ryoma japanese restaurant

post in old vein (limited viewpoint)

today mum took us 3, siblings for lunch at ryoma japanese restaurant. its a relatively new spot along jln tanjung tokong..the food was yummy and i certainly was tickled by their choice of earthenware crockery and their pumpkin green tea pot. yes it looked like an actual pumpkin. lotsa of choices, and the menu features many pictures of the food so you'd have a very clear idea of what you'll be eating.

etc etc etc


post in new vein (more social commentary)

today mum took us 3, siblings for lunch at ryoma japanese restaurant. its a relatively new spot along jln tanjung tokong..the food was yummy and i certainly was tickled by their choice of earthenware crockery and their pumpkin green tea pot. yes it looked like an actual pumpkin. lotsa of choices, and the menu features many pictures of the food so you'd have a very clear idea of what you'll be eating.
now what struck me most, aside from the giant sakura die cuts against the black walls and the origami cranes hanging around, was the serving attitude of both the tau keh (boss/owner) and tau keh so (boss's wife) as one would expect they'd greet you with a bow, welcome you, smile etc. but throughout the course of your meal/visit, you can see how they're watching over all the diners. the tau keh so herself comes and clears your dishes, and the tau keh came out to give my bro his namecard.
now the most interesting things is this..
on the back of the menu there are profiles of the tau keh whose name is hiro something and the chief chef who is japanese too. you are entertained and enlightened by the brief biodata of mr hiro complete with a letter to patrons. the tone of the letter is one of complete sincerity and humility. he is so humble like he's so pleased to come and set up business here in penang etc etc and if you have any comments etc.. "i need your help always". the chief chef, on the other hand shares his "idea of cooking after 44 years.."SEEK GOOD FLAVOUR". simply put, yet profound i tell you.
now that in itself draws you to the place as a whole and you're happy to patronize the place. totally. especially since the cream cheese oysters are KILLER=)
and so, after lunch as we were making our way out mr hiro (who looks like he could be a japanese prime minister) walks us out, bows, says thank you (flanked by his chinese wife)(who also bows) and proceeds to open our car doors for us. talk about good service man.
the whole point is it's not just about the acts of servitude but their whole attitude that just says something about mankind. a special clan of mankind who are gentle and serving and humble.
if only we could all be like that. on that note, i'm off to watch heroes. again=)
til my next attempt at a better blogpost, i leave you with this message..
Seek Good Flavour..
(in penang its not so hard)