Taking myself out

One of my favorite activities, whether I'm in New York or traveling, is a solo lunch date. Where a good book is my only companion. It had been several months since I asked myself out on a nice date. So after spending my morning at trapeze practice at the pier along the Hudson River, I felt like keeping the day alive with a date in the West Village. Dante is a restaurant in the West Village of Manhattan. It's known for inventive and delicate cocktails, specifically martinis, and a see and be seen type of vibe. This keeps it overflowing with a line of trend seeking individuals. I hadn't stopped in Dante as of yet, so I figured I should check it off my growing list of New York City restaurants. There is an original location which I didn't even bother attempting, since it's notoriously hard to secure reservations. Instead I headed straight to Dante's second location, closer to the river, actually on Hudson Street. It was midday and my assumption was the original location would be packed for brunch already.

It was sweltering out. A rough 90 degrees on Labor Day weekend. Though the city tends to clear out on holiday weekends, and I was attempting the newer, less popular location, there were still enough brunch seekers to overwhelm the Hudson Street location.

I very shyly moved past some people waiting on the sidewalk to find the hostess in the middle of taking a long deep breath and loudly sighing the tired of it all air back out. Likely hoping to share it with the larger universe. Air that can so often go unnoticed by the masses who don't see the work that goes into curating a brunch experience among other things. I assumed between the heat and the endless customer requests, she was done with new faces. I hugged my book against my chest and pushed my gym bag behind me. Timidly I moved up to her. "Just one... just me. Um, what would be the wait?" I asked way too softly. Sometimes I notice myself nearly apologizing for being alone. Am I bracing for judgement? Am I embarrassed? It's all in my head that anyone even took notice to me being alone. She looked up and made eye contact. Within the shortest pause, the previously exasperated hostess lit up. "Oh, just you! I actually have a beautiful table!" She waved for me to follow and walked me over to the side of the restaurant which held the majority of the outdoor tables. She spread both of her arms wide to present a round two top.

It is beautiful. The table is against the building, facing out onto the quiet side street. Out of the way of foot traffic and shaded by ivy and trees. She immediately pointed to the book I had wrapped tight in my arms, and she leaned in, "You are doing one of my favorite things in the world. Some good reading and some me time." I agree and we giggle a bit. Feeling connected over this shared passion. I think about how the perceived judgment really is all in my head. Solo date days are truly one of my favorite things too.

I ended up ordering a summery cocktail and traditional brunch dish. The crisp melon and gin spritz was perfection and cut through the heat and humidity of the day. I followed it with a second cocktail. And the food wasn't bad either. I got through a couple chapters of the memoir I was reading and did some people watching from my quiet beautiful table. Several times I took a calm deep breath and shared it back into the universe. My hope is the hostess was able to take her break and breath in something cleaner. Air that made her feel appreciated.

I decide I need to set a reminder to take myself out way more often. Note to self...Take yourself out on a date asap.

Location: Dante West Village 551 Hudson St, New York