Sharing Tables

Before Tod and I left Santa Fe, we had brunch at Cafe Pasqual's just off the Plaza.  It had been recommended by an author who is a Facebook friend of mine.  We have our favorite restaurants there, but hadn't come across this one before, and were eager to give it a try.

When we arrived, there was a bit of a line, so when the host asked if we'd mind sitting at the community table in the middle of the room, we readily agreed.  As a result, we only had a to wait a few minutes.

There were about six people already seated there.n my right was a high school English teacher from Kansas City, who had come to hear a friend sing at the SF Opera the night before.  On my left was Tod, and on his left was a retired professor from Sacramento, who was there to speak at a seminar at St. John's College.

In just a few moments, the four of us were involved in a spirited discussion about the Socratic method of learning.  I chatted with another man at the table who is a tableware designer for Target.  I didn't get to converse much with the other guys (yes, they were all men, except for the English teacher and me) but they did add a few witty comments to the general conversation.

I know there are a few in Los Angeles that have communal tables, but this is the first time I've experienced this at a restaurant.  It's one of the things we love about bed & breakfast inns and  cruises, this ability to interact with interesting people of all sorts.

I do understand that there are times one wants a private conversation over a meal, but I think this is a wonderful development, and I hope to experience it again soon.