The Essentials

My Pet Peeve: Two-Tops

Before the pandemic, one of my pet peeves at restaurants was what I describe as the terrible two-tops. Those are tables for two so small the plates barely fit and bunched so close to the next dining couple that you become part of their conversation whether you like it or not.

 

As a result of the pandemic and social distancing, there was space between tables for once.

 

But now, inside dining is back at many restaurants and some are going back to bad two-top behavior and spacing.

 

My solution before the pandemic is my solution now. Always make a reservation for three people, and the restaurant must give you a table for four, with social distancing baked in.