"The Ranger" > wrote in news:-
andwidth:

> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
> experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>
> The Ranger

Join in, of course. :-)

I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.

I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
experienced this (not including picnics and such).

The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
against it.

How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
the party?

The Ranger

> "The Ranger" > wrote in news:-

>>
>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>> against it.
>>
>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>> the party?
>>
>> The Ranger


I'm not entirely sure whether or not you meant shared food or just
shared seating. The latter doesn't bother me, the former might with
strangers.

If I recall correctly (It's been 40 years) the famed Durgin Park
restaurant in Boston's old market district was communal seating.
So are many of the lobster restaurants in Maine. We ate at a huge
round communal table in Chinatown in NYC years ago, my first exposure to
dim sum, and we were the only non-Asians at the table. Everyone was
polite and friendly despite the language barrier, and the food was
wonderful.

It doesn't bother me at all in an informal place, particularly if my
tablemates are friendly and outgoing. We've met some interesting people
that way. I'd feel differently in a white tablecloth, expensive place.

gloria p

Gloria P > wrote in message
. ..
>> "The Ranger" > wrote in news:-
>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of
>> another time I've been seated at a communal table.
>> My wife is very much against it.
>>
>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a
>> restaurant and saw bench seating, would you turn
>> about and leave or join the party?
>>>
> I'm not entirely sure whether or not you meant shared
> food or just shared seating. The latter doesn't bother
> me, the former might with strangers.

The first place was very much shared seating but that red wine
was very communal. I think (the evening became a little "fuzzy"
towards the end) our table killed a number of soldiers that
night.

> If I recall correctly (It's been 40 years) the famed
> Durgin Park restaurant in Boston's old market
> district was communal seating. So are many of the
> lobster restaurants in Maine. We ate at a huge
> round communal table in Chinatown in NYC years
> ago, my first exposure to dim sum, and we were
> the only non-Asians at the table. Everyone was polite and
> friendly despite the language barrier, and
> the food was wonderful.
>
> It doesn't bother me at all in an informal place,
> particularly if my tablemates are friendly and outgoing.
> We've met some interesting people that way. I'd feel
> differently in a white tablecloth, expensive place.

I also enjoy friendly and outgoing tablemates; it's very much a
part of the evening's entertainment. But, having said that, I
enjoy having my personal bubble of space and rubbing elbows
with strangers isn't something that I'm used to.

The Ranger

On Aug 17, 7:50*pm, "The Ranger" > wrote:
> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
> experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
Were they in Fresno? Or central California?

> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?

I wish there were more such places. It would be good to have that
alternative as one of the reasons to go out. Coming on it
unexpectedly might be different. -aem

On Aug 17, 7:50�pm, "The Ranger" > wrote:

> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.

> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or
< join the party?

I want my own table. I have no interest in communal dining
at any level, be it Benihana or something of a higher order.
I don't see much communal dining in San Jose. In Portland
(OR) I see it at Clyde Commons and Sympatica - both
culinarily worthy (so I understand), but I won't go.

aem > wrote in message
...
> On Aug 17, 7:50 pm, "The Ranger" >
> wrote:
>> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>>
>> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque,
>> where I've experienced this (not including picnics
>> and such).
>>
> Were they in Fresno? Or central California?

The first was San Ramon, the second San Francisco. I've also
enjoyed Basque dining in San Juan Batista and Bakersfield, but
have yet to enjoy either places in Los Banos or Fresno! They're
on my To-Do list...

>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think
>> of another time I've been seated at a communal
>> table. My wife is very much against it.
>>
>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into
>> a restaurant and saw bench seating, would you turn
>> about and leave or join the party?
>>
> I wish there were more such places. It would be good
> to have that alternative as one of the reasons to go out.
> Coming on it unexpectedly might be different.

I'm sure if Clan Ranger were exposed to it more frequently, it
wouldn't be so daunting but it's the exception not the rule. As
I pointed out, those two times were FUN; the people at our
tables were HOOTS!

The Ranger

The Ranger wrote:

> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>
> The Ranger

First off-Thanks for the new On Topic thread.
I would join in and have a good time, assuming that my table mates were
of the same mindset and open to meeting new people too?
Cruise ships often seat you at communal tables, but not communally
passed food.

