Saturday Night At Fratelli's

Last Saturday, my galpal Lauren and I met up for dinner at Fratelli’s on the Upper East Side.

A relatively new addition to the neighborhood, Fratelli’s serves up tasty Italian fare in a laidback bistro setting. Co-owners and brothers Mark and John, along with their friendly staff, do a great job of making you feel welcome -- whether you’re a family with kids that need a distraction (like toys, which the restaurant makes available for borrowing) or two single ladies enjoying a night out.

Over a shared pear salad, two generous glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and delicious pasta (gnocchi in tomato sauce for me), Lauren and I found ourselves musing about thirtysomething singlehood.

Though we’re both happy with the choices we’ve made that have led us to where we are today, neither of us anticipated still being minus a plus one at this age. Or having to deconstruct confounding male behavior -- like the guy who regularly texts me sweet nothings yet only suggests last-minute plans. Or the friend of Lauren’s who makes romantic overtures but remains similarly elusive.

There is one upside of such shenanigans -- having fabulous girlfriends to laugh about it with.

Coming up…my appearance in an Associated Press story about dating and the recession, and meeting actress Susan Sarandon.