Chapter 1.

“The Wait”

On the quiet corner of 39th st. you arrive at a cozy restaurant, glowing warmly against the silver moon. You see through the red-trimmed windows diners busy with their bowls of noodles. The smell of fresh tempura wafts through the cracks of the old building, enticing your appetite. Eagerly, you open the door and greet the host, hoping to get in quickly. She smiles gently and informs you that there is a bit of a wait, gesturing to the crowded dining room. You gaze longingly at the little basket of tempura sitting on the counter and fear that tonight might not be the night…

Chapter 2.

“The Seat”

“Please enjoy our sister bar, Hannyatou, while you wait”, she advises, and points to the left. You glance down the sidewalk and see a sign advertising a shop of the same name. After leaving your number and thanking the host, you walk two doors down passing the sleepy cookie store in between. A good feeling grows warm in your belly. Hannyatou is a quiet bar, rustic and woodsy. The staff greet you with a slew of questions: “How many? Are you going to Kamonegi later? Outside okay?” Unsure what it all means, you answer as correctly as possible and are quickly ushered to your seat.

A quick glance around reveals plates of pickles, cured meats, and unique looking sandwiches. Tiny crumbs of ramen noodles are strewn across the floor, like peanuts on an old boardwalk. A soft white glow catches your eye from the corner of the narrow room. Refrigerators filled to the brim with bottles stand proudly, boasting a diverse selection of sake. Each label is gorgeous and beautifully designed. Peering out the back door rewards you with a glimpse of a a few fairy lights. “I wonder what’s back there...”

Chapter 3.

“The First Order”

“What would you like to drink?” the bartender asks. You’re overwhelmed but excited as you glance back and forth on the food and drink menu. You see words like “Chicken Chicharrones” and “Japanese Hot Dog.” “Try our spam & chicken liver mousse, it’s been our staple since 2019,” she says. I look over to the other bar flies, and I see cans of Orion beer, small glasses full of drink, and mysterious bottles with beautiful labels that I couldn’t read. “What do you recommend?”

She doesn’t hesitate and says, “I’ll give you my favorite sake.” She grabs a small lacquered box with a shot glass inside and starts to pour me a wonderfully aromatic drink. I watch as she overflows the liquid from the glass and into the box. With uncertainty all over my face, the bartender reassures me that “it’s an act of generosity. Please enjoy the sake from the box.”

Chapter 4.

“Becoming the Regular”

Upon first sip of the lovely beverage, you became enamored, and overwhelmed with flavors that are attractive but unfamiliar. Inspired, you couldn’t wait to try all the suggested snacks. “Save room for noodles too, my friend” she says. How considerate! You take bites of your sake kasu cheddar cheese as you watch regulars at the bar munch on sandwiches and raw octopus. The hostess from the other restaurant arrives at the door, and invites me to enjoy dinner next door. Warm, and hungry, you thank the bartender and made sure to remind her that you will be back. Tomorrow even, or the day after for sure. From then on, you decide that you love sake and all that 39th St. has to offer.