You've seen them in Manhattan (Asia de Cuba and Le Pain Quotidien come to mind) and maybe wondered about the pros and cons. Montclair's Table 8 has one and Cuban Pete's, although these tables always look to be inhabited by groups of folks who know each other. That won't necessarily be the case at the new branch of Cianci (taking over the space vacated by Orion Books in Upper Montclair), where we hear new plans include a communal table. For the uninitiated, here's a primer. What about you...







One of my fovories is at Lupa. After you wander around the village you can drop in for a couple appetizers and a great wine list by the glass.