On Sun 17 Aug 2008 08:16:40p, Gloria P told us...

>
>> "The Ranger" > wrote in news:-
>
>>>
>>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>>> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>>> against it.
>>>
>>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>>> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>>> the party?
>>>
>>> The Ranger
>
>
> I'm not entirely sure whether or not you meant shared food or just
> shared seating. The latter doesn't bother me, the former might with
> strangers.
>
> If I recall correctly (It's been 40 years) the famed Durgin Park
> restaurant in Boston's old market district was communal seating.
> So are many of the lobster restaurants in Maine. We ate at a huge
> round communal table in Chinatown in NYC years ago, my first exposure to
> dim sum, and we were the only non-Asians at the table. Everyone was
> polite and friendly despite the language barrier, and the food was
> wonderful.

We had exactly the same experience in Chinatown in NYC years ago. It also
happened to be Mother's Day, and it as hugely crowded. We had gone
specifically for the dim sum, as had been recommended by a native Chinese
co-worker. The experience was well worth it.

> It doesn't bother me at all in an informal place, particularly if my
> tablemates are friendly and outgoing. We've met some interesting people
> that way. I'd feel differently in a white tablecloth, expensive place.
>
> gloria p
>
>



--
Date: Sunday, 08(VIII)/17(XVII)/08(MMVIII)

*******************************************
Countdown till Labor Day
2wks 2hrs 28mins
*******************************************
I'm not schizophrenic. It's this guy
beside me!
*******************************************

On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:50:08 -0700, "The Ranger"
> wrote:

>I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
>I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
>experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
>The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
>panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
>and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
>next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
>uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
>STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
>food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
>enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
>Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>against it.
>
>How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>the party?
>
I would join in. I like talking to strangers. I wouldn't be here if
I didn't.


--
I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.

Mae West

On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:16:40 -0600, Gloria P >
wrote:

>
>> "The Ranger" > wrote in news:-
>
>>>
>>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>>> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>>> against it.
>>>
>>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>>> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>>> the party?
>>>
>>> The Ranger
>
>
>I'm not entirely sure whether or not you meant shared food or just
>shared seating. The latter doesn't bother me, the former might with
>strangers.

I'd share platters, no problem.




--
I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.

Mae West

>"The Ranger" > wrote:
>I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where
>I've experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>The first time it happened, I was stunned into a
>motionless panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had
happened
>and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
>next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
uncomfortable.
>I immediately admit that both meals were STUNNING experiences both
>in qualities and quantities of the food let alone the
>gregarious company at "our" tables; we enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another
>time I've been seated at a communal table. My wife
>is very much against it.
>How do others feel about it? If you walked into
>a restaurant and saw bench seating, would you turn about
>and leave or join the party?
>The Ranger

------------------------------------------------------
I rather pass on communal dining with strangers but have been wanting to
try this restaurant in Savannah Georgia Mrs. Wilkes Dining Hall which
has been featured on The Food Network/ Food & Wine magazine.

Never heard any bad reviews plus not only did she have the communal
table but each customer took their share what was offered & passed the
servings bowls to the next person sitting besides them.

Mrs. Wilkes passed away in 2003 @ age 92 but staff has kept restaurant
going.

http://www.phonifier.com/phonify.php...3Dsearch_story

In article h>,
"The Ranger" > wrote:

> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
> experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>
> The Ranger

It's pretty common in a lot of Pennsylvania Dutch restaurants. They even
advertise 'family style' food as their draw.

"The Ranger" > wrote in message
h...
>I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've experienced
> this (not including picnics and such).
>
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant and saw bench
> seating, would you turn about and leave or join the party?
>
> The Ranger

Depends. If I was there for great food, I'd go in. The No Name in Boston is
famous for communal dining. It is a BYOB and most are even willing to share
their beer amongst the newcomers. Best seafood in town at No Name prices.

If I was going out for a quiet evening with my wife, I'd leave.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

The Ranger said...

> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?


