It took a while to find the restaurant, I had to make several u-turns and stopped several times to ask directions, but I finally found it in the back corner if a very dark alley. I never really minded going out to eat alone and since my tastes leaned toward the eclectic, I was alone more often than not. I think in this specific case, there was no way I wanted anyone with me, I wanted to be able to dedicate my full attention to the delicacies they placed before me.
Pulling up in front of the establishment, I climbed out of the car and handed the valet the keys asking him, "Where do you park them?"
"We rent space in a parking garage on the next block. It's not too far away and the garage is secure. Your car will be fine."
Nodding, I watched him climb into my car and carefully pull away. I turned to the entrance and yes, it was just as it was described to me. There were no signs except for a small one on the door that said: Private, admittance by appointment only. There rest of the building looked foreboding with the black plywood covering the entire lower floor and filling in all window openings on the second and third floor. Above the plywood, sooty grey brick ran between oddly stained limestone ledges.
A single light at the door only dimly lit the wooden porch area and the concrete steps up to the porch were worn and slippery. After carefully climbing up the steps onto the porch I knocked the door and waited. A small tray slid out a small opening in the door and I heard a voice from a small intercom in the wall that I hadn't noticed before.
"Good evening. Please place your driver's license or passport in the tray for reservation confirmation."
I grabbed my walled, pulled out the driver's license, put it in the tray and watched it disappear. In a moment the tray slid back out and I retrieved my license. Returning it to my wallet I stepped back from the door and then watched it open into small room. Light spilled out onto the porch and I carefully entered the door, noticing it closed and locked behind me.
"Welcome Mr. Thouson, you have come well recommended. Please follow me to the interview room, I understand you are familiar with our procedures here."
"Well, somewhat, Mr. Aruputa told me of the nature of this restaurant and explained that security was very tight."
"The nature of the delicacies we offer requires us to be sure of our clients, but also in an effort to provide you with a uniquely satisfying experience we will provide you with a guide to help as you partake of our delicacies.
"Please understand, our guides are not there to interfere with your private dining, but more as a culinary expert. Some of our clients want to have the subtle differences in the flavors and textures explained as they eat, others, prefer the sanctity of silence. Your signal to your guide will be a simple clasp of the wrist. If he is talking, he will be silent until you next clasp his wrist and vice versa. Again, given what we offer here, we work hard to understand even the most reticent of diners.
"Mr. Aruputa told me I will never experience anything like this anywhere else."
"We do pride ourselves on the unique experience. Now Mr. Thouson, let me introduce you to Hespia, she will conduct the interview."
A beautiful older woman reached her black gloved hand and shook my hand firmly as she said in an almost whisper, "Good evening Mr. Thouson. Please understand that the very personal nature of my questions are all part of our commitment to your dining pleasure. You may refuse to answer any question and all questions you desire, but please be aware it may undermine our ability to maximize your enjoyment. If you are ready, I will begin."
Pausing for a moment, I looked Hespia over. Her jet black hair was well streaked in grey and her face showed some wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and mouth. She had dark brown eyes that seemed to dart here and there as she studied me. Her black dress was basically a lace, see-thru material that exposed her legs and arms, but it appeared she had on a tight black one piece body suit that covered her nicely curved body.
"Are you ready?" she asked me.
"Yes Ma'am," I answered.
For the next twenty to thirty minutes I answered several hundred questions about my overall health, my eating habits and taste, my sexual experience, with some very touchy stuff about my perversions, turn-ons, and turn-offs. Throughout the interview the woman's tone did not change from her whispered monotone, even on some of the most delicate questions.
"Thank you Mr. Thouson," Hespia said. "We will take a few minutes to evaluate the questionnaire and then assign a guide for you. Please have a seat there."
Stepping into the room, I wondered about something I didn't initially notice, but now it seems important. The waiting rooms I have entered each had only one chair, and really didn't have much room anyone else. Apparently, once entering the establishment each diner is separated from all others.
The waiting area was dimly lit, with very ancient appearing Chinese or Japanese Tapestries on several walls. The colorful landscapes and military battles were a bit difficult to see in the low light, and though I stood up to get s closer view, between the tables, small soji-screens and plants, I couldn't get a very good view. I wondered if they were as valuable as they appeared.
"Mr. Thouson, I have been selected to assist you this evening," a portly fellow at the door said cheerfully. "I am Mishio Matsua, feel free to call me Miso, like the soup. Before we begin, do you have any questions?"
"Well yes, your waiting areas are so small, do you have larger one for larger groups?"
"No sir, the dining experience here is expected to be an individual experience, so people are only served by themselves... accompanied by their guide of course."
