Journalism of Courage
Their tribe is increasing with each passing day and so is their comfort level. Quite an infrequent occurrence till some time ago,single diners are now increasingly finding out that the company they enjoy most is their own and are thus,making the most of the opportunity.
Armed with a laptop,an i-pod or just a bunch of newspapers,diners eating out alone can be found relaxing with a cup of coffee and a sandwich or just enjoying a leisurely brunch at their favourite restaurant. What helps them enjoy a meal in solitude is the growing awareness among restaurant managers and staff to give them adequate space. As Zakia Kazi,PR manager of the Taj Blue Diamond says,its about giving the individual a comfortable space in which he/she can enjoy the meal and make the most of his/her free time. We find a lot of corporates dining alone,especially in The Coffee Shop. Sometimes,they have a novel,sometimes newspapers and magazines and are very comfortable in their space, informs Kazi. The service standards are so high and the staff so well-trained that they dont bother the guest every few minutes; rather they just let the guest be and aid him/her in making the time a pleasant one, she adds.
Although a rare sight till a few years ago,young,female diners can be found enjoying a meal or a snack alone at most city joints these days. As Kazi puts it,Though male guests were always a part of the scene,a lot of women as well are coming over and dining alone and are very comfortable with that.
What works for single diners,apart from the obvious reasons of spending quality time with the person they love most themselves is that eating out alone obviates the need to accommodate the food preferences of friends/relatives/co-diners and simply enjoy the meal on their own terms.
If all I want to order is a salad and some multi-grain bread,I dont need to think twice when Im eating out alone. But if theres another person along,then obviously,Id have to order something which is liked by both of us, says Valay Singh,a media professional and a foodie.
The ambience and add-ons in restaurants are also what work for many single diners. For,as Anish Bhanwadia,managing director,Legacy restaurant in Viman Nagar says,the most preferred time for single diners is in the evenings,when theres live music in the restaurant. Most people who eat out alone are very comfortable in their own company and in fact,even enjoy it. Their favourite time is when live music is playing and they enjoy that to the hilt, adds Bhanwadia.
