I have been coming to China Doll since it opened - mostly with friends in small or larger groups.
Today, I came to dine solo. I have dined alone while travelling around the world and here in Australia. While I am very comfortable doing so,...sadly it is not an uncommon experience, perhaps because I am an older woman and visiting alone, that I feel the staff are awkward not quite knowing what to do with me, where to put me, whether it is 'appropriate' that I have another glass of wine, or that the meal is rushed, presumably to make way for 'higher value' customers.
Today I was served by one of China Doll's waitstaff, Lada. By contrast, not only did she offer half serves on some dishes so I could sample across your delicious offerings as I would when with friends - almost unheard of - but she also asked me when I was ready for the main meal to come. At no point, did I feel 'on the clock'. This attitude should be a role model for young, or less experienced staff.
It might not seem much, or that doing so is somehow difficult to provide, but this kind of attentiveness, thoughtfulness and lack of preconceptions for solo women diners is, in my experience, rare.
So, thank you China Doll for another terrific dining experience in a long thread of these. Already one of my favourite Sydney restaurants, you have gone up yet another notch.More