Kaze Uta Budo Kai Forum Archive

I enjoy eating out. I enjoy eating in. I enjoy eating, period. When I go out to lunch, there are a few automatic things that go on -- reading the room, AKA the Jason Bourne Effect.

This topic deals with restaurants.

So now, I pose a few questions for you:
When you visit a restaurant, what do you typically do?
What do you look for?
Do you scan the room? Do you look at the faces of people in the room?

Do you like a booth or a table? Why?
A booth is typically more comfortable, but it also limits your movement options. Inside a booth, there's one exit. At a table, you can exit the left or right side of the chair.

Do you sit where the server guides you?
If a table with a better view of the room is available, I ask for it. I want to be where I can see the entrances/exits. I don't like sitting at a table that obscures my view.

Does it matter where you sit?
I hate sitting with my back to the door, unless I'm with someone I trust to read people. I worked this out early in my relationship. My wife doesn't care where she sits, but I do.

Are you looking for the various exits?
Should you need to leave quickly (fire, violence, etc.) what is your easiest, fastest escape route?

Where are the fire extinguishers?
Most people never notice them, yet they are big, red, and often have a sign.

This is an interesting topic because I do this always. No matter where it is, I assess the threat level as soon as I enter any situation with people. I scan the room assessing every person and the possible threat they pose to me (what they could do from their location, techniques they might use if they are trained, possible weapons they could be carrying, etc.) I also take note of all possible entrances and exits to the space. In terms of weapons they may be carrying, I always look at peoples pockets (front, back, and any erroneous pockets like on cargo shorts). Most people who carry knives and bladed weapons carry a knife with a pocket clip option. They will typically use the clip for easier access to the knife. Most will carry a knife in the front right pocket, but the left is also used alot along with the back pocket. For some reason, there are a fair number of people who prefer the back pocket. It makes it very easy to see if they are carrying if they use the clip option. If I see no clip, I look at the shape of what is in their pockets. If you have carried a knife for a long time, then you know the shapes they typically make in your pocket. If they are wearing a coat, I look for bulges that might be from a concealed gun. Once I'm inside the room, I like to settle myself in a place where I can keep track of everyone, is an easier location to defend myself in, and has easy access to an entrance/exit. I also like to make note of anything near by that might be of use to me should the situation arise. I think these are good things for everyone to do just to be on the safe side. Awareness can keep you out of sticky situations.