The Single Gourmet of South Florida

By Judith Stocks

It’s 6:30 in the evening on Tuesday. I pull up to the restaurant that is my evenings destination and give myself a final “once over” to make sure everything’s in place and looking good. I step inside and approach a podium where an attractive young lady is waiting.  She beats me to a hello with her warm greating. “Welcome,” she says. “We’re so glad your here.”

This is my first encounter with The Single Gourmet … a group that caters to singles of all ages by providing a private dining-out club in a no hassle environment.  Executive Director Barry Adelson escorts me into one of the restaurants dining room where dozens of singles have gathered for imbibement and sociability.  I select a beverage, then settle in for a little conversation with a few of the club members.  Everyone seems very friendly and it’s a comfort to know there are other first timers in attendance besides myself.

Adelson explains that The Single Gourmet was founded on the principle that nice people want to associate with nice people. “These are people who like good food, good talk and good friends.” He believes, like so many others, that the fine dining scene is a far better approach than the bar scene. “This is a great way to meet a variety of interesting people from diverse backgrounds,” Adelson adds. “It’s fun and it’s a safe, secure environment.

Anyone who’s here would be someone I would welcome into my own home. The Single Gourmet has been in existence for over 20 years and boasts 27 chapters nationwide, along with two international chapters. On a national basis, the organization tallies about 40,000 members.  In South Florida about 2500. Enrollment is simple.  All you do to join is submit a membership application along with a $99. fee for the first year’s membership. The dues entitle members to receive the group’s monthly newsletter, containing a listing of upcoming events in the area as well as travel itineraries and other special events.

Adelson’s chapter covers the tri-county region of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County’s, with all of its members living and or working in those areas.  Adelson says that about 90% of his membership is based on referrals.  The focus of the club is to bring like-minded singles together at some of the finest and most well known restaurants around town.

All selected restaurants are predetermined, having been sampled by the club’s staff to ensure that a high set of standards is met to qualify as a Single Gourmet restaurant of choice. The criteria is based on quality, ambiance and value.  ”We also look closely at service, elegance and coziness of the facility,” Adelson says.  The group-rate cost of each dinner, which includes tax and tip, varies with the restaurant and the menu.

“We try to only go to upscale four and five star restaurants,” notes Adelson. “Our members appreciate and are use to eating good food.  They’re sort of like our own roving army of critics.”

After about an hour of socializing over drinks, the dinner is called to order. Seating is pre-arranged, initially determined by member age.  Dinner begins and conversations ensue. I chat with Randy, the handsome gentleman sitting next to me, who tells me that he, in fact, met someone special at his third dinner and is looking forward to seeing where it may leed.  “All in all, the dinners have been a very nice experience for me,” Randy informs me.

“We’re not a dating service or matchmakers who set people up,” Adelson states. “And, we have no hidden costs.” He and his partner Laura Simoncini make it a point to stay throughout the entire meal or the event to make sure everything stays perfect and runs as smoothly as possible. Adelson says that members attend functions for a variety of reasons. “Some come because they want to eat in a nice restaurant but don’t want to eat alone; some come for business reasons; others come to fall in love.”

Before joining forces with The Single Gourmet, Adelson and Simoncini both acted in professional capacities providing dating services. “Between us,” says Adelson, “we’ve got about 20 years of experience in that field and in the coordination of singles events.” Along with the weekly dinners, additional events might include wine tastings, cruises, ballroom dances, theater parties, concerts, sporting events, cookouts, comedy nights and assorted travel adventures.

At the meal’s end on the night I visited, two newcomers, Joe, 50 and Pamela, 45 who met for the first time at that evenings dinner, stopped by our table.  They tell Adelson and all within ear shot how much they like each other and that they’re just about ready to get engaged.  Everyone smiles.  Aside from the great food and camaraderie, the dinner has undoubtedly been a roaring success.

For additional information about The Single Gourmet, contact Barry Adelson or Laura Simoncini at 305-371-8717 in Miami-Dade County, 954-723-9608 in Broward County or at 561-276-2595 in Palm Beach County.