I live in a flat on my own, and I like to cook, so I end up eating alone regularly. But I also like to be distracted when I eat. This is why millions of people eat in front of the telly, but I don't think that's particularly satisfying. I crave conversation. That said, I'm not about to invite people round *every night* - that would drive me nuts! And I'd be exhausted! And I'd run out of friends after about the first week!
But what I do have is a laptop, and an internet connection. I could log on to the Virtual Tea Party instead! There are rules before you log in, however. You have to be at a table (the body language is all wrong if you're on a sofa). You mustn't do anything to put people off their food. A certain level of manners is encouraged (no eating with your mouth open, you tramp). Then, it's simple. A webcam transmits an image of you to your fellow diners, and your computer screen displays little images of them. You can discuss things, politics, work, TV, sex, I dunno, sheesh, whatever. You can ask them what they're eating, swap recipes. You can sit down to dinner with someone eating breakfast in Hawaii (well, I could. I think).
I'm aware this makes me sound rather sad, but as the song goes, hey, I'm just a modern guy.-- moomintroll, May 09 2006 I've just spotted that [Brummo] moots this exact idea in his first anno on 'Virtual Restaurant'. Drat.-- moomintroll, May 09 2006 Politics and religion are considered poor topics for table conversation, due to the inflammatory nature of the topic. It can put one quite off their feed.
I myself have attempted to discourage badmouthing others during dinner, at least until the brandy-and-cigars stage.
Lastly, certain forms of pornography can spoil dinner as well.
If we can make an effort to observe these niceties, you can count me in.-- normzone, May 09 2006 I'm voting for this because although I live with someone, he doesn't have the same dining preferences as I do. Oftentimes, I find myself eating alone or wishing for some conversation, so this would be nice. Bun on a plate in front of my computer. (Can you see it?)-- xandram, May 09 2006 random, halfbakery