I remember the early days of dining solo. I carried a notepad and sat alone with a glass of wine.  I journaled but must have appeared to be writing something very important because I was twice mistaken for a food critic.  I guess the journaling just gave me something to do while I sat solo in a restaurant- something that used to feel uncomfortable.  Between work trips and last minute getaways, where coordinating schedules with a companion just wasn't possible, I've dined solo