We understand you have questions. That's why we've put together the short overview below. Hopefully this will dispel any lingering doubts, and you'll join our singles dinner club right away.
If not, feel free to click and email Martin , call (401) 849-6856, drop us a line, or click on "contact Us" with the spoon.
Our address is: The Single Gourmet of RI, 84 Roseneath Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Here's the deal
To select a topic, click on the corresponding question below.
What is Single Gourmet?
Single Gourmet is a social dining, events and outings (including travel) club offering a safe and pleasurable environment for successful Rhode Island singles – both men and women-- to enjoy themselves and to meet other successful singles.
In the spirit of friendship and in the pursuit of culinary enjoyment, we invite you to become a member and join us at our events. Our easy introduction atmosphere is the perfect way to expand your circle of friends while enjoying fun events in a comfortable, friendly and non-intimidating environment.
We do not guarantee that you will meet the love of your life at a Single Gourmet event, but we do promise that we will do our best to offer you a great meal and the chance to share the evening in the pleasant company of other Providence singles.
Why do people join Single Gourmet?
We find that our members join Single Gourmet for a variety of reasons. Often, they want to meet and spend time with other adults like themselves.
Whether you are new to the area and want to meet new friends and experience local restaurants, or you'd like an alternative to your busy work life, or you are tired of being the fifth wheel because most of your friends are married - our events are the ideal social solution for you.
Whatever your reason for joining Single Gourmet, we promise you'll make new friends and network while sharing good food, great conversation and laughter
Is Single Gourmet a dating service?
No, we are not a dating service nor do we guarantee that you will meet the love of your life at an event. Our goal is for our members to enjoy a great meal while we provide the chance for you to share the evening in pleasant company. Hopefully, friendships will develop.
We do not do any specific match-making, however if you feel a "spark" we are happy to be a "go between" if requested.
What are the benefits of memberships?
Single Gourmet provides the place and the time. Our members make the event. Benefits include:
Top Restaurants: Experience the areas fantastic food with no wait for a table.
New Friends: Our friendly and pressure free environment encourages successful singles (like yourself) to make new friends, and sometimes more!
Laughter & Conversation: Our members truly enjoy each other’s company in a non-threatening environment.
A Host with the Most: Single Gourmet hosts, who are present at every event greet, welcome and introduce members to one another.
Member Communications: Check our website 24/7 for up-to-date information on Event Calendar! Receive reminders and write-ups on special functions.
Large Network of Members: Enjoy reciprocal membership privileges with other chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Cultural Events & Travel: Enjoy wine and beer tastings, cooking classes, travel to local sites and exotic lands, and more!
Who can join Single Gourmet?
We welcome all single men and women. Most RI members are between the ages of 45-69.
However, if you think that you would enjoy the events we invite you to join, regardless of your age! Age is a function of attitude!
During the dining events, we pre-arrange seating using age and interests as a guideline.
How do I become a member?
IIt's very easy. Just click on the "Sign Up” Tab.
You can submit the membership form on-line and pay via credit card, PayPal account, or print it and mail the form.
Please remember to include a check when mailing the application. Credit Cards can only be accepted through PayPal.
What are the membership fees?
We have lowered the fees to be more in line with the New York City area chapters.
.12 Month membership - $85
12 month renewal from previous expiration - $50
24 Months membership - discontinued. Existing memberships will be honored
Unlimited membership - discontinued. Existing memberships will be honored.
Refunds were offered for a short time. No-one bought a membership during that time. No refunds are offered at present.
The cost of events is not included with the membership fee. The fee for each event is shown on the events page with the description of the event. For more information on the event costs see below.
Why is Single Gourmet a membership club?
The events are at cost, and overheads--website, newsletters, advertising, negotiating with restaurants,-- are covered from membership. Membership allows us to sometimes negotiate better rates with our event venues and ensure that our members enjoy professional and entertaining events all year long. With large events we know something about the guests when we are planning the seating. By having a membership structure, we are also able to monitor the behavior of the members and when needed, exclude members for inappropriate behavior. We try to make sure you will meet successful, interesting people who behave appropriately..
Is there a code of conduct?
Yes, we request that all members be respectful of other members. We reserve the right to not renew a membership at its expiration date or terminate it at any time. If a membership is terminated, a prorated amount will be refunded.
How are event venues selected?
Restaurants are selected to reflect the broad cuisine available in the Rhode Island area. Each month, we offer a variety of dining experiences, from traditional haute cuisine to exciting new ethnic discoveries.
Single Gourmet has also offered special events and outings, especially during the warm weather months including, cooking demonstrations, boat trips with dinner, dinner and theater, outdoor concerts and picnic dinners.
