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The fact that I cannot walk into a restaurant full of empty tables and simply choose the table that I want baffles me. I understand that when the joint is jumping and customers are waiting, you will be assigned to a table of the hostess's choice. But on a Tuesday night at 6:00, I should be able to walk in, scan the restaurant, and say, I'll take that booth over there" rather than hoping for my desired table.

Am I wrong?

Thankfully, I am married to a woman who operates under this assumption...