It was snowing in Manhattan. Friends called to invite me to a party. I politely declined. I was staying at the St. Regis on a production studio's dime. They were welcomed to come over to my junior suite, but no way was I leaving it. I called room service and asked which they would recommend: the lobster or the chicken fricassee. "The chicken," I was told. Chicken? Better than lobster??? But I took the rec and it was sublime. I called back and thanked them. "It was delicious." But, like, in public alone? It's always going to my favorite Greek place for the octopus and potatoes (or the vegan moussaka) while I write on my phone with my folding keyboard. So happy you're having such a lovely time, Maddie. Thanks for sharing it with us. xo
I'm delighted that you took the time to share this fabulous story, Sandra...I truly felt like a fly on the wall! And now I'm seriously hungry for your go-to Greek dinners, too. I'm taking solo dining inspiration from you, my friend!
I am loving this series so far, friend! It makes me wish I'd done a better job of sharing travel experiences, back in the day... but ahhhh well, it was meant to be savoured in a different way, I suppose! Keep enjoying yourself, and sharing whatever feels good! xx
I'm so happy you're enjoying! 🤗 But you hit the nail on the head with regard to your past travels: "It was meant to be savoured in a different way." There are *definite* tradeoffs when it comes to sharing adventures versus keeping them close to your chest—and while I'm happy to be sharing this Paris chapter, it definitely feels like the exception for me!
One of the best dinner experiences of my life was a solo dinner in Geneva, Switzerland where being "one" meant I got to get a table at a restaurant normally booked far in advance. I was able to totally savour the food, people watch and take in the very European atmosphere that seemed to be full of locals who knew the owners. So grateful for forging ahead with other more awkward or uncomfortable solo dining in the past which I am sure helped me be able to truly relax and enjoy this one!
I think some countries are more welcoming to solo diners than others. Japan is the best I’ve found. Italy is the worst (food is so social for them!). I remember going out to dinner solo at a Chinese restaurant in France and the waiter giving me cute extra things and making me feel special 🥰
More coming your way soon! 🥳 And: OH MY GOD where has this stuff been all my life?! I'm almost certain it's infused with some kind of magical fairy dust, it works so damn well.
Not that I want you to never come back, but I'm loving this series! I can't get enough.
Honestly, this is the best compliment I could ever hope to receive—thank you, my friend! 🤗
I have an ulterior motive - more bakery pictures. :)
Coming right up!
It was snowing in Manhattan. Friends called to invite me to a party. I politely declined. I was staying at the St. Regis on a production studio's dime. They were welcomed to come over to my junior suite, but no way was I leaving it. I called room service and asked which they would recommend: the lobster or the chicken fricassee. "The chicken," I was told. Chicken? Better than lobster??? But I took the rec and it was sublime. I called back and thanked them. "It was delicious." But, like, in public alone? It's always going to my favorite Greek place for the octopus and potatoes (or the vegan moussaka) while I write on my phone with my folding keyboard. So happy you're having such a lovely time, Maddie. Thanks for sharing it with us. xo
I'm delighted that you took the time to share this fabulous story, Sandra...I truly felt like a fly on the wall! And now I'm seriously hungry for your go-to Greek dinners, too. I'm taking solo dining inspiration from you, my friend!
You’re the inspiration, sis. Hope it was truly a bon weekend. xo
It truly was!
I am loving this series so far, friend! It makes me wish I'd done a better job of sharing travel experiences, back in the day... but ahhhh well, it was meant to be savoured in a different way, I suppose! Keep enjoying yourself, and sharing whatever feels good! xx
I'm so happy you're enjoying! 🤗 But you hit the nail on the head with regard to your past travels: "It was meant to be savoured in a different way." There are *definite* tradeoffs when it comes to sharing adventures versus keeping them close to your chest—and while I'm happy to be sharing this Paris chapter, it definitely feels like the exception for me!
One of the best dinner experiences of my life was a solo dinner in Geneva, Switzerland where being "one" meant I got to get a table at a restaurant normally booked far in advance. I was able to totally savour the food, people watch and take in the very European atmosphere that seemed to be full of locals who knew the owners. So grateful for forging ahead with other more awkward or uncomfortable solo dining in the past which I am sure helped me be able to truly relax and enjoy this one!
Laurie, this story inspires me to keep going with my solo dinners out—thank you so much for sharing it! This sounds like a truly fabulous evening. 🤩
I think some countries are more welcoming to solo diners than others. Japan is the best I’ve found. Italy is the worst (food is so social for them!). I remember going out to dinner solo at a Chinese restaurant in France and the waiter giving me cute extra things and making me feel special 🥰
Such a smart take informed by your world travels—this is so interesting, Brenna! And your waiter sounds like the sweetest person imaginable 🥹
I want to taste EVERYTHING!!!
I want to share everything with you!!! 💔
Here for all the pastry research!!! WOW! Looked like heaven!
The cicaplast baume is my life saver in the winter for my hands and face. I'll lather on a thick layer before bed and wake up with new skin.
More coming your way soon! 🥳 And: OH MY GOD where has this stuff been all my life?! I'm almost certain it's infused with some kind of magical fairy dust, it works so damn well.
Oh, Maddie! You took us every step of the way! I love “ it’s not gluttony, it’s research” 😆
And I also love your description of the pharmacy! ❤️
That's my goal!! Re: "It’s not gluttony, it’s research," I'm just going to keep telling myself that for...oh, the next two and a half months 😂
A worthy goal! xx
I’m taking notes! I’ll be in Paris in the fall… and have a few days on my own, so hopefully I can manage with famed Parisian grace 🥐
OOH, how fabulous! You've got that je ne sais quoi, my friend. So of course you're going to have a supremely graceful time! 🤩
Let’s hope 🤞 I was almost arrested in the Paris metro once upon a time, they did not seem at all interested in my je ne sais quoi! 😂
Oh my gosh, I think I remember reading this in Quaintrelle, actually! Quelle horreur 😱
Hahaha! It was certainly a faux pas. 🤪
I love Klorane hair products!!! And good for you, solo diner! ❤️
It’s SO GOOD!