He used the opportunity of being seated with strangers to strike up conversations with his fellow diners .
Harry G. Shaffer reported in the 1960s that it was a common practice in Soviet restaurants .
Harry G. Shaffer used the opportunity of being seated with strangers to strike up conversations with Harry G. Shaffer 's fellow diners .
Harry G. Shaffer reported in the 1960s that it was a common practice in Soviet restaurants .