Communal Dining

In Latin America many restaurants including all tourist oriented restaurants have private tables just as they do back in the states. But the working man's restaurant or local eatery has limited space so sitting among strangers while you eat is very common, and a fun way to get to know locals. In Cartagena one of my favorite local restaurants was GCB. It was a small with about four tables for four and four long tables for eight. When it was packed with the lunch crowd most times the only seat available was at the larger table and among seven strangers. It was a bit awkward at first but the biggest benefit is seeing what everyone else is eating before I order.

Yesterday David and I went into Bocas town to do a bit of grocery shopping and we stopped at a local type restaurant. It was on main street and always has a crowd of people at its three tables. We tried it out last week for the first time and enjoyed it so stopping a second time was a no brainer. David had stewed chicken, beans, rice and potato salad with a soda and I had a large bowl of soup filled with yuka, plantains and beef. I also had a large plate of rice and a soda. Considering how this town of 5000 people is a very popular destination most restaurants cater to the tourists with tourist prices. This place we went to was very reasonable at $3/person, the portions filling and the taste excellent. David and I were the first to sit at the largest table. Shortly after we started eating four others gradually sat down with their lunch filling the remaining spots at our table. While we didn't talk to anyone at the table it was still fun to listen to their conversations, mostly about work.

It may seem odd to sit down with strangers but after doing it a few times its really no big deal. Its a great way to meet people if you're up for it, and a great way to hear what's happening in the in area. When small restaurants have limited space the only way to maximize sales is to fill every chair. We've seen this in almost every country we have visited, not only since we started cruising but even before that in our travels around the world. Even McDonald's in Panama has seating that is perfect for communal eating.
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