I experienced this in 1991. At a conference in Oxford, England. The closing
dinner was held in the dining hall at Christ's Church. It was just like
dining at Hogwarts! Each wood table ran almost the length of the hall with
about five tables, with giant portraits of past Church/school dignitaries
covering the ornate mahogany (?) walls and high arched ceilings.

Waitstaff tended to every 10 seats or so, down the length of the table.

The meal was a choice of a fish, chicken or beef dish, no menus and no
wine.

Granted we were all conference attendees and many of us knew each other. It
was easy to talk to others since we all had the same interests in common.
So a little less communal and more formal probably than what you described.
I don't remember wearing a suit and tie so many days in a row, morning,
noon and night!

Aside from that "once in a lifetime dinner," nope, but I wouldn't mind at
all. I find people very interesting and easily engaging.

Andy

The Ranger said...

> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?


Not communal dining but at the diner in town, it's not uncommon for
conversations to occur between tables, booths and counter and nobody
complains. The only rule was never call out to the waitresses for service,
only if they were part of the conversation.

A lively occurrance for first thing in the morning. Kinda/sorta a little
communal.

Andy

"Gloria P" > ha scritto nel messaggio
. ..
>
>> "The Ranger" > wrote in news:-
>

>>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant and saw
>>> bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join the party?
>>>
>>> The Ranger
>
>
> I'm not entirely sure whether or not you meant shared food or just shared
> seating. The latter doesn't bother me, the former might with strangers.
>
> If I recall correctly (It's been 40 years) the famed Durgin Park
> restaurant in Boston's old market district was communal seating.
> So are many of the lobster restaurants in Maine. We ate at a huge
> round communal table in Chinatown in NYC years ago, my first exposure to
> dim sum, and we were the only non-Asians at the table. Everyone was
> polite and friendly despite the language barrier, and the food was
> wonderful.
>
> It doesn't bother me at all in an informal place, particularly if my
> tablemates are friendly and outgoing. We've met some interesting people
> that way. I'd feel differently in a white tablecloth, expensive place.
>
> gloria p
>
The last time it happened to me was in a fairly fancy Paris restaurant.
Mostly small tables, there was one very large one where single eaters and
people without reservations could sit. It was terrific. I'm more for it in
fancier places where you are less likely to sit next to piggies!

The Ranger > wrote:
> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>
> The Ranger

Only place I've ever been that did that was Benihana or Shogun. Didn't
bother us.

Jill

The Ranger wrote:
> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
> experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>

It depends. My wife and I always take each other out for dinner on our
birthdays and one year she took me to a Japanese restaurant. She had
asked fro a nice table, saying them it was a birthday dinner. We usually
mention that it is a birthday because they tend to thrown in a free
drink or dessert. We were surprised to be seated at stools around a
service / cooking area with 10 five other couples.

So there were were, sitting at a(sort of) table with a bunch of
strangers. The Japanese cook put on a pretty good chow as he prepared
the meal and it was fun. The problem was that I saw the staff line up on
the far side of the room. The person at the front had a wooden pole with
a lantern hanging from it and led the way as they all sang Happy
Birthday. It wasn't for me. Nor were the next half dozen or so
processions. Each time they lined up I was afraid that it was for me,
and eventually it was. I would rather have had a free drink.

Tamzen Cannoy wrote:

> "The Ranger" > wrote:

>> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
>> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
>> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
>> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
>> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
>> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
>> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
>> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>>
>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>> against it.
>>
>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>> the party?

> It's pretty common in a lot of Pennsylvania Dutch restaurants. They
> even advertise 'family style' food as their draw.

Does Paula Deen's restaurant have that type of seating?
Only time I've ever experienced communal seating is on a
cruise, if that counts. It was okay, though when we booked
I chose the largest table available so there wouldn't just be one
other couple. That could be tough if they're the quiet type.

nancy

On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:30:46 -0700, The Ranger wrote:

> Gloria P > wrote in message
> . ..
>>
>> It doesn't bother me at all in an informal place,
>> particularly if my tablemates are friendly and outgoing.
>> We've met some interesting people that way. I'd feel
>> differently in a white tablecloth, expensive place.
>
> I also enjoy friendly and outgoing tablemates; it's very much a
> part of the evening's entertainment. But, having said that, I
> enjoy having my personal bubble of space and rubbing elbows
> with strangers isn't something that I'm used to.
>
> The Ranger

the way the tables are set up in many 'non-communal' restaurants, you end
up doing it anyway.