Members may also participate in trips that we may offer or that other Single Gourmet chapters offer. This provides the opportunity to meet even more new friends and travel on exciting, fun-filled trips, both here and abroad. If you are travelling, check out the websites below at "other clubs" for information about other chapters. Your membership is recognized at all Single Gourmet events nationwide. Since we do not have membership cards you will need a letter of introduction, or sometimes just a phone call from your RI host. Click on "Contact Us" and phone or email so we can take care of it.
What are the charges associated with an event?
The fee for each event is listed on the events page.
The fee usually includes a three-course meal (choose1 each of appetizers, entrees, and desserts) plus tax and gratuity. Regular coffee or tea is typically included. Alcoholic drinks and other beverages are NOT included. Any deviation from this norm is specifically stated in the description of the event.
The fee for an event ranges from $50 - $80per person depending on the venue.
What type of events will be planned?
We offer a variety of dining experiences, from traditional haute cuisine to exciting new ethnic discoveries. You can receive our email Newsletter free of charge by clicking on the "Contact Us" tab and following the directions in Red.
Single Gourmet has also offered other special events and outings, especially during the warm weather months, including cooking demonstrations, boat trips with dinner, dinner and theater, outdoor concerts and picnic dinners.
Members may also participate in trips that we may offer or that other Single Gourmet chapters offer. This provides the opportunity to meet even more new friends and travel on exciting, fun-filled trips, both here and abroad. If you are travelling, see "other clubs" below.
for information about other chapters. Your membership is recognized at all Single Gourmet events nationwide. Click on "Contact Us" to get verification of membership for other chapters..
How do I know what events are scheduled?
In RI we usually schedule one event a month. If attendance increases we will schedule more.
You can stay informed about events by checking our events page 24/7 for up-to-date information. You can also receive our email Newsletter free of charge by clicking on the "Contact Us" tab and following the directions in Red..
How do I make a reservation for an event?
Making a reservation is easy! Our events page is always kept up-to-date with the latest events. When you find an event you would like to attend, use the Reservations Link to submit your reservation to that event and to pay via credit card.
You may also mail a check.
We suggest that you make your reservation as soon as you decide that you want to attend an event. Some events have limited seating.
(Note: You must be a member to attend an event. Guests of members are permitted for $10.00 extra, one guest per member.)
Can I make a last-minute reservation to an event?
We understand that our member's lives are very busy, therefore if you discover at the last minute you would like to join an event, contact us immediately. We will always try to accommodate you.
If I have a reservation to an event, can I cancel?
Event cancellations are accepted up to 2 days before an event, unless specifically stated within the event description on our calendar. However, at present we cannot provide refunds or credits on credit cards. Instead, we will apply your credit toward a future event.
How many people attend each event?
Event attendance varies depending on the type of event and its popularity (a typical dinner event has from 6 to 10 people attending).
We purposely control the size of an event to maintain a friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere that is conducive to meeting new people and encourages comfortable conversation.
Every event is attended by a Single Gourmet Host to meet and greet our members, introduce new members and to manage the event.
During the dining events, we pre-arrange seating using age and interests as a guideline.
Do people arrive alone to events?
Most of our members come by themselves, but occasionally two friends will come together or members will bring guests. Non-members may come as the guest of a member. A Single Gourmet Host attends every event and will make introductions and usually members will go out of their way to make new members feel comfortable, too.
Is there a dress code?
There is no established dress code; however, since the restaurants/venues are often upscale, our members usually are dressy casual (suit or sport coat for men; women can wear pant suits, dresses or suits). If the dress code is different, either more formal or more casual, this will be in the event notice.
Restaurants and event venues can always be contacted prior to the event with any questions.
Will my name, phone number or address ever be given out to anyone?
No. All information in the membership application is strictly confidential and will never be sold or given to third parties under any condition.
If you wish to contact someone after an event but didn't get his/her contact information, we will be happy to call him/her on your behalf.
Can you accommodate dietary preferences?
f course. Just tell us your dietary preferences/restrictions when you make a reservation for an event.
Menu items are normally listed on our website within our calendar under "Event Description". We'll always go out of our way to make your dining experience as enjoyable as possible.
Are there other clubs?
Yes! There are 8 definitely active Single Gourmet chapters in the USA and Canada, including us. Here are the others arranged more or less by distance from RI, with links to websites. These change, chapters merge, separate, or go out of business. We try to keep up.
Other Websites have out-of-date links. This section updated November 3 2011
Members may participate in trips that we may offer or that other Single Gourmet chapters offer. This provides the opportunity to meet even more new friends and travel on exciting, fun-filled trips, both here and abroad. If you are travelling, ask Martin ("Contact Us" tab) for membership confirmation for other chapters. Your RI membership is recognized at all Single Gourmet events nationwide, and even in other countries.