The Art of a Bonne Vivante Night Out
I didn’t know what kind of New Yorker I was going to be yet—but I knew she’d start with red lipstick, a martini at Bemelman's, and a table for one at Daniel. A soft launch into city life? Please. This was a grand entrance.
I. Bemelman’s Bar: A Prelude in Cocktails
Picture this: you’ve just stepped off the subway—your first subway ride as a New Yorker, I might add. It’s raining, so you find yourself doing the iconic Carrie Bradshaw walk-slash-run to your destination—you know exactly the one I’m talking about.
You turn the corner and see it: the historic Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side. Your nerves start to kick in as you walk through the doors, but you hold your head high and strut in like you own the place. Because darling—you do.
You unknowingly walk past the line to get in, but when the host stops you, you flash a confident smile and say you’re a party of one. He replies, “Right this way,” and escorts you straight to the bar top at Bemelman's, one of New York’s most legendary watering holes.
Immediately, your nerves settle. You feel like one of the most fabulous women in New York. You glance at the menu and quickly decide on a cocktail classic: The Gibson—The martini’s lesser-known, but equally chic, cousin.
You came alone, but as usual, it doesn’t take long to make a couple of friends on the barstools beside you. The pianist-singer starts playing “New York, New York,” and you realize: This is it. The main character moment you’ve been waiting your whole life for.
The martinis may have been $45, but honestly? The ambiance was priceless.
II. Dinner at Daniel: Dining Like a Woman Who Knows Herself
Most people wait for a special occasion to dress up and dine solo at a Michelin-starred restaurant. I prefer to be the occasion. My first night out in NYC? Cue the champagne flute—and me, center stage, darling.
Truthfully, I was having such a fabulous time at Bemelman's, I could’ve stayed all night. But I had made this reservation weeks ago. Bemelman's was just the appetizer. Daniel was the main course.
From the moment I walked in, it was a five-star treatment—from the gentleman who opened the door, to the woman who whisked away my coat, to the hostess who greeted me with a smile and said, “Congratulations on your big evening!” (Yes, I listed it as a celebration—because it was.)
Now, I don’t always indulge in fine dining, but when I do? You know I go all in. I chose the five-course prix-fixe menu, and every single bite was worth it. From the silky foie gras to the seared scallops, and finally a whole plate of dazzling desserts—it was one of the most decadent meals I’ve ever had.
As I sat there, savoring every bite, every sip, every moment—I smiled. I had earned this. I work hard. I deserve a little luxury. And no one’s going to treat me better than me. 😉
Solo diners sometimes blend into the background. Other times, we stand out. I happened to be the latter. A nearby couple made a point to loudly comment on people who photograph their food or themselves at the table while looking directly at me. And listen—I get it. No one likes a loud influencer waving a selfie stick in your bouillabaisse. But that’s not me. I keep it quick, discreet, and respectful. A few snaps, a few seconds, then I’m back to being present in the moment. Because one thing I refuse to do is experience the night through my phone screen. But I digress.
In moments like that, you have two choices: shrink yourself, or shine even brighter. I chose the latter. I raised my champagne glass, flashed my best Bonne Vivante smile, and said, “Cheers!”
Luckily, not everyone was grumpy. The waitstaff saw the vibes and went above and beyond—extra desserts, warm smiles, and even a private peek behind the kitchen doors.
And that, darling, is how you turn dinner for one into an evening for the history books.
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💄 Bonne Vivante Night Out Essentials 💃
III. Takeaways: The Bonne Vivante Philosophy of a Solo Night Out
Now I know what some of you are thinking:
“I love to see you live your best life, Brittany, but I could never…”
YES.
YOU.
CAN.
And you should.
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or you’ve been married for years with kids—you should absolutely date yourself on a regular basis.
We, as women, have been taught since a very young age to wait for a man to woo us and do all these wonderfully romantic gestures—thank you, Disney movies! And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with wanting those things.
However, I challenge you to do them for yourself—and just watch what happens.
There is magic in choosing yourself.
Watch how high your confidence levels soar when you start treating yourself the way you want a man (or woman or whoever) to treat you.
Think to yourself:
What is a romantic date you would love someone to plan for you?
A fancy Michelin-starred restaurant? A picnic in the park?
How about just a bubble bath with a glass of wine?
Now go do it. For yourself.
(And feel free to consult me for planning advice—you know I LOVE to plan.)
Then come back and tell me all about it. Because I guarantee, you’ll feel yourself walking just a bit taller after.
And if inflation and tariffs are making your wallet tighter, there are plenty of inexpensive and free ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank. Your happiness doesn’t have to be expensive.
The more I’ve dated myself, the better I’ve gotten at dating.
Wait—how’s that possible if I’m still single?
Because I’ve stopped depending on anyone else to fulfill me.
I’ve raised the bar.
I’ve developed standards that start with self-respect and end with not settling for anything less than the love I now have for myself.
Paris taught me how to flirt with life.
New York? She’s where I came to seduce it.
And if you think this solo date night was something… just wait until Bonne Vivante and the City makes her debut.
Let’s just say, the real fun is only getting started.
Et voilà. I raised a glass to myself—and, of course, to New York. 🥂
