Behind the Scenes: “Table for One” for Sawubona magazine

If you fly South African Airways in September, check out this month’s “Parting Shot” in Sawubona magazine.  It’s a humor column chronicling my brief but hectic stint as a Cape Town restaurant reviewer.

The job was a lot of fun, and I got to enjoy some of Africa’s and the World’s best restaurants while simultaneously earning some dough! But there was a catch. I could only get meals reimbursed for one, so for the most part, I was dining alone. My favorite experience was the internationally acclaimed La Colombe, followed by other world-renowned, fine-dining establishments like The Test Kitchen. But if you get tired of ingredients you can’t pronounce, hit up The Big Route for the best pizza. And, it’s tough to beat El Burro for Mexican food in Cape Town.

My column, “Table for one” discusses several anecdotes from the journey and how dining solo is a whole different food experience. You really taste the food, it’s much easier to people watch, and, best of all, nobody judges you for ordering dessert!  I advise solo travelers, or anyone really, not to shy away from going out alone to enjoy the best local culinary options. But I end off with a cautionary note:

“Chew carefully. He who eats alone, chokes alone!”