The days following Christmas seemed to be busier than the holiday itself. I made time to take myself to dinner at Owen’s Fish Camp, but was not able to blog about it after. Thankfully, as I wait for my delayed flight at the Tampa airport, I have time to catch up. What would the holidays be without a frustrating travel day?
When eating dinner alone, I am reminded of a Friends episode where Rachel attempts to do the same and it fails miserably. I think this is the situation we all imagine when someone is eating alone. I can say with much confidence that this is not the case. I ended up having to sit at the bar because Owen’s Fish Camp was packed. The bar and a table have different atmospheres, but I had to make due with what I could.
I squeezed myself between two elderly couples waiting for there table and started with a Coca-Cola from the bottle. There is nothing better. I love seafood, so I treated myself to a wide array of food. I started with the Bloody Mary Oyster shooters, moved on to the miniature Lobster Rolls, and finished with the Soft Shell Crab BLT with a side of Grits. Everything was delicious and the service was awesome!
Sitting at the bar gave me an opportunity to observe a wide range of people. I witnessed a blind date who couldn’t seem to find one another until they called each other on their cellphones and realized they were beside one another. The woman next to me asked me about everything I ordered and then went on to order my exact same meal. The couple on the other side of me ordered bottles of red wine as there flirtation grew messier and messier.
Eating alone was freeing, but I understand why it would make someone uncomfortable. It leaves you oddly vulnerable. Vulnerable to what, I’m not sure... I will say that people are much more prone to strike conversation with you when you’re alone. I’ve left myself open to it. Living in New York City has stripped me of the interest in talking to strangers, but I’m trying to re-embrace it with TodayDateYourself.