We sit next to strangers all the time, in a movie theater or on the public transit, but dining with randoms? The use of communal tables in restaurants has become more common lately and while they are hardly the setting for a romantic dinner, sharing your table with new people can make for a more lively dining experience.
It’s hard to avoid hearing the conversation of the neighboring people as you literally rub elbows with them while you eat. If they are talking about something that interests you, why not add your two cents? Perhaps one might get a ‘mind your business’ stare or you might actually end up meeting some great new people!
Canadians are known for being ‘nice’ but Torontonians can be a little cold – perhaps a little communal setting, good food and libations might warm them up. Restaurateurs seem to think so. Popular spots including Pizza Libretto, L’unita, Picnic Wine Bar, Bellwoods Brewery, WVRST , Guu Izakaya and others all have large communal tables and a upbeat ambiance. While we increase the amount of time spent on devices, hurdling towards the future in our little bubble, perhaps some spontaneous face to face conversation is just what we need to slow down, connect and enjoy the moment.
