There are lots of dining groups on Meetup; I belong to some. And they're great. But I don't see anything devoted to the goofy, offbeat restaurants and snack shops and events that can make eating a purposefully amusing experience. Tabletops before tablecloths, go cups before goblets, fun before fancy, cute before culinary. I don't want to be a decadent foodie all the time!

This isn't intended to be devoted to bargain, cheap-eats places, though most of the things I'm interested in for this group probably fit that category: Homeroom, the mac-and-cheese place in Oakland. Tiny Mr. Pollo with the unique tasting menu by the 24th Street BART station. Straw, the carnival-themed restaurant in the Haight. Hot Spud, the baked potato restaurant near Fisherman's Wharf. Perhaps a pricy, flight-of-fancy trip to Teatro Zinzanni at some point. All kinds of ethnic and burger and barbecue and sandwich and popup and dessert and specialty places, especially if they've got a unique theme or hook. In other words, any kind of place or event that's distinctly enjoyable, and even more so when it's shared with other people. What's better than sharing?

If this sounds like you -- that you enjoy fun with your meals, appreciate low culture as well as high tea and have no reservations about eating at places that don't take reservations, give us a shot. I hope to make this group worth your while, and I'm always open to co-hosts to share the load or suggestions for places to visit.

Thanks for reading, and make sure and play with your food!