The Single Gourmet of South Florida

The Single Gourmet mixes dinner & mingling for the unmarried 

February 9, 2001 

Palm Beach County Edition

By Elizabeth Roberts

Lori Dolan had just broken off her engagement and was trying to edge back into the singles scene when a classified ad caught her eye.  “I’m one of those people who reads those notices in front of the employment section – I’m interested in seeing who’s wishing someone happy birthday,” chuckles the Delray Beachresident.  ”And I saw an ad in the singles’ ads that said ‘Enjoy dining and meeting upscale singles.’ ” Dolan called The Single Gourmet.  She dialed into the web site (www.singlegourmetflorida.com) and after she read the publicity materials, she mailed in $99. and joined.  That was 8 months ago, and Dolan has been happily dining ever since.  She has eaten at Meson Madrid and Paradiso in Boca Raton, Flavor’s of Italy in Coral Springs and Brook’s in Deerfield Beach just to name a few.  And, oh yes, even though she’s not in a serious relationship, she’s met a lot of nice people and has made some new friends.

Which is sort of what makes “The Single Gourmet” a bit different from a dating service.  “Our objective is to get single people together in a no-hassle environment that is totally different from the bar scene or singles dances or one of those expensive dating services,” said Barry Adelson, who, with his partner Laura Simoncini runs the South Florida chapter of The Single Gourmet.

The organization, which has over 45,000 members nationwide has grown to encompass 27 cities in the two decades it has been in existence.  For their annual fee, members get a monthly newsletter with a calendar of events along with a description of each venue and the cost which includes tax and tip.  They can also participate in some of the activities that are arranged by the 27 other Single Gourmet chapters nationwide, including, most recently, a fourteen day trip to Europe with members from The Single Gourmet chapter in Manhatten.  Some 2,600 people have anted up in Palm Beach County, and their membership fee has taken them to restaurants like Chardonney’s in Palm Beach Gardens, Le Vieille Maison in Boca Raton, Benvenuto’s in Boynton Beach, La Belle Epoque in Delray Beach, Trevini on Worth Ave in Palm Beach and many other popular restaurants throughout Palm Beach County.  Adelson typically reserves the restaurant for the evening so the group can mingle freely during the social hour. For dinner, seating is arranged by age and interests.  ”It creates comfort for all ages to attend the events,” he explains.  That suits Joe Selin, just fine.  The Boca Raton furniture salesman divorced in 1996 after more than five years of marriage and doesn’t like the bar scene.  “If I’m looking for some sort of romantic relationship, I would want my mate to be in and around my same age group,” he said.  ”People are more comfortable in the same age groups.” Selin, who has been a member for two years, dated someone he met at a dinner for about a year before the relationship broke off.  But even if he isn’t guaranteed a mate for life, or even a date for the evening, he says The Single Gourmet has a very relaxed atmosphere and pleasant forum that makes every meeting enjoyable.

That’s pretty much Edith Dutkin’s philosophy, too.  The Boynton Beach resident says she really likes the socialization.  I am hear to have a pleasant social evening, make new friends and just maybe (you never know) meet someone special.

The Single Gourmet is based in Pompano Beach and has three chapters covering South Florida.  For additional information about the organization, please call 561-265-2595 (Palm Beach County) or954-723-9608 (Broward County) or 305-371-8717 (Miami-Dade County).