your pal,
blake

On Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:12:41 -0400, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>Tamzen Cannoy wrote:
>
>> "The Ranger" > wrote:
>
>>> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
>>> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
>>> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
>>> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
>>> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
>>> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
>>> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
>>> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>>>
>>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>>> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>>> against it.
>>>
>>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>>> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>>> the party?
>
>> It's pretty common in a lot of Pennsylvania Dutch restaurants. They
>> even advertise 'family style' food as their draw.
>
>Does Paula Deen's restaurant have that type of seating?
>Only time I've ever experienced communal seating is on a
>cruise, if that counts. It was okay, though when we booked
>I chose the largest table available so there wouldn't just be one
>other couple. That could be tough if they're the quiet type.
>
We stayed at a fancy Chalet when I was a kid where they made people
share tables and it was a little awkward because we didn't expect it,
and we had absolutely nothing in common with the family who we were
assigned to. The next time we went back they'd changed their policy
and put in individual seating instead... But if it's more than one
other couple it can be fun... if you eat on the train they never have
room for private tables in the dining car, so you meet lots of
interesting people over your meal.

Nancy Young wrote:

> Does Paula Deen's restaurant have that type of seating? Only time I've
> ever experienced communal seating is on a
> cruise, if that counts. It was okay, though when we booked
> I chose the largest table available so there wouldn't just be one
> other couple. That could be tough if they're the quiet type.
>
> nancy

We went to a pizzeria yesterday and we had communal seating. The first
time I remember doing this, was at my Aunt Ruby's restaurant. It was on
the court house square and she was only open for lunch (I think). In
Pennsylvania I ate at an Amish restaurant and the seating was communal,
also at Japanese restaurants where they have the hibachi tables. On a
cruise ship, it is always good to ask for a large table.

Becca

Kajikit wrote:
> On Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:12:41 -0400, "Nancy Young" >
> wrote:

>> Only time I've ever experienced communal seating is on a
>> cruise, if that counts. It was okay, though when we booked
>> I chose the largest table available so there wouldn't just be one
>> other couple. That could be tough if they're the quiet type.
>>
> We stayed at a fancy Chalet when I was a kid where they made people
> share tables and it was a little awkward because we didn't expect it,
> and we had absolutely nothing in common with the family who we were
> assigned to.

Oh, especially if everyone else at the table knows each other,
you could feel like the fifth wheel. Or, if you're lucky, they'll
be the type to include you and you'd have a blast. Could go
either way.

> The next time we went back they'd changed their policy
> and put in individual seating instead... But if it's more than one
> other couple it can be fun... if you eat on the train they never have
> room for private tables in the dining car, so you meet lots of
> interesting people over your meal.

Everyone's in the same boat, so to speak, in a situation like
that. I think that could work out very well.

nancy

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Sun 17 Aug 2008 08:16:40p, Gloria P told us...
>
>>> "The Ranger" > wrote in news:-
>>>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>>>> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>>>> against it.
>>>>
>>>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>>>> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>>>> the party?
>>>>
>>>> The Ranger
>>
>> I'm not entirely sure whether or not you meant shared food or just
>> shared seating. The latter doesn't bother me, the former might with
>> strangers.
>>
>> If I recall correctly (It's been 40 years) the famed Durgin Park
>> restaurant in Boston's old market district was communal seating.
>> So are many of the lobster restaurants in Maine. We ate at a huge
>> round communal table in Chinatown in NYC years ago, my first exposure to
>> dim sum, and we were the only non-Asians at the table. Everyone was
>> polite and friendly despite the language barrier, and the food was
>> wonderful.
>
> We had exactly the same experience in Chinatown in NYC years ago. It also
> happened to be Mother's Day, and it as hugely crowded. We had gone
> specifically for the dim sum, as had been recommended by a native Chinese
> co-worker. The experience was well worth it.
>
>> It doesn't bother me at all in an informal place, particularly if my
>> tablemates are friendly and outgoing. We've met some interesting people
>> that way. I'd feel differently in a white tablecloth, expensive place.
>>
>> gloria p
>>
>>
>
>
>
The first time the wife and I ate dim sum was in a restaurant in
Kowloon, Hong Kong. No one there spoke English, we spoke no Chinese.
Ladies would bring the carts by and we would take a couple of baskets
and eat it, not knowing what we were getting. All of it was excellent
and people having lunch around us were smiling at the looks on our faces
as we ate pleasing food. All very polite of course and no looking
directly at us.

