ABCs of the Tri-Cities: A Table for One

When I first started this series on eating out in the Tri-Cities, I had people interested in joining me in my endeavors. I was happy to invite people when I go out to eat, but there are also times when I prefer to eat alone. Over the past several years, I've found that I'm unusual in this. People don't usually like to go out to eat solo. Still, I've found that there are several upsides to requesting a table for one.

1. It's a table for one! Have you ever gone into a restaurant and requested a table for 8? Or even a table for 4? The host scans the restaurant and announces there's a 30 minute wait or that they'll have to move tables and chairs to accommodate your party. Not so with a table for one. No date means no wait!

2. Order your food...and it's your food. People have laughed at me for saying that I don't share my fries. I don't who they're kidding. It's unlikely that I share any of my food. 😂

3. You can take your time...or not. Eat as quickly as you'd like or sit and linger. You can come and go as you please.

Don't get me wrong. Lunch with friends or cocktails with coworkers can definitely be fun, but when one of the restaurants I chose for "C" had a review that said, "good for single diners," I knew single dining deserved its own post.

Casa Mia, which boasts as being "good for single diners" is a local Italian chain with 7 locations spread throughout Washington State. It's also my "go to" when I have a craving for carb-loaded comfort food. In fact, my last trip to Casa Mia was the result of a longer than usual work day. Stuck in my office alone and with am empty belly, I made a phone call and placed an order for the spinach cheese ravioli, and it hit the spot. My order was ready in ten minutes, and I enjoyed every bite. The best thing about this dish is the creamy, cheesy sauce that's perfect for sopping up with a bread stick. Completely satisfying and perfect for enjoying without the judgment of a dining partner!

This brings me to another restaurant that I love for solo dining, which often happens in the form of takeout and when I'm finishing up a long day of work. Chapala Express is another local restaurant on the way home from work. I specifically remember a day when I was leaving work and rain started POURING, an unusual occurence for the Tri-Cities desert. As I was entering the restaurant, I came face to face with a big blue truck. In an instant, I recognized my new coworker (who I had just met that week) and waved with a smile. She ordered her camarrones and I ordered my taquitos. We chatted while we waited and then went our separate ways. While I was looking forward to scarfing down my meal, I also smiled because even though I enjoy a solo meal, it's always nice to share a moment with people you care about. So, with that said, if you ever see this girl enjoying a latte at a little cafe or dipping a breadstick in a saucy plate of pasta, don't be afraid to come say hi. There's always room for more.