Dinner For One

When you're single it's easy to feel like you're moving through the world alone and unseen. Everyone else seems to have someone who is obligated to check in, show up and be there. And you, well, it's just your sad little lonesome self fighting all the battles, or so it seems. Recently, after another rejection email that made me want to throw a toddler-like tantrum and then go to bed for the rest of the day, I was reminded that the story many single people tell themselves isn't true. As the sadness and disappointment started to rise throughout my body, my phone rang and it was a very good friend on the other line. She called out of the blue because she just felt like I needed it. During the course of our conversation I was reminded that sometimes the people who "run toward you" aren't romantic partners, they're your friends who call, listen, offer help and never let you forget that you matter. And most importantly, drill it into your thick skull that you're not alone. In this episode, I chit chat about what it really means to feel seen when you're single, how friendship anchors us in ways we don't expect and why choosing—and being chosen—by our people is one of the truest forms of love out there, all while making my go-to salmon bowl.

On this episode, I dined on pasta alla gricia with my guest Robin Davis while we spoke about the tricky balance of being in a relationship while cultivating and celebrating a solo life. Like me, Robin is an American in Paris. She's also a writer, producer, and a soon-to-be-published author! I really enjoyed this episode because all of the prior guests I've spoken to this season were single and living alone, so it was interesting for me to get the perspective of someone who loves living alone but is in a happy and healthy romantic relationship. During our conversation, I, surprisingly, found it hard to change my mindset about relationship milestones and expectations. While editing the episode I realized that I asked Robin different versions of the same question because it didn't fit the "proper steps" of a romantic relationship progression. Robin so graciously reminded me that we write our own rules for our lives and the way we want to live it. As long as we live with integrity, are happy, and stay true to ourselves, we're on the right path regardless of what it looks like.

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Tanisha Townsend, the founder of Girl Meets Glass, a wine lifestyle and education agency, and woman whose honesty, humor, and intelligence I admire deeply. I made fried chicken and mashed potatoes, she brought a beautiful bottle of Blanc de Blancs, and we got to talking! Tanisha brought her wit and no-nonsense attitude to the conversation in a way that left reflecting for days on some of the gems she dropped like, like: "Are you actually ready for what you really want?" and "If someone watched your habits for a week, would they reflect the life you say you want?" We also explore how living alone has given Tanisha the space to envision, build, and expand her business. It's not that she couldn't have achieved everything she has otherwise, but having the freedom and space (mentally and emotionally) to pour fully into herself and her vision made all the difference. I'm always moved and inspired by women who stand tall in their truth, show up fully, own their choices, and walk boldly toward the life they deserve.

In this week's episode of Dinner for One 2.0, I touch on the stigma surrounding solo living, especially for those of us in our 30s and beyond. There's still this outdated narrative that if a woman lives alone, she must be lonely, jaded, or just waiting for the right partner to "complete" her. But we know that's not true, right? Living alone doesn't equal loneliness, and it definitely doesn't mean your life is incomplete. In fact, living solo has made me so much more intentional with the people and experiences I invite into my life. I also talk about the Dinner for One Supper Club, which initially I thought would be a five dinner series and has turned into something much bigger. I created this monthly gathering as a space for single women living alone to connect, share meals, and celebrate the lives we're building. It's a reminder that living alone can actually inspire us to step out of our comfort zones and form deeper connections, the opposite of being lonely.

And I'm back! To be honest, I thought the last episode published in June 2023 would be my last, but clearly I was wrong. When I started this podcast in 2018, I was in my early 30s grappling questions: "How can I survive this colossal life shift?", "What does survival even look like?" "Can I stay in Paris?" "Will I stay in Paris?" For all intents and purposes, I survived and did some cool shit. Some would even say I thrived. My podcast became pretty popular, I published my first book, launched a monthly supper club, started doing pop-ups at different restaurants in Paris, interned in a restaurant kitchen, co-hosted a dinner in Milan, and even prepared my first private dinner. A lot has been going on. Now as I approach a very significant age milestone, new questions have started to plague me: "What does it mean to truly live?" and "How can I design a life that really resembles me?" So this new version of Dinner for One, version 2.0, isn't revolving around a love story gone bad. Instead, it is about self-discovery and continuing to bloom where you're planted even when life's path looks a bit blurry.

Ten years ago today, June 12, 2013, I landed at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris with a spousal visa in hand, a diamond ring on my left ring finger, and a husband waiting for me at the arrivals section. I thought I had it all. Fast forward ten years, June 12, 2023, and my life looks very different. It doesn't resemble at all anything that I expected, but I am convinced everything that has happened led me to this moment. Maybe it was all meant to me? Alongside the disappointment and tears, there were moments of immense joy, belly-splitting laughter, and taking on projects that led me to where I am today and I've learned some valuable lessons along the way. In this episode, I discuss what I believe is my purpose in life and ten things I've learned over the last decade. Stick around because there are a few announcements towards the end. I apologize in advance for the sound, I didn't realize it was so low and while I can't really control the rain, I hope it doesn't ruin your listening experience.

