Team Eat by Yourself

What is going on, my Eaters?

I hope you are all doing well today.

I am doing well. The heat has finally broken, the cooler mornings and evenings are here, and fall has officially entered the chat.

And for all you pumpkin spice fanatics, you are welcome.

Go live out your wildest pumpkin spice dreams.

This week, I want to talk about something that seems simple, but for some reason, people have strong opinions about it.

Going out to eat by yourself.

Are you for it, or are you against it?

From what I have experienced, people usually land firmly on one side of the fence or the other. For the purposes of this article, I am going to speak from my perspective. Wherever you stand, I challenge you to think about why you stand there. Maybe even consider whether there is another way to see it.

As for me, ladies and gentlemen, I am absolutely Team Eat by Yourself.

Listen, I can think of multiple times when eating by myself has been a blessing. Maybe I am running errands and stop at a taco stand to grab a few tacos. Maybe Gwen and the kids have something going on, and I find myself by myself. Maybe I am traveling alone for work or business and find myself in a city where I know exactly where I want to eat.

And I do not mind it at all.

When I really think about why I enjoy eating by myself, the first thing that comes to mind is this: I think it is good and necessary to be able to sit with yourself. It gives you a chance to enjoy the quiet, process life, think about what is going on, and reflect.

We live in a world full of noise, schedules, opinions, responsibilities, and constant movement. Sometimes sitting at a table alone is not lonely at all.

Sometimes it is rest.

Then there is the simple joy of treating yourself.

Every now and then, I just want a treat. We work hard. Life is busy. Sometimes that meal is just a good old “attaboy” to yourself.

Good job. Keep going. Enjoy this.

For me, that might look like a burger or a steak, followed by some ice cream. I do not do it every day. It may be once a month or once every six weeks. But I think it is good to date yourself.

Go grab yourself a steak, Eaters.

Go have some sushi.

Go eat a bowl of pho. And since we are talking about pho, shameless plug: Ruby Pho in Newnan is, in my opinion, the best pho in Atlanta.

Date yourself. Treat yourself. You deserve nice things.

Part of this is also just foodie life. I enjoy food. I enjoy restaurants. I enjoy culinary experiences. Trying different places, whether I am at home or on the road, teaches me about culture, technique, flavor, and hospitality. It gives me inspiration.

That leads to another reason I enjoy eating by myself: it is a great way to scout places for future outings and recommendations.

One place that comes to mind immediately is Shan in Bozeman, Montana. It is one of my favorite restaurants. Chef Jarett and his team have created something special. When I am in town, Shan is typically the first place I go to eat. If it is not the first place, it is definitely a priority.

At this point, I have gone there multiple times. I have brought people there multiple times. I have gone there with my family. I have gone there with friends. And yes, I have gone there by myself.

Every single time, it is a treat.

Every single time, it is an experience.

The first time I went to Bozeman, I went by myself. I tried Shan, loved it, and now, if you come to Bozeman with me, Shan is basically automatic. And if you go without me, I am still going to tell you to go.

Because I went first.

Because I tried it.

Because I know.

Over time, I have also found that in my peer group, I have somehow become a trusted authority on where to go for a good night out or a great culinary experience. And honestly, I think that is pretty cool.

Eating alone is also a great way to meet people and learn about the city you are in. Servers and bartenders know a lot. In many ways, they are keys to the city.

When I am out of town, I like sitting at the bar, especially around shift change. A lot of times, some of the restaurant staff will sit at the bar or at the back of the dining room after work to grab a drink or something to eat. For me, that is a great time to talk to my peers, learn about the food scene, and talk shop.

Now, selfishly, I also like eating by myself because sometimes I do not want to have to consider anybody else.

I order what I want.

I eat what I want.

I take as long as I want, or I move as fast as I want.

I was talking to my sister and asked her opinion on the matter. She reflected for a moment and told me about a time she went out with one of her girlfriends. Her friend picked the restaurant for the night, and by the end of the evening, my sister ended up eating somewhere she had absolutely no interest in eating. But there she was, spending her money on food she did not even want, because that was the option in front of her.

And listen, we have all been there.

Everybody does not eat like you.

Everybody does not crave what you crave. Everybody does not want the same experience, the same price point, the same atmosphere, or the same kind of food. That is one of the beauties of eating by yourself. Sometimes you just want to call the shots and do your own thing.

And lastly, Eaters, I like to be served.

Yes, I can cook. Most of you can cook and feed yourselves too. But there is something special about receiving good service. Sometimes people go out to eat and only think about the food, but I really appreciate the hospitality. I appreciate sitting down and being taken care of.

So, my Eaters, that is my take.

Go have a foodie experience.

Treat yourself.

Date yourself.

Be a little selfish.

Find a new place you can recommend to your friends. Learn how to sit with yourself. Learn how to appreciate being served.

Do not think of eating by yourself as some big, awkward experience. It can be respite. It can be enjoyable. It can be enlightening. You may even make new friends.

As we move into this cooler weather, and eventually into the winter months that drive us inside a little more, do not neglect gathering and breaking bread with friends and loved ones. But I also encourage you to take a moment for yourself. Go grab a sandwich. Eat a steak. Find your new favorite restaurant.

And enjoy being with yourself.

My Eaters, it is always great talking to you. I look forward to being with you again soon.