It happens sometimes.
It seems like there are quite a few restaurants that refuse this, but at Bokumo we generally allow it if you let us know when you make the reservation.
The other day, a young female customer came in alone just after we opened.
"Um, I'm the person you requested over the phone. I'm sorry to ask you to bring the cake today, but I'd appreciate it if you could please put it in the fridge."
Saying this, he handed the box containing the cake to the staff member and left the store.
When the time for her reservation came, she entered the store with a boy about her age.
Towards the end of the meal, she got up to go to the bathroom and signaled to the kitchen.
Then, when the staff member brought the cake and said, "Happy birthday!", she smiled broadly and said "Congratulations" to her boyfriend, then applauded.
She looked really cute.
However, I thought, boys, you should show a bit more joy in your reactions.
After all, the cake was handmade by her. She prepared it the day before, and even took the trouble to deliver it to the store before her boyfriend, and then it was a much-awaited surprise.
I wouldn't go so far as to say a hug, but I feel like I need to express my joy a little more with my body in order to show her love.
Well, maybe he was unable to react to the sudden turn of events and just froze up. If you think about it like that, the stiff guy is pretty cute, isn't he?
Either way, the space was very warm.
I felt that heat spread to the table next to me and then to the entire restaurant.
And then I thought again.
"Ah, the coronavirus pandemic is really over."
Back then, it would have been almost impossible to surprise someone with a homemade cake at a restaurant.
As I wrote before, ever since the coronavirus was classified as Class 5 in May, we have been eagerly awaiting the start of a revival for restaurants.
But the result was a crushing defeat. Bokumo was especially in a pinch in September and October. Every day there were no customers, and I was depressed, thinking, "Oh, maybe this job is no longer necessary."
However, in December, things suddenly became busy.
There were quite a lot of people who were visiting us for the first time, including that surprise couple. I also got to meet a lot of people I hadn't seen in a long time. It was so popular that the regulars were a little hesitant (sorry to the regulars).
This December has given me hope for next year. Thank you very much to everyone who came.
There's nothing quite like the feeling that you're doing work that's in demand.
The end of the year made me realize this once again.
I owe it all to the chef that we were able to get through these difficult times. Thank you so much for not giving up and continuing to run with us. All the staff are very reliable. I'm counting on you again next year.
And thanks to you, we received the highest number of orders ever for our mail-order Bokumo Wine this December.
When I imagine each of the homes where we deliver, everyone toasting around the delicious New Zealand wine on the table, I can't help but smile.
Now, 2024.
I'd like to follow her example and do something great that will warm up the atmosphere a little.
Regular business, event business, mail order.
Each job brings surprise and warmth.
I would like everyone to give me a nice reaction, even if it's not a hug (laughs).
