M.F.K. Fisher, the
simultaneously subtle and brilliant food writer, devoted a chapter in
her opus Serve It Forth to the importance of dining alone. She loved to
cook and entertain guests which is beautifully rendered in her writing
but she never forgot to make time for herself. Even when dining alone
Fisher would treat her meal with the same delicate touch and refined
style that she lavished on her guests. I totally agree with her notion
that eating alone does not have to be a chore, bore, or quick fix of
crappy food. She attributes this philosophy of eating well, even when
alone, to a Roman noble named Lucullus. Lucullus was a grand gourmet
notorious for the wealth he squandered on his food budget and opulent
feasts.
One day he verbally abused his team of chefs when they served him leftovers, stale bread, and overly watered wine on an off day from his busy social schedule. When his staff stood apologetically before him they pleaded that since he was eating alone they assumed a lavish feast was not a necessity. He rebuked them by saying that when Lucullus dines with Lucullus the food should be at its very best, going above and beyond what they served his guests. Lucullus ate the finest foods and drank his most potent vintages when dining alone, because he was worth it. I agree wholeheartedly that it is warranted to treat yourself now and again to a special meal made especially for you.