It’s a secret. I really enjoy dining solo. I get some weird looks. The rest are curious.

It is still a challenge. I plan. Sometimes only twenty minutes prior. Like tonight. Sometimes I’ve had the venue on my list for years. 

I’ve just had a terrific cocktail at Old Mate’s Place; a fantastic bar with a small rooftop. A couple are stalking my table. They figuratively attack another couple for the table next to mine as it is vacated. Assertions are made. They had in fact not been there longer. Defeated, the aggressors leave.

I congratulated the couple for not giving up their table under false pretences. Several moments later I’m on the bar at King Clarence. Dining solo having agreed with the manager to be quick.

As a sign that service is great here, I’m quickly told that arrangements had been made for me to relax and stay a bit longer. I was still out within an hour as planned. Quick service, quick dish delivery, and personal speediness all played their necessary parts.

The only weakness in service is the clearly sniffly taller person on the floor who was either unwell, or extremely satisfied with their product. As I try to work it out, my perfect fish finger bao snack arrives, exhibiting smacks of flavour. 

The KC Fried Rice lived up to the hype I had generated in my own mind. It was Aru quality, with the luminescent fish eggs adorning an assortment of delicous seafood, and evenly fried, rice goodness.

To finish I not only downed my second glass of superb Petit Chablis for the reasonable price of $22, but chose to enjoy the milk chocolate mousse topped with mint ice cream. Generously spaced and numerous assorted ‘coco pops’ wafers provide agreeable texture, to a dish that is probably best shared.

As I paid the bill a little less than an hour following being seated, I wondered whether I should ask about the tall floor staffer. I decided to allow myself to believe that Mr Sniffles was not sick, and was just enjoying himself. I’m not sure if that is the better thought, but it was more entertaining, and less of a put-off in an otherwise fabulous solo dinner.

King Clarence
https://www.bentleyrestaurantgroup.com.au/kingclarence
Open daily from 12pm
171 Clarence Street, Sydney
info@kingclarence.com.au
(02) 8456 7120