Dining alone and with others

10:56 AM I've had enough coffee to make my stomach feel odd; read enough of the Sunday LA Times to feel like there are people I'm missing out on; scouted a location for a Christmas card photograph and all the while let my mind ruminate over the dinner I had last night with 12 strangers.

At best, it was an interesting evening - cool surroundings, interesting views -marred only by the fact that several of the diners fancy themselves to be gastronomic experts and marvels of restaurant service.

Seated at a long table in the wine room at the Andaz Hotel - it is difficult to converse with more than the people one is seated with. But in retrospect, I scored a good seat, surrounded by people who enjoy a food adventure and didn't seem to take anything too seriously. Which is more than I can say for the other end of the table.

The service was a tad poor and the food not all that spectacular, but it was the other half of the table and their behavior that stands out in my mind this morning. Which is sad - as all I remember are two guests in particular who made loud repeated comments about their disappointment with their meals, and the odd service and blah, blah (more like nag, nag, nag.)

A reminder I suppose that when dining with self ascribed foodies, especially strangers, it might be advisable to bring ear plugs, drink much and pretend to not speak the language.