nyc alone on thanksgiving
Nov 21st, 2009 | 04:17 AM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: Jul 2009
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it's not so much the food...but i don't want to go to the viand, or anything at that level, and i normally don't mind eating at a bar...but that doesn't seem very "thanksgiving" ...my question is more about comfort. is a single person just persona non grata at a nice restaurant? I don't want to feel like a poor lost soul on a holiday...would a hotel (thinking Carlyle, or Pierre) be more comfortable?
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Nov 21st, 2009 | 04:40 AM
#8
Joined: Oct 2006
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Frankly, I think I'd feel even more "lonely" alone at a table on Thanksgiving than any other time. Again, what about a chef's table? Anyone do that in NYC? You'd be with strangers, but that is so much fun even for a single diner -- I loved doing that in New Orleans several places.
Nov 21st, 2009 | 02:51 PM
#12
Joined: Jan 2009
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It would cost a fortune.. but L'Atelier du Joel Robuchon at the Four Seasons on 57th Street could be interesting. It's a rest. where it's preferable to sit at the bar... and there's lots of interaction with the servers. Used to be one didn't need reservations for the bar... and I don't know if they're open Thanksgiving. Also, diners usually end up chatting with each other. (Of course, it's the opposite of volunteering.... -
Nov 21st, 2009 | 02:57 PM
#13
Joined: Apr 2008
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I wld post here(a new post: Want to Join Me for Thanskgiving Dinner in NYC??)) to see if any other NYC Fodorites or NYC visitors who are Fodorites are in a similar situation. They may want to join you. I also like Patrick's "Chef's Table" suggestion if you do not want to be alone.
When I have dinner alone, I always make sure that I have a "nice table". I like corners or "wall tables" far away from the kitchen but close enough to the action(but not noisy) that I don't feel "exiled"! Don't let them put you "in the kitchen" or "by the door" just b/c you are alone!
There is no such thing as "a table for one" so when you make your rez, tell them it is "for 2" & that you want "a nice, quiet location". If you know the restaurant, then request a specific table.
When you arrive & are comfortably seated @ your "nice table", order a wonderful glass of wine from the wine selections, take your time "getting to know" the menu & proceed as if you had a dinner companion! You would be surprised how much fun you can have by yourself! And, to answer your original question, it is not "weird to go to a nice dinner alone somewhere". Once you do it a few times, it becomes less weird!!
When I have dinner alone, I always make sure that I have a "nice table". I like corners or "wall tables" far away from the kitchen but close enough to the action(but not noisy) that I don't feel "exiled"! Don't let them put you "in the kitchen" or "by the door" just b/c you are alone!
There is no such thing as "a table for one" so when you make your rez, tell them it is "for 2" & that you want "a nice, quiet location". If you know the restaurant, then request a specific table. When you arrive & are comfortably seated @ your "nice table", order a wonderful glass of wine from the wine selections, take your time "getting to know" the menu & proceed as if you had a dinner companion! You would be surprised how much fun you can have by yourself!
And, to answer your original question, it is not "weird to go to a nice dinner alone somewhere". Once you do it a few times, it becomes less weird!!
Nov 21st, 2009 | 06:19 PM
#15
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,715
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In this economy I don't think anyone is persona non grata anywhere. Eat wherever you'd like. The only one who has control over how you'll feel is YOU. There are some restaurants that have tables in the bar area where it's a bit more casual than the formal dining room. Gramercy Tavern is one such.
