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Diminutive Dining for Feminine Frolics

 


I’m about to step into one of those cultural phenomena that I’m probably unqualified to hold forth on. But, after my amazing debacle in 2024 where I completely failed to miss the meaning of Savage Mills -Bridgerton-themed invitation, I am going to tread more carefully on this one. 

I present to you an upcoming event at Elliot’s Craft Kitchen which is billed as a “Girl Dinner.”


Image from Elliot’s Craft Kitchen social media


Here are the details from the event page:

Live Music with Jimi Haha of Jimmies Chicken Shack and an amazing 
GIRL DINNER

8330 Benson Dr, Columbia, MD, United States, Maryland
21045

What to expect:
We have an incredible event coming up on Saturday February 7. We have Jimi HaHa from Jimmies Chicken Shack performing live. Don't miss this event which is being paired with an amazing GIRL DINNER!

Well, alrighty then. Since we’re using ALL CAPS, what is a GIRL DINNER?

This article on Wikihow traces the term to TikTok user Olivia Maher in May of 2023. You probably know more about this than I do. From what I can tell her thesis is based on the idea that when women are cooking for others they cook full meals with a variety of components and present them in a more or less traditional way. On the other hand, a woman at home on her own is assumed to be combining a whimsical assortment of what she has on hand and displaying it in a fashionably snacky way - - on a board or platter.

This is only somewhat related to my personal experience of eating a few random things out of the fridge that no one else is going to eat and I don’t really want to see them go to waste. These would likely be eaten serially, if the first item wasn’t quite enough. Food may be eaten right out of the fridge or reheated if desired. 

On a board or platter? I think not. We’re talking Tupperware or possibly even a napkin or paper towels here. Why would you create extra dishes to wash when you know darn well you are the one who will have to wash them?

My husband has described to me something more well-known as a Bachelor Dinner which entails anything you can eat over the sink. This also seems like a strategic method to cut down on dishwashing.

I absolutely want to give a boost to local indie/mom and pop restaurant Elliott’s Craft Kitchen. If this is the kind of event that appeals to you, or you can think of someone who’d like it - - go all out.

In my jaded, over-the-hill state a Girl Dinner might mean: you probably have no pockets. You will have endure group photographs in those self-effacing girly poses where you either scrunch down to look smaller and cute or stand with one leg in front of the other to appear “slimmer.” Oh, and you may receive indifferent service or be seated next to the kitchen since “everyone knows” women are poor tippers. 

Wait. Let’s be honest here. A girl dinner is for anyone under the age of twelve. When was the last time you saw an ad for an amazing BOY DINNER? 

Now that I’ve indulged my curmudgeonly side a bit, why don’t you fill me in on the positives of a Girl Dinner and/or your dining experiences at Elliott’s? I’ve had my say. 

Let’s hear yours.


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