Elegant Italian Eating in NYC
by Courtney Caldwell

If you've guessed this is about a hot date with a wealthy suitor, guess again. This, my traveling friends, is the tale of one woman's night out for dinner alone in one of the best restaurants in Manhattan.

Let's start with the facts. Forty percent of all business travelers today are women which translates into a large number of women traveling alone, staying in hotels alone, and eating alone. There's nothing glamorous about it. For many of these women, eating in public restaurants, whether in the hotel or at an outside location, can be an absolute nightmare.

What most people don't realize is that it's often uncomfortable, and sometimes even dangerous, for women to dine alone. For one thing many people still find it unusual to see a women dining alone especially if it's in a fine restaurant. They stare and whisper trying to make sense of her nerve, or assume there's something fundamentally wrong with her.

The second challenge, which is worse than the stares and whispers, is that women dining alone often get hit on. Once male customers realize she's not waiting for someone, they seem to think it's an open invitation to approach her table for conversation and a drink. For many women, this is very discouraging from even leaving the hotel in the first place. Subsequently many women travelers end up ordering room service, which given a better choice, most would rather not do.

You don't have to worry about dining alone at Rossini's in Manhattan. On 38th Street between Madison and Park Avenues, this old world, out-of-the-way Italian restaurant welcomes women traveling alone with not only great food and excellent service but with all the comfort of home.

I wandered into Rossini's after the bell captain at the Jolly Madison Hotel, where I was staying, recommended the restaurant. It was within walking distance from the hotel, which was in a very safe and well-lit neighborhood.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Raymond Rossini, owner and partner of the family-owned and operated eatery. He didn't ask if I was waiting for my husband or someone else but instead asked how many in my party. When I said one, he smiled and kindly escorted me to a lovely table along the wall with a clear view of the entire restaurant. Most women who dine alone prefer not to be seated in the middle of the room to bolster their anonymity. Raymond knew instinctively to seat me in a discrete location, which added to my comfort level. No explanation needed.

The veal was excellent and cooked exactly to my liking, and there was no problem ordering a variation of it off the menu listing. Delivery and timing were perfect. There were no long uncomfortable delays, nor did I feel rushed at any time. The service from the captain and waiters was professional, friendly and very welcoming. I never felt uncomfortable for a minute, although I did encounter a few friendly smiles from curious customers but nothing intrusive. Clearly, men dining alone were respectable enough of Rossini's clients not to approach my table.

My mission into Rossini's was simply food. I was one hungry woman. Having been on a 5-day business trip doing too many MacDonald drive-thrus I felt it was time to have a good meal. It was not my intention to do a restaurant review but after the quality of service, food and treatment, I felt compelled to share this rare find, and recommend it to women traveling alone to New York. In fact, I highly recommend Rossini's to everyone who loves good old-fashioned northern Italian food and nice people.

Rossini's Northern Italian Cuisine was founded in 1978 by Raymond's father who today is semi-retired. The restaurant is run by Raymond, his brother, cousin, and on occasion even his kids who, in between college classes, are learning many of life's social skills from dealing with Rossini's eclectic clientele of business people, celebrities, and even a Don or two on occasion.

Rossini's is located at 108 East 38th Street, (212) 683-0135

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