Enjoying eating alone, Italian steakhouse edition
I have no qualms with solo dining. In fact, I’d say it’s one of my favorite activities to do. The experience is defining. Liberating, even, especially when I first sat down at a table by myself decades ago in my raging 20s, aware of the groups of people and couples in my peripheral vision. And contrary to my initial apprehension of the potential stares I’d get from other customers (the Philippines, after all, is a social society), no one really bothered or cared for a solitary diner.
From that moment on, low-key dining became my escape. Lately, there’s also been an uptick in solo dining videos on TikTok from creators documenting their POV of their experience. Which is quite nice for both customers and restaurants, since it indicates changing social norms and consumer behavior, and offers opportunities for establishments to capture a unique customer base that apparently spends more, or so studies show.
You can also chalk it up to the habit of spending on experiences and personal fulfillment—or in my case, enjoying peace and people-watching (not in a creepy way, mind you). As a friend once wrote, “There is joy in eating out by yourself.”
That was clear once again, one Friday night at Finestra in Solaire Resort Entertainment City, for the latest run of Globe Platinum’s Gastronome Giving. This dining series, held in partnership with Fine Dining Club Philippines, is meant to support the Hapag Movement and its efforts in addressing involuntary hunger.
With such a worthy cause, a party of one at an Italian steakhouse transformed into something more meaningful.
A sincerity toward Italy
Finestra for me feels like a restaurant of contrasts. From the outside, it looks unassuming and just like what you’d expect from a lavish hotel restaurant.
But as I stood in front of the facade and made my way into the cavernous restaurant, I knew I’d be in for something special. Their attentive service staff whisked me away to a table right in front of the open kitchen before Finestra’s excellent front of house, named Mauro, a charming Italian from Treviso (a city just 30 minutes away from Venice), welcomed me warmly as I settled into my seat.
Being the earliest bird in an elegant space (that could probably fill at least a hundred guests) meant that all the focus was on me, but neither did it feel oppressive nor obsessive. Mauro, for one, was keen on making my solo steakhouse experience as comfortable as possible, as he ran through their various menus and special Inverno Caldo cocktails selection (basically warm Italian winter beverages with La Cura as my pick) with sheer pride.
His hospitality is emblematic of their special menu to support the Hapag Movement: As fine as the plates are, they are all odes to the causes behind the glitter as much as they are outcomes of executive chef Andrea Spagoni’s sincerity toward Italy.
Four courses with a side of solitude
At just four courses, the P6,800+ set menu is brief, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in a riot of easy, elegant flavors and punchy swings when needed. And let me tell you, nothing brings out the bright flavors of an opening amuse-bouche of tender pork loin with carrot juice and roasted carrots in smoked oil quite like being in the presence of servers and staff who understand the intricacies of solo dining.
No awkward social engagements, no unnecessary interruptions, no unwanted small talk—just the right gestures and pampering from Finestra’s team at the right moment. Enough to give me that dopamine hit usually accompanied by solitary dining.
In the same vein, Spagoni’s menu sits comfortably between traditional and modern with dishes that nod to his Italian roots and his global influences, owing to his experience working around the world. His pan-fried Hokkaido scallops swimming in drinkable red gazpacho is gentle in mouthfeel, but the flavors are full. Thin slices of sweet radishes create an acidic touch.
A true standout is the artisanal orecchiette (“little ears” pasta) piled into a deep dish, then brought together by a prawn broth and spicy bell peppers—though it isn’t spicy at all. There’s a smokiness behind each chewy morsel; a toasty taste and piquancy that lingered long after it leaves the mouth. Mauro later on tells me that this, together with the Josper-grilled beef tenderloin with truffle confit potato and Swiss chard, are possible permanent additions to the Finestra menu.
Dessert is a Sicilian cassata, strikingly designed to look like a swirly, liberal spread instead of a slice; the ricotta serves as a canvas for the candied orange and caramel pistachio. It’s a pleasant conclusion to an affair that panders between self-expression, general tastes, and a lone customer’s desire for peace and clarity in an otherwise buzzing steakhouse.
Reinforcing the joys of going solo
From my seat, I was able to watch Spagoni maneuver the kitchen smoothly, all his experience on display as orders fired up, organizing tickets with military precision. As what friend and Mrs. Saldo’s chef, Rhea Rizzo told me a couple of days after, he is super nice and experienced with banquet service, which is a totally different ball game. And it shows.
Soon after, the shot of smooth grappa and a little tableside presentation of the petit fours rolled next to you in a nifty cart—I picked the raspberry bonbon and tart, salted caramel chocolate, and truffle pop—Spagoni, the lovely executive chef, came over to check in on me and made sure I was having a great time. Up close and personal, I soon realized what Rizzo meant.
And no sooner than that, I realized that the meal ended so quickly, even if it didn’t feel that way. It gave me new considerations when going out on a solo date again. First, having a four-top all by yourself is way better than a two-top; so much room for everything. And second, spontaneous interactions that don’t encroach on your personal space have their merits—as shown at my time in Finestra.
So while I relished the idea of helping stave off hunger in my own little way, I’d like to think that this reinforced the joys of going solo—yes, even at a resplendent Italian steakhouse.
