planning a couple of days to myself where I'm eating at places on my Noms lists.
But as with most people I'm used to eating out against a social / companion backdrop, so I get to try many different foods or at least see how they look like in real life because everyone in my group or my significant other orders different dishes. I've done solo eating before but it was always within the context of work lunch typical time constraint or some utilitarian purpose.
Now this is obviously a #firstworldproblem but how do I get over the feeling that I'm 'losing out' when just ordering more than one dish to myself (they are obviously full sized portions, not tapas sized) to try different dishes? I see at least 3-4 dishes on the menu and I'm always 2 seconds away from yelling GET IN MAH BELLEHHH.
Also, any other solo eater experiences? How do you guys decide what to order when at a cafe/restaurant that has more than one dish you think you do really like?
0 -
Yeah, just go back another time.
For deciding in the moment, I close my eyes and think about which protein flavour my gut wants and go from there. There are chicken days, pork days, beef days, mackerel days. If I have no idea (unlikely, usually if I think hard enough my gut provides an answer), I'll quickly glance at what others have ordered to see how what they got looks.
I also don't usually order a dish I can or do make for myself. Unless it's the place to go for that specific thing and all signs point to it being a mindblowing experience. (I mostly hate cooking chicken, so it gets one tick in the plus column for that.)
Re eating alone, as soon as you say "table for one", servers usually get it and take it upon themselves to offer you a comfortable seating situation if they can and it's not too busy. Like they'll offer you a table in a cozy corner. It's also slightly less weird if you sit at the bar.
This is a neat thing you're doing
Aww, thanks.
I'm a massive foodie and honestly there's nothing more amazing in life that revolving it around food experiences - whether travel, me-time or bonding with friends.
I AM EXACTLY THE SAME with dishes I can make myself!! I just don't see the point lol!
I really like the suggestion of peeking at what others has ordered and going by my gut instinct of what I'm leaning towards. I've actually tossed between two or three options on a menu before and ignored my gut ("I kinda feel like eating that seafood paella over that thai stir fry...Oh what the heck I'll go with stir fry" and then feel kinda regretful once it lands on my table!)
0 -
Not to be snarky at all, but what about inviting someone who's not your husband, in the future? Catch up with an old friend, that kind of thing.
I actually did that a few days ago - invited friends to brunch at a place I really really wanted to try for yoinks. HAD a massive food coma and great time catching up with friends - DIDN'T FEEL GUILTY ONE BIT!!
But yes I'll def incorporate more of that in!0 -
livingleanlivingclean wrote: »What about finding out if your favourite places have tasting/degustation menus available? That way you can sample little bits of lots of things?
That's a great idea!
I'll definitely ask them if they have that option!
0 -
fearlessleader104 wrote: »Just order everything and eat it all
SIGH. That is the stuff of dreams my friend.0 -
Not to be snarky at all, but what about inviting someone who's not your husband, in the future? Catch up with an old friend, that kind of thing.
I actually did that a few days ago - invited friends to brunch at a place I really really wanted to try for yoinks. HAD a massive food coma and great time catching up with friends - DIDN'T FEEL GUILTY ONE BIT!!
But yes I'll def incorporate more of that in!
Haha, excellentYeah, just go back another time.
For deciding in the moment, I close my eyes and think about which protein flavour my gut wants and go from there. There are chicken days, pork days, beef days, mackerel days. If I have no idea (unlikely, usually if I think hard enough my gut provides an answer), I'll quickly glance at what others have ordered to see how what they got looks.
I also don't usually order a dish I can or do make for myself. Unless it's the place to go for that specific thing and all signs point to it being a mindblowing experience. (I mostly hate cooking chicken, so it gets one tick in the plus column for that.)
Re eating alone, as soon as you say "table for one", servers usually get it and take it upon themselves to offer you a comfortable seating situation if they can and it's not too busy. Like they'll offer you a table in a cozy corner. It's also slightly less weird if you sit at the bar.
This is a neat thing you're doing
Aww, thanks.
I'm a massive foodie and honestly there's nothing more amazing in life that revolving it around food experiences - whether travel, me-time or bonding with friends.
I AM EXACTLY THE SAME with dishes I can make myself!! I just don't see the point lol!
I really like the suggestion of peeking at what others has ordered and going by my gut instinct of what I'm leaning towards. I've actually tossed between two or three options on a menu before and ignored my gut ("I kinda feel like eating that seafood paella over that thai stir fry...Oh what the heck I'll go with stir fry" and then feel kinda regretful once it lands on my table!)
Glad if it helps Haha, yeah, I've also talked myself into some dishes, and regretted it. Always trust your gut! When it comes to food and everything else 0 -
-
I just order something different each time I go out to eat. Except for crabby Tuesday, 1.5 lbs of crab legs. I don't even look at a menu that day, the only decision I need to make is what beer I want to try. It's a micro brewery/restaurant.0
-
Some restaurants have sampler menu items. Or you can ask - if the chef doesn't think it's too douchy they may be able to come up with something. Like adding another protein to an item you're getting, that sort of thing
Also the post about watching someone pick and fuss at their food struck me. If they don't like dining out, it seems like you could do the dine by yourself thing more often and instead maybe spend time with them in ways that they do like0 -
Okay, so I'm planning a couple of days to myself where I'm eating at places on my Noms lists.
