One of the purposes of dining out solo is to enjoy decent reading material and good grub (which you don't have to rustle up yourself) simultaneously. When selecting a venue for such an outing, we look for fab eats for less than a ten-spot; a casual, convivial atmosphere; and someplace that's not teeming with distractions. The Golden West Café in Hampden fits the bill perfectly. There are only about 10 tables in the joint, so it's peaceful even when it's packed. (We tend to wander in during off-peak hours, anyway.) The décor is a fusion of Southwestern kitsch and Salvation Army chic--perfectly suited to Golden West's comforting down-home ambiance. And the food is unfussy and terrific: the gut-warming Frito Pie, the fresh-sliced turkey sandwich layered with brie and mango or cherry chutney, and our favorite, the sinus-clearing Thai mint salad with noodles, peanuts, greens, onions, tomatoes, and chicken doused in a briny, spicy sauce. The best part, of course, is having all this to yourself.

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