Back-to-back episodes featuring very chic, very cool, very stylish, very insightful Parisians. How lucky are we?! In this episode, I'm in conversation with my friend, the artist Tiffanie Delune. In the episode, we talk about self-love, self-care, being in alignment with oneself and how that leads you on the path toward designing your own life. Having the courage to acknowledge, ask for and walk toward the life you really want isn't an easy feat. You have to be honest about your desires and needs, mute negative self-talk, banish doubt, face your fears, and stand naked in front of the mirror (hypothetical or real, as you want) with the unabashed truth: a change is necessary. But the reward ya'll. THE REWARD! After taking that first step—the bravest step—is beyond measure. You'll find yourself in alignment with your life, with the way you love and want to be loved and, most importantly, with the regard you have for yourself. Don't be afraid to jump and believe, go after what you want. Usually, the net appears, in one way or the other. It's always been there, just waiting for you to take the leap of faith. I hope you enjoy the episode and it influences some positive changes in your life, no matter how big or small.

Ciao a tutti! I recorded this episode from a much bigger kitchen during my stay in Monopoli, Italy a few weeks back. In this episode I talk about why I went to Italy, the pull that the country, and specifically Puglia, has on me, traveling solo as a lady and I answer your IG questions (you guys are REALLY curious about TFM!) all while attempting to make pasta alla gricia. I hope you enjoy it and buon ascolto!

19 years, 3 children, 2 long-distance stints and the love that Camille has for her husband Bruno is as strong and palpable as when they met in school at the tender age of 18 years old. It really is just a coincidence that this episode is being released on Valentine's Day and their anniversary. I didn't plan it this way but my unwavering procrastination led to this twist of fate. I spoke to Cam about how she's sustained her relationship through the ups and downs of life, how they've grown as individuals, as a couple, and in love. I found our conversation very insightful and reassuring. And as I was editing the episode the one thought that was on replay in my mind was: Love is patient, love is kind Merci encore Cam for your friendship and taking the time out of your schedule to talk to me and for sharing your experience and wisdom. Happy Valentine's Day à tous.

It's been almost 4 years since I started the podcast. In 2018 I was very much on a 'no boys allowed' train. I needed to get my shit together by myself and was very wary of falling into the trap of using a relationship to help me. Time has passed, things have changed and now for the first time I find myself in a place where I think I *may* actually be ready to open myself to the possibility of falling in love again. I'm ready to share everything I've learned about myself, my mature outlook on love and life, essentially a new and improved Sue B with the lucky bugger that captures my heart. In this first episode of season 5, I cook a finger-licking good, stick to your bones, make you feel warm and cozy fried chicken and herb-infused mashed potatoes while talking about love. Specifically, I talk about how my idea of love has evolved, I randomly share what I consider my first love (hint: it was in Jamaica and I was like 3 years old haha) and I go on a few tangents but it all makes sense in the end….trust me. Throughout the season I'll invite friends into my kitchen to cook and discuss all types of love: long-term love, love in a second language, love post-divorce, etc. Hope you'll stick around. Et voilà, quoi. On y va.

My favorite Bahraini princess Manal Al Saleh joined me on this episode (kidding, she's not actually a princess but she's a princess to me!) We've known each other since university and what's so funny about our post-university transition is that we both went from not cooking at all (the first meal Manal ever made for me was a cheese sandwich) and driving from Hartford to Boston because we craved lamb shank from an Iranian restaurant to it becoming one of our passions. We've come a longgggg way. In this episode, Manal shares with me (and you!) how the entire experience of cooking inspires her, has changed her life, and continues to motivate her to push herself to new heights. She also shares wisdom around being a mom and not falling into the trap of thinking you need to do it all. So sit back, enjoy Manal's beautiful accent, listen to us reminisce about our transitions to being boss ladies in the kitchen, and giggle.

It's been 11 years since Gabbie and I lived together and almost 8 years since we've lived in the same country, yet she's one of the first people I turn to when I need a non-judgemental listening ear and let it all out. But that doesn't mean she doesn't tell me about myself when needed (and I need to be put in my place more than I would like to admit). Her well of love runs deep and wide and I'm so happy she joined me on this episode to discuss her approach to fostering a healthy romantic relationship, her journey to understanding and accepting her emotions, and how to be comfortable with yourself. I attempted to make a shrimp scampi with her, but I kinda just ended up doing my thing. She was incredibly annoyed at me for not following the recipe and I enjoyed every single minute of grinding her gears. Friendships like this are rare and I feel beyond lucky and blessed to know that truly there ain't no mountain high enough, valley low enough, or ocean wide enough to keep me from my Gabz.

*Just a heads up, this episode is in French. Why? Listen to at least the first few minutes to find out.* Journaliste, fondatrice de l'agence de rédaction PLUME et animatrice du podcast Manger, Laurianne Melierre m'a rejoint dans ma petite Parisian cuisine pour enregistrer ce bel épisode où nous avons fait des pieds de porc pané, des œufs mimosa et quelques accompagnements 💪🏾. Avant l'enregistrement, j'avais une idée de la façon dont l'épisode se déroulerait mais notre conversation a pris une tournure complètement différente et je suis ravie. Nous avons parlé de tout... de l'identité française aux "food projects" dans lesquels Laurianne s'est lancée pendant le confinement de l'année dernière (comme cuisiner un pigeon qui me laisse toujours bouche-bée!) Je me suis régalée dans tous les sens avec l'enregistrement de cet épisode et j'espère que vous aurez le même sentiment après l'avoir écouté.