190587 Thu Feb 08 19:41:45 -0800 2001 9 18 Manhattan 0 1017844 I heard a story in which two solitary diners, who coincidentally happened to arrive at a small busy restaurant at the same time, were asked by the hostess to share a table for two. Has this ever happened to anyone else? And is it a reasonable request on the part of the restaurant? (I'm still undecided.) Thu Feb 08 19:41:45 -0800 2001 0 Eric Krupin 1 1017845 It's happened to me,more often in other cities or countries.Depending on the circumstances,I've either accepted it as a necessary and interesting circumstance,or personally rude and dismissive,and I acted accordingly. Thu Feb 08 20:16:16 -0800 2001 1017844 0 M.K. 2 1017848 Trying to remember at which Vietnamese Restaurant on Baxter we've been asked to share a table--in one case 3 of us (w/2-year-old) were asked to share with a single guy from France. We didn't mind (the guy took it well too) because of the mob waiting for tables, and because this is a "family-style" type place. At a more upscale place, and at a place that wasn't jammed I'd be peeved. Thu Feb 08 21:23:13 -0800 2001 1017845 0 Alison 3 1017849 Sharing tables in Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants is de rigeur (those affronted by this should stick to gringo-friendly midtown venues...if you want the real chow, you've got to walk the walk). But in non-Asian places, I'd be pissed unless it was clearly a really grass-rootsy/friendly kind of place where diners often generally pitch in to help the house. ciao Thu Feb 08 21:39:09 -0800 2001 1017848 0 Jim Leff 4 1017865 It happened to me just last week at New Green Bo. Our group of 5 were seated at a table for 8. Favorite waiter Liu, escorted two young women to our table and they joined us. Things got off pleasantly until a small table opened and they moved to it, but not before profusely expressing polite regrets. Another time I was sitting solo in a booth at a Chinese restaurant when a woman seated behind me was asked by a patron if she minded company for lunch. I didn't hear a respose, but the intruder sat down and proceeded to order. Then she began to loudly yak and yak and I never heard a peep from the first person. I remember her still yaking away as I exited the place. Fri Feb 09 13:49:39 -0800 2001 1017849 0 Jack Sprat 5 1017919 Not in Manhattan, other than Chinatown, but yesterday in St. John, USVI, my wife and I were asked to share a table at Chilly Billy's at breakfast. We agreed. The waitress told us that we saved 10% on our check for being so flexible. Maybe this is an isolated occasion, and it wasn't Manhattan, but the savings was a surprise. Sun Feb 11 19:34:10 -0800 2001 1017865 0 wb 1 1017847 Sharing tables is common in British pubs. My experience is that it can lead to some interesting conversation, or sometimes not. And who can forget Benihana's where one was always seated with complete strangers, again with the arrangement making for some interesting interactions. I've never been asked to share a table for two, but unless the person I'm asked to share with foul smelling I'd probably be open to the possibilities. Thu Feb 08 20:44:51 -0800 2001 1017844 0 Deven Black 1 1017850 I thought this should be moved to the General Topics board, and posted my response there. I think you should repost your question there, so that chowhounds far and wide can comment. Fri Feb 09 07:43:28 -0800 2001 1017844 0 Michael 1 1017856 Happens all the time in Tokyo/Osaka (though not at really upscale places). When it does, though, Japanese usually try hard to politely ignore each other. Hasn't yet happened to me in San Francisco. Best, Deb Fri Feb 09 12:00:40 -0800 2001 1017844 0 Deb H. 2 1017866 you made a good point...I forgot to add....when seated with other parties at an asian restaurant and the other party is asian, the etiquette is DEFINITELY to politely respect privacy. It's very similar to airline seatmate etiquette (and for exactly the same reason). Quick smile and nod at first, then pretty much default to giving them their space. I hosted a banquet at New Green Bo recently that was an exception...amid the big banquet crowd, a young (non-asian) couple was seated at one of our two tables and we coopted them into our party. it was a running gag, as late arrivals showed and we introduced everyone, I'd introduce the couple as "not with the banquet, but we're not shunning them!". We actually successfully persuaded them to try jellyfish at one point... ciao Fri Feb 09 14:39:34 -0800 2001 1017856 0 Jim Leff