But as with most people I'm used to eating out against a social / companion backdrop, so I get to try many different foods or at least see how they look like in real life because everyone in my group or my significant other orders different dishes. I've done solo eating before but it was always within the context of work lunch typical time constraint or some utilitarian purpose.
Now this is obviously a #firstworldproblem but how do I get over the feeling that I'm 'losing out' when just ordering more than one dish to myself (they are obviously full sized portions, not tapas sized) to try different dishes? I see at least 3-4 dishes on the menu and I'm always 2 seconds away from yelling GET IN MAH BELLEHHH.
Also, any other solo eater experiences? How do you guys decide what to order when at a cafe/restaurant that has more than one dish you think you do really like?
I've had my fair share of solo meals,I generally order anything that sounds good, even if that means mult entrees and desserts. If a place had a la carte and a tasting menu, I'll generally lean towards the tasting menu
Many of the meals at the bottom were solo meals from a business trip to Denmark
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/823358/what-do-your-meals-look-like-show-me-pictures/p3630 -
When I eat out solo, which is depressingly common, I don't actually order out, but order in. That way, I can just portion at home (or gorge in secret shame). Trying multiple meals is no biggie; the lady at the Thai place has no idea I'm ordering for one. 0
-
I don't eat out solo anymore after a bad experience in my youth. At a diner, the hostess refused to seat a party of one at a table and insisted that I take a seat at the counter. The only available seat was between two "gentlemen" who were anything but. I've never done it since.0
-
When I eat out solo, which is depressingly common, I don't actually order out, but order in. That way, I can just portion at home (or gorge in secret shame). Trying multiple meals is no biggie; the lady at the Thai place has no idea I'm ordering for one.
Thai is my go-to food when I'm sick and don't feel like cooking. I order one or two things, take it home, and eat over several meals.
0 -
460mustang wrote: »I just order something different each time I go out to eat. Except for crabby Tuesday, 1.5 lbs of crab legs. I don't even look at a menu that day, the only decision I need to make is what beer I want to try. It's a micro brewery/restaurant.
@460mustang, I'm the exact opposite. I order the SAME THINGS almost every single time I visit a place. Pancake place up on X street? Always the Jamaican banana pancakes with brown butter. Indian up on X lane? Always the naan and chicken vindaloo.
Its a mental battle to order something different in a place I tend to visit often - horrible habits!
@JaneiR36, I totally agree. There's nothing worse than having to go through a shared food experience (ESPECIALLY when you're on your cheat day and you wanna just enjoy the fruit of your labour you know?) ruined by anyone who isn't really enjoying themselves. I guess that's why I'm so looking forward to eating out alone...who knows, I might enjoy it so much the poor fella can choose between dinner leftovers or the drive thru?
@Acg67, your food pics in Denmark/Netherlands looks great!
That part of Europe is on my bucket list - fresh cold cuts and seafood, cured meat plates, cheese, and I love how the foods reflect the people - a muted palette of colours from the outset that surprises you with vibrant, strong and sharp flavours and textures. Love the hot dog and relish, and the quattro of deli selections. So much colour! You looked like you enjoyed yourself there - I hope I'll have some great solo eating experiences too!
0 -
When I eat out solo, which is depressingly common, I don't actually order out, but order in. That way, I can just portion at home (or gorge in secret shame). Trying multiple meals is no biggie; the lady at the Thai place has no idea I'm ordering for one.
I was googling through some places and menus with sampler items on their menus following some of the suggestions above and came across this! That's me by the way, lol!
I think the most I'd ever order was like 4 dishes - 1 main, 1 appetiser, 2 tapas - well if you consider like 14 dumplings an appetiser (in my defense they did not have a smaller portion!). I was alone at the time but was meeting someone later in the day, so it wasn't like the whole solo-eating-for-pleasure type thing I plan to do. I couldn't decide (surprise, surprise) and just ordered this heap of food.
The lady kept asking me - when's your friend coming? She assumed that I was ordering for two. That made me a little sheepish at first but because the place wasn't too full I managed to cosy up in a corner spot to eat in peace.
I ended up doggy-bagging 3/4 of the food because I wasn't used to such huge portions and had to take another 3 days to finish the food.
Lesson learnt? Judging from my above post, probably not really.
@lthames0810, wow, that is a nasty sounding experience. Yeah if it happened in your youth I can get why it still sort of burns today. I remember back as a VERY portly kid (nice word for fat, but hey I think its not nice to call kids "fat".) these two boys started throwing canteen food at me while I was eating and laughing at how 'fat' I was and how I was still eating despite being a 'fatty'. Canteen was absolutely full. It was horrendous. I was like 9 years old and I never ever ate at a canteen during lunch time till I graduated from high school. Basically, I starved myself during lunch time and binged at home for the next 5 years.
The most recent one was a weird guy who decided I needed a date, sat himself across from me, started chatting to me and tried to follow me back to my car when I very politely declined to give him my number after telling him for the 10th time I was spoken for.
0 -
Things everyone for the lovely suggestions and comments. 0
-
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.7K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions