345879 Mon Nov 27 00:25:22 -0800 2006 3 6 Southwest 0 2048395 What are your favorite places to go with a book (meal, not coffee/bar) or to possibly strike up a conversation with a stranger? Mon Nov 27 00:25:22 -0800 2006 30158 amkirkland 1 2048448 Well, sushi bars are great for that kind of thing. I hardly fail to meet someone interesting at the counter. Had a nice meal at the west side Ichiban a couple of weeks ago and spoke with a traveling salesman; I actually told him about Chowhound, as he seemed to be the type to appreciate the resource. Kyoto on Drinkwater is another old fave for that. IMHO it's a shame we're not permitted to send the sushi chef a drink in this state, as not only do you wind up getting the best fish in the place, a lot of the sushi chefs around here are pretty knowledgable about the local restaurant scene; they have great foodie tips as well. Another great place to partner-dine is Mi Cocina Mi Pais. It's so small, and all the tables are four-tops, so we've gotten in the habit of inviting the next couple that shows up to share the table with us, and since it's a definite foodie stop, you can certainly spend the time swapping recommendations. I have gone solo to Cyclo many times, as they have a lot of two-tops, and if Justina's around she'll sit for a bit and tell you what's going on in her life and what's new in the kitchen. Mon Nov 27 00:50:43 -0800 2006 2048395 10846 themis 1 2048824 There seems to be more and more "communal" dining tables in AZ these days. I think Elements on Sanctuary has one. Same with La Grande Orange. Those are tables. Counters/bars seem to proffer simillar opps... if the right people are involved. I'd also be interested in a regular meeting place to nosh, write, chat, etc. WiFi is plus. My eye is drawn to a certain place, but I have to check it out before posting. Cheers, Jon Mon Nov 27 04:10:45 -0800 2006 2048395 15036 tastyjon 1 2049549 I travel alot for work so I spend time at restaurants with my date, the book. Here are a few places I recommend around town: Richardson's on the NW corner of 16th Street and Bethany Home. Do a search and you'll see lots of reviews. The bar is a great place to meet some local characters and eat a meal. The carne adovado is fab. Phoenix City Grill on the SW corner of 16th Street and Bethany Home. Again at the bar, the bartenders are pretty friendly and it's a big local and happy hour hangout. The griddled corn cakes are my fave, but I also love the pot roast. LGO is a winner too. I love that during the day it's self-catering, so you don't have to worry about taking up space in a server's section. I've camped out there for hours working and reading. The croque monsier is lovely and so are they're homemade English muffins. If you want a fancier night out, I'd recommend Durant's downtown. I've never spend a full night there alone, but often meet the boyfriend there for drinks and dinner and I usually arrive first. The bartenders are always characters and so are the other patrons. Surprisingly, the drinks are super reasonably priced and the food is great! For more casual, I suggest Chino Bandito, two vally locations, one in Chandler and one on the NW corner of 19th Ave and Greenway. Do a search on it. It's a fusion of Chinese and Mexican with a little island flavor thrown in to mix it up. The Jade Red Chicken Quesadilla with black beans is amazing. Don't judge it, just try it. I was recently at Cibo in the Roosevelt district for dinner and I can imagine that would be a great spot to dine alone at the bar. It's on the NE corner of Roosevelt and 5th Ave downtown. The pizza was really good and I loved the antipasto plate. Hope this is a good start for you! Have a great day! Mon Nov 27 17:01:05 -0800 2006 2048395 10556 geg5150