Although I love dining out in all its permutations, I’ve determined that I could never be a restaurant critic. I don’t pay enough attention to the details of a meal and instead focus on the overall impression, especially when I’m with good company and having a nice conversation with wine and spirits and warm fuzzies. Who remembers what that 4th course was in that context? And after a nice Armagnac, who cares?

So when I’m dining alone I come the closest to concentrating on the food, and yet I can still be swayed by the staff and fellow diners because people want to reach out to those who are alone (and open to interacting with others). I’ve met so many wonderful people as a solo diner (and traveler) over the years that I sometimes miss it when I haven’t had the chance to experience it for a while.

So tonight I dined alone at a restaurant near home and had an amazing meal, including the food and wine. The staff did tend to engage me more than other diners since I was solo (and the only solo diner in the restaurant), but not so much that the food became less than the focus and I have to say that it was one of the most delicious meals I’ve had in some time – the highlights were green garlic soup with heirloom radishes and pan-toasted buckwheat bread with Ocean Beach sea salt (see I can remember details despite being under the influence of wine).

During my recent trip to Cuba, I had a chance to steal away from the group and dine solo at a remarkable paladar, La Moraleja. Dining alone gave me the chance to interact more with the staff and truly take in the entire experience. I guess the point of all this is to say: don’t be afraid to venture out on your own whether it’s just a dinner or a week somewhere new. You’ll see things you don’t normally see and have conversations you wouldn’t otherwise have. Both food and travel are ultimately social endeavors and, as such, bring people together in enjoyable and surprising ways that you could never plan or even foresee. And isn’t that the best part of all?