When we left I handed the bill, in Chinese of course, to the cashier and
he took out the amount from a wad of Hong Kong dollars I handed him and
gave me back the change. We were there for a week and ate lunch there
nearly every day as it was close to the hotel, the food was excellent as
was the service. A good experience for us.

Dave Smith wrote:

> So there were were, sitting at a(sort of) table with a bunch of
> strangers. The Japanese cook put on a pretty good chow as he prepared
> the meal and it was fun. The problem was that I saw the staff line up
> on the far side of the room. The person at the front had a wooden
> pole with a lantern hanging from it and led the way as they all sang
> Happy Birthday. It wasn't for me. Nor were the next half dozen or so
> processions. Each time they lined up I was afraid that it was for me,
> and eventually it was. I would rather have had a free drink.

I would rather just pay for my drink. I had a friend who thought
it was funny to tell the staff it was someone's birthday. I really
don't like being singled out in a restaurant with people singing to
me. No drink is worth the risk that might happen.

nancy

Nancy Young > wrote in message
. ..
> [..] I really don't like being singled out in a restaurant
> with people singing to me. No drink is worth the risk
> that might happen.

Man! Are you related to SWMBO?! She will provide me the
warning, "Don't tell them it's my birthday..." I don't have to
any longer since the Daughter-units have started joining us on
these celebrations. They seem immune to her threats of
lingering pain and never-ending suffering.

The Ranger

blake murphy > wrote in message
...
[snip]

> the way the tables are set up in many 'non-communal'
> restaurants, you end up doing it anyway.

The Left Bank (a local -- to me -- franchise) places tables so
close you need to be greased with Vaseline to get in and a shoe
horn to get out. The two-tops were easily within a 6 - 8 inches
of each other. My personal bubble doesn't extend too far out
but if I have to physically move the tables in order to slide
my legs on past, they're too close. If I'm confronted with
someone's broadside at face-level, the tables are too close...

In the case of the Left Bank, the couples on either side were
well into their drinks by the time we were seated. Couple One
was abusive to the server, the manager, and so sauced they had
trouble leaving. Couple Two were tonsil-mining for their
15-minute Youtube fame. When I asked to be moved, the
restaurant was going to move us to another deuce (near the
restrooms). No thanks. We voted with our wallet and left. I
haven't been back since and have vetoed anyone that offers it
up as a choice.

The Ranger

Kajikit > wrote in message
...
[snip]
> We stayed at a fancy Chalet when I was a kid where
> they made people share tables and it was a little
> awkward because we didn't expect it, and we had
> absolutely nothing in common with the family who
> we were assigned to.
[snip]

That seems to be the biggest issue with why people don't like
sharing tables; the idea that they might get seated with people
that they have absolutely nothing in common with or if there
are kids around, that the kids will create an unnecessary
drama.

The Ranger

The Ranger wrote:

> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
> experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>
> The Ranger

I also have dined at a Basque restaurant with communal
seating. It was lovely. I also go to a Pa. Dutch restaurant
with family-style service any time I'm in the Lancaster area.
I love it. It's a lot of fun. I don't understand why anyone
would object to it unless they were a couple going out for
a romantic dinner.

Kate


--
Kate Connally
“If I were as old as I feel, I’d be dead already.”
Goldfish: “The wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.”
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

Bill wrote:

> In article h>,
> says...

> If you ever get near this place, try it.
> Muy excellente.
>
> http://www.samoacookhouse.net/
>
> http://www.beachcalifornia.com/samoa-cookhouse.html
>
> http://www.roadtripamerica.com/eats/samoa.htm
>
> http://redwoods.info/showrecord.asp?id=400
>
> Bill

I was at the Samoa Cookhouse once. It was cool.
I had almost forgotten about that.

