A table for one, a table for two and a table for five.
This past weekend, on our very own Lancaster Avenue, I was blissfully reminded of the most beautiful display of love there is: the Dinner Date.
Let me set the scene. It was a quaint Thursday night in Bryn Mawr. Picture an Italian bistro tastefully furnished with eclectic art, twinkling fairy lights and delicate floral arrangements. In the corner sat three tables. At the first was an older woman, her sparkly gray hair cut short to her neck and her thick, framed glasses perched on the tip of her nose. She sat alone, sipping something warm, perhaps a cappuccino, cradling the mug against her chest. In front of her was a clean plate, a testament to the quality of the house tiramisu. Tucked beside her was a table for two, at which a lovely couple sat across from one another. They talked quietly over their shared arugula salad, emulating the kind of comfortability that only comes with time. And finally, across from them sat a particularly loud group of five girls. Talking excitedly in between bites of chicken Milanese, they laughed with the distinct ease of 20-somethings out to dinner with their friends. The faint candlelight illuminated their smiles, their chatter only breaking to snap a quick photo of their night out.
Picture them all, each in their own little world, nestled in the corner of an Italian kitchen. While their stories may intertwine in more ways than imaginable, to the naked eye, they all had one thing in common. They were out on a date.
If you’re tuning in for the first time, welcome. If you’re a returning romantic, I have a feeling you’ll like this one. This week’s “Love on Lancaster” is all about the infamous dinner date. I mean, it’s about time we talked about mastering this art in all of its many forms. The dinner date, whether it be solo, romantic or platonic, is a glorious endeavor. That being said, like most wonderful things, it has the potential to fall flat on its face.
Want to avoid the awkward, silent stare-down followed by a flustered credit card war for the bill? Are you desperate for a night out alone but can’t muster the courage to dine solo in a room full of people? Or, are you looking for tips on how to bring together a group of friends for a night of good fun and flowing conversation? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
How to solo:
We all know that girl. So effortlessly cool she must be part European. She frequently takes herself out on a date, contently reading a book with a Caesar salad and a side of fries. What are we if not in awe of her confidence, class and sense of fulfillment with her own company? Waiter, we’ll have whatever she’s having. For those of us newly embarking into the world of solo dating, we must begin with a good form of entertainment. Whether it be a journal, book or newspaper, allow yourself the luxury of a distraction, if only temporarily, as you build your way up to dining comfortable with just your thoughts.
Next on the agenda: a good outfit. You simply cannot sit alone at a table in a subpar ensemble. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. Just because you aren’t dressing to impress doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look your best. Finally, order your absolute favorite entree. I’m talking about a staple you know never does you wrong. You are pushing yourself enough tonight, so embrace the comfort of your go-to meal. Go forth with confidence. Remember, do this well and fellow diners will think you are ten times cooler than you truly are.
How to woo:
Potentially the most complicated of the three, a romantic dinner date either cements a coveted second date or dooms you to the friend-zone. Proceed with caution. First and foremost, choose the right restaurant. Are you going for a quiet and romantic establishment, envisioning private conversation over candlelight? Or, are you picturing upbeat chatter with a backdrop of funky jazz music? The ambiance, lighting, seating and menu are integral to the vibes of your date. Not all tables for two are created equally: choose wisely.
An absolutely necessary component, however, is embarking on a shared course. Let’s be real, this date won’t last long term if they don’t see the benefits of a half-and-half situation. A burger and a salad. Two plates. Happy couple. Consider an ice cream sundae with two spoons, or maybe even one, if you’re feeling particularly invested.
How to bond:
Bringing together a group of friends is not for the faint of heart. Lucky for you, however, I consider myself an expert. Going out to dinner is an event, an occasion if you will. Lean into this. Get excited. There is a tendency among friends to become complacent with each other’s time and company. A platonic dinner date is the perfect excuse for extravagance and has the potential to be an experience you’ll remember for quite some time. My first suggestion is pocket-sized and only costs five dollars: cards. It simply isn’t a night out if I don’t slyly whip my deck from the depths of my red mini purse. Cards are the perfect way to facilitate conversation and activity that deviates from the everyday chatter of college students.
Next on the docket: questions. While the usual gossip is entertaining, and I would be lying if I feigned superiority, a dinner date is a time to engage with your friends on a more meaningful level. Come prepared with questions that stimulate new areas of conversation. Embrace this time with your friends and treat it as what it is: special.
Whatever dinner date is next on your schedule, consider heeding these words of advice to elevate your experience. Happy dating.
With love.
