I guess you can say this story started about six years ago – my sister Tammy forwarded me an email from a writer named Dan Primack. Dan wrote the Term Sheet for Fortune (a daily mergers and acquisitions newsletter) and apparently was a hockey fan. He had made a comment about hockey she knew I would like and so she sent it to me. Oddly enough, I subscribed to his newsletter and I’ve been reading it ever since. Mostly out of curiosity, but sometimes my customers show up on one and it’s just interesting to me to see how the world works.
A few years ago, Dan moved to Axios and is still writing a newsletter about mergers and acquisitions. As a result, I discovered the world of Axios and now subscribed to several newsletters that I really enjoy. (Check them out if you want a middle of the road news outlet with a lot of great information and resources.)
When I was still living in Denver, they started a local series that talked about local news, what was going on in your city and local events that you go to, things like that. After I moved to Nashville, I subscribed to the local one here and really enjoy it. It’s written by Nate and Adam and I like their take on local news, issues and recommendations. Food, music, festivals – you name it, they talk about it. Nate even dropped swag off to my office once!
About a month ago, Axios announced it was starting a social club with the chance to join a dinner outing. I was interested and, after some thought, decided I was in! They asked you a few questions about preferences and budgets and an emoji to describe you (more on that later) then booked you for a table of six people on a Tuesday night in Nashville. All you knew was the neighborhood and the date – the place and fellow diners were unknown.
Yesterday morning, they sent a message letting me know which restaurant we were booked for and I was happy to hear it was one I’ve wanted to go to for some time. Pelato is a Brooklyn Italian small plates restaurant that is often featured on food blogs and Instagram stories and I’ve heard great things. I was excited! Did they tell you who you were meeting? Give us any clue? Kinda – they described us all by our emojis!
Then, last evening I arrived and was escorted to the Red Table to meet five random strangers for dinner. There was one young lady seated when I arrived and then four more people showed up – one at a time, almost in Ocean’s Eleven style lol!
Four ladies and two gentlemen randomly met for dinner at a highly recommended restaurant in Nashville for an incredible dinner on a Tuesday night. We shared more than a few dishes, had enjoyable conversations and talked about everything under the sun. Naturally, I asked them which emoji they were 😉
So how was the food you ask? Tasty and inspired and different and SO many new things to try. Including these Baked Clams Oreganata! So many good menu options to explore – burrata and potato croquettes and lemon arancini and burnt broccolini (possibly my favorite dish of the night). Then were the pastas – radiatori vodka, Campanelle shrimp limon, and Fusilli Pesto. You gotta love a small plates restaurant! The chance to try a little of everything is worth it. The best part? I didn’t even know have to order – we all chose a few things and one lady took ownership of making sure it happened. Love it.
One of the ladies told us The Free Press also does a dinner club that she participated in a few times, so there are opportunities available. If you’re looking for some new connections, good food and talking to real people in front of you, take a look and see if there are options near you.
Last night I walked away with great memories, a wonderful dinner experience in a restaurant I’ve wanted to try, and a text thread of new friends. All because someone made room at a table for me. I would encourage you to do the same. Invite someone over or out to dinner. Say yes to an invitation. So many people are yearning for real connection with real people.
As far as what to say or what to do with your hands (I struggled with that more than I would’ve thought!), just ask “What is one thing most people don’t know about you?” and see where the conversation goes. One lady asked me a follow up question that lead to a deeper conversation (y’all know I love meaningful conversations!) and it ended up being a good moment we didn’t plan.
Those of you who know me well know I love to make new friends and acquaintances and especially love connecting people with other people I know. This becomes easier when we make space for connections – especially when we get busy with life.
One thing I learned about last night? Sometimes it’s not knowing all the things or having the best story or funniest joke – it’s about actually showing up and being present in a moment you didn’t know how to plan for. To be myself and learn about and enjoy the company of others. Here’s to more dinner parties!