Kate

--
Kate Connally
€œIf I were as old as I feel, Id be dead already.€�
Goldfish: €œThe wholesome snack that smiles back,
Until you bite their heads off.€�
What if the hokey pokey really *is* what it's all about?

Kate Connally > wrote in message
...
> [..] I don't understand why anyone would object to it
> unless they were a couple going out for a romantic dinner.

Exposure to new ideas and experiences tend to make the
more-conservative edgy. In the two examples I cited, I was not
expecting it so it caused me a moment's pause. I've been
"trained" by the restaurants I frequent that when I dine out, I
will be seated at "my own" table, not sharing it with someone
else. When I was single, I dined out frequently. I can't
remember a lot of conversations unless it was about something
interesting I noticed; most people simply kept to themselves.

The Ranger

On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:50:08 -0700, "The Ranger"
> wrote:

>I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
>I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
>experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
>The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
>panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
>and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
>next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
>uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
>STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
>food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
>enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
>Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>against it.
>
>How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>the party?

Great thread idea Ranger. I had to think about it for a bit but
depending on who I was with I might join in. The's an Italian place
here that serves that way I used to go to once a week. The food was
great and the old fat ladies (servers) were a show on their own. You
knew that going in though. If I was looking forward to a nice quiet
meal I would never go there. I've stayed at B&B's that served that
way and sometimes it was enjoyable but sometimes not. My preference
would be my own table, but I'm open to different things at times.
I've been to weddings and other events that I couldn't wait to eat so
I could leave the table because of the other people there.

Lou

Nancy Young wrote:
> Dave Smith wrote:
>
>> So there were were, sitting at a(sort of) table with a bunch of
>> strangers. The Japanese cook put on a pretty good chow as he prepared
>> the meal and it was fun. The problem was that I saw the staff line up
>> on the far side of the room. The person at the front had a wooden
>> pole with a lantern hanging from it and led the way as they all sang
>> Happy Birthday. It wasn't for me. Nor were the next half dozen or so
>> processions. Each time they lined up I was afraid that it was for me,
>> and eventually it was. I would rather have had a free drink.
>
> I would rather just pay for my drink. I had a friend who thought
> it was funny to tell the staff it was someone's birthday. I really
> don't like being singled out in a restaurant with people singing to
> me. No drink is worth the risk that might happen.


It would not have been so bad if I had been the only one getting the
birthday treatment that night. The first time them getting ready and
start singing Happy Birthday I thought it was for me and I was
embarrassed enough, but then it kept happening, over and over, and I
knew that my turn was coming. The birthday surprise was a fruit salad
bowl with an assortment of fruits, the centerpiece being an apple that
had been cut and carved into a bird. They charged for it too.

Nancy Young wrote:

> Does Paula Deen's restaurant have that type of seating? Only time I've
> ever experienced communal seating is on a
> cruise, if that counts. It was okay, though when we booked
> I chose the largest table available so there wouldn't just be one
> other couple. That could be tough if they're the quiet type.
>
> nancy

No, her horrid restaurant is either order off the menu or the trough,
oops, I mean buffet. NOT a place I'd ever bother with again. What a
tourist trap.
Mrs.Wilkes gets the locals still. Paula's does not. That says something, eh?

blake murphy wrote:

> the way the tables are set up in many 'non-communal' restaurants, you end
> up doing it anyway.
>
> your pal,
> blake
>
>
Blake, remember how it would have been easy to do at that Ethiopian
restaurant we shared dinner at? All the tables were close. But those
communal platter meals appeared to be just shared among the same party,
not strangers. We did all eat communally off the same platter of
food-with our hands even!

On Mon 18 Aug 2008 07:15:31a, George Shirley told us...

> Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>> On Sun 17 Aug 2008 08:16:40p, Gloria P told us...
>>
>>>> "The Ranger" > wrote in news:-
>>>>> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
>>>>> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
>>>>> against it.
>>>>>
>>>>> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
>>>>> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
>>>>> the party?
>>>>>
>>>>> The Ranger
>>>
>>> I'm not entirely sure whether or not you meant shared food or just
>>> shared seating. The latter doesn't bother me, the former might with
>>> strangers.
>>>
>>> If I recall correctly (It's been 40 years) the famed Durgin Park
>>> restaurant in Boston's old market district was communal seating.
>>> So are many of the lobster restaurants in Maine. We ate at a huge
>>> round communal table in Chinatown in NYC years ago, my first exposure
>>> to dim sum, and we were the only non-Asians at the table. Everyone
>>> was polite and friendly despite the language barrier, and the food was
>>> wonderful.
>>
>> We had exactly the same experience in Chinatown in NYC years ago. It
>> also happened to be Mother's Day, and it as hugely crowded. We had
>> gone specifically for the dim sum, as had been recommended by a native
>> Chinese co-worker. The experience was well worth it.
>>
>>> It doesn't bother me at all in an informal place, particularly if my
>>> tablemates are friendly and outgoing. We've met some interesting
>>> people that way. I'd feel differently in a white tablecloth, expensive
>>> place.
>>>
>>> gloria p
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
> The first time the wife and I ate dim sum was in a restaurant in
> Kowloon, Hong Kong. No one there spoke English, we spoke no Chinese.
> Ladies would bring the carts by and we would take a couple of baskets
> and eat it, not knowing what we were getting. All of it was excellent
> and people having lunch around us were smiling at the looks on our faces
> as we ate pleasing food. All very polite of course and no looking
> directly at us.

George, that was pretty much the same scenario we had in Chinatown in NYC.
We were the only occidentals in the restaurant and no one spoke English.
We were seated at a large round table with a Chinese family, who generally
looked on as we sampled dish after dish from the cart.

> When we left I handed the bill, in Chinese of course, to the cashier and
> he took out the amount from a wad of Hong Kong dollars I handed him and
> gave me back the change. We were there for a week and ate lunch there
> nearly every day as it was close to the hotel, the food was excellent as
> was the service. A good experience for us.

That was how we paid, too. The bill was also in Chinese. We handed him US
dollars, of course, and he gave us the appropriate change. Interestingly,
we had left a very generous tip on the table. Part of that was returned to
us, as they must have felt it was too much.

--
Date: Monday, 08(VIII)/18(XVIII)/08(MMVIII)

*******************************************
Countdown till Labor Day
1wks 6dys 13hrs 33mins
*******************************************
Luxuriantly hand-crafted from only the
finest ASCII.
*******************************************

The Ranger wrote:
> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
> experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>
> The Ranger
>
>

I'd join the party. We have had some wonderful meals at communal dining
places in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Good and Plenty is one famous one.

--
Janet Wilder
Bad spelling. Bad punctuation
Good Friends. Good Life

The Ranger wrote:
>
> I posted on chow.com about the idea of communal dining.
>
> I can only think of two restaurants, both Basque, where I've
> experienced this (not including picnics and such).
>
> The first time it happened, I was stunned into a motionless
> panic attack. The hostess immediately guessed what had happened
> and was very patient in explaining her people's tradition. The
> next Basque experience was less daunting but still mildly
> uncomfortable. I immediately admit that both meals were
> STUNNING experiences both in qualities and quantities of the
> food let alone the gregarious company at "our" tables; we
> enjoyed ourselves immensely.
>
> Aside from those two experiences, I can't think of another time
> I've been seated at a communal table. My wife is very much
> against it.
>
> How do others feel about it? If you walked into a restaurant
> and saw bench seating, would you turn about and leave or join
> the party?
>
> The Ranger


If the place had a reputation for good food, certainly worth joining in.
Have had communal dining at Amish and Mennonite-run restaurants, and at
other 'family-style' places. Limited menu but vast quantities of
excellent food. What's not to like

The Ranger wrote:
> Nancy Young > wrote

>> [..] I really don't like being singled out in a restaurant
>> with people singing to me. No drink is worth the risk
>> that might happen.
>
> Man! Are you related to SWMBO?! She will provide me the
> warning, "Don't tell them it's my birthday..."

Really, how is it she doesn't want people she doesn't know
and who couldn't care less if she had a happy birthday
raising a ruckus so the rest of the restaurant is interrupted
from their own meal to listen???

Some people. (laugh)

nancy