It would be great to have a restaurant where people felt welcome to just hang out and read/study/play games/talk. I like places where they have a bookshelf overflowing with enough random books/magazines that everyone can find something good to read. And games, of course... especially chess. (I love seeing people play chess in restaurants for some reason).

Also, have huge windows that can slide open on hot summer days. Speaking of summer... fresh squeezed lemonade. Yum! And hot apple cider in winter...

As for the dips, JP: My grandma made a killer eggplant dip with sesame oil and seeds. I'll look for the recipe when I go visit her in May.