I think of Tokyo as a place where I can get any cuisine I want, and today I wanted Mexican. I met up with my Tokyo mates at El Torito, a Shinjuku restaurant nestled in the basement of the South Odakyu Tower. The place was packed, and at least 15 people were waiting outside. Ten minutes wait and we were in. The waitress plonked down corn chips and salsa and then came back for drink orders. As we were sorting out our margarita requirements the waitress confirmed the order by reaching across to point at the menu - apparently only some flavours were available in pitchers. What no-one else at our table saw was that as she tapped the menu with her forefinger her thumbed dipped into the salsa. I waited. Surely she would react. She did - by surreptitiously sliding her hand around to her back where she wiped it on her apron. We asked for, and got, new salsa.
Don't let this put you off El Torito. The food was fantastic, the portions, whilst not American-sized, were ample and the service (finger dipping aside) was prompt and friendly. Towards the end of the night as we bantered with a different waitress I mentioned that it was my friend Yeji's birthday. The waitress said "Really? Would you like to do the birthday thing?"
"Sure...what's involved?"
"We make a special dessert, play music, sing Happy Birthday and crap for you"
This I had to see.
She disappeared and rematerialised with a dessert icecream platter with "Yeji" spelled out in chocolate syrup. An older fellow (the owner?) came over, bringing a huge sombrero and took a commemorative Polaroid. We sang Happy Birthday and the waitstaff clapped their congratulations. Many pitchers and pictures later we finally left, the last patrons to do so.
So next time you are jonesing for Mexican food, head over to El Torito, especially if it's your birthday. And keep your eye on the waitresses.
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