For most people, the idea of eating a specially-prepared, intimate meal with a table of folks they don’t know may not seem like the ideal way to spend an evening. But, it really can be an amazing experience if you like pleasantly unpredictable experiences that allow you to explore your personality and palate in the company of others who share your deep appreciation for eating well and dining out with flair.
If you’re on the fence about coming to a dining experience without knowing who will be joining you at the table, check out some of these perks of diving into social dining and make a reservation!
1. Networking Opportunities
It’s great to go out without always trying to make business connections, but social dining may be a breath of fresh air when it comes to networking with others that have different professional backgrounds. Often, they are in different industries that can be complementary to yours or have a contact that could be the missing piece to your company’s puzzle. Branch out, bring a business card and see what kind of magic you can make at the table if the conversation leads that direction.
2. Unexpected Connections
Tired of meeting the same type of people? It’s easy to get into the habit of thinking that spending time with people who are very similar to you will give you a higher chance of enjoying yourself or feeling connected, but oftentimes it doesn’t give us the excitement of meeting an unlikely new friend for life or even just for the night. Small talk with co-workers gets old and although checking in with your friends through social media or text can be entertaining, it’s always nice to exercise your communication skills with people who will stray from your usual topics of conversation. New people
3. Unique environments
Get out of the regular routine of ordering take-out or going to your tried-and-true dinner spot. Eating in spaces that are totally familiar to you is comfortable, but sometimes changing the atmosphere can heighten our awareness and allow us to be more present. Beautiful flowers, colorful candles and creative, innovative dishes can turn a regular meal into unforgettable experience — especially if you make sure where you're eating is as carefully selected as what you're eating.