Out to Lunch The door was practically wrenched from her hand by the wind as she half staggered into the restaurant. Slightly soggy from the rain she stamped her feet to shake off some water. The waiter approached with a polite inquisitive smile Would you like a seat madam? Table for two? No, one please, Im alone He looked into her eyes then, a small and fleeting look of, was that pity? No, more a slight surprise. This way please Madam as he led her away from the window seats to the last table near the back of the japanese eatery. As she laid down her bag on the shiny faux leather seat and removed her coat,delicious smells wafted her way, the sound of a wok being swiftly moved this way and that above fierce heat a comforting reminder of happy moments living in Hong Kong. Comfy and settled in now she scanned the menu as her waiter brought a small bottle of ice cold sparkling water, a small sip sent little sherbet fizzes up her nose that made her smile like a delighted child. Ill have the seafood udon please While she sat she took a minute to look around the small, comfortable and friendly feeling place. So far she was the only diner. Bugger, did that mean the food was going to be crap? Just then the door flung open and a giggling pair of Japanese women rushed in, wet brollies, bright faces with pink cheeks and words a mile a minute she didnt understand but loved the poetic lilting sound of. Sitting they spend an age deciding what to eat so the waiter leaves them a while as two more people, a couple this time are swept in on the wave of a wind gust. Then another couple, two women this time. Obviously comfortable with each other, not a first date. Baggy jeans, hoodies and although there was an air of content and easy in each others company they barely bothered to speak, each one instead preferring to communicate with their phones. Sad, she thought. A steaming, sweet slightly sea like smell reaches her before the plate does. God it looks so good as her fingers reach for the chopsticks. The first mouthful is hungrily and gratefully received into her almost dribbling mouth. A moment of reverent hush floats into her body as the smell, taste and texture of expertly cooked fresh food all connects. She sighs in satisfaction as once again she looks up to gently eavesdrop on her stranger companions. The first couple are busy chatting and laughing, taking picture after picture, of each other, each dish, now the room. They chomp and mmmm and take pictures again. She feels the eyes of all in the room light upon her from time to time, they are wondering about her as she has them. Various questions can be seen across curious faces Has she been stood up? Poor thing. I couldnt just sit there, no me either. And then they forget her again as she does them. She feels that disappointment that happens when the end of a good meal comes, sated belly and soul yet the greed in her always wants just one bite more. She loved taking herself out to lunch alone, it was a pure solitary pleasure. If youre after a really bloody tasty meal then Sakura on Albert Road is one not to be missed ;-)
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:29:07 +0000
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