The dinner rush at Sizzling Steak was in full swing.
Louise, a new waitress still finding her rhythm, weaved between tables with a practiced smile, balancing trays of sizzling dishes and navigating the busy floor with grace. The restaurant was a symphony of clinking cutlery, laughter, and sizzling sounds from the open kitchen. That’s when a middle-aged Japanese man, impeccably dressed in a kimono and overcoat, caught her eye. He stood at the entrance, looking slightly out of place but polite and composed. Louise approached him with a welcoming smile. “Good evening, sir. Table for one?” He nodded, offering a small, respectful bow. “Yes, please.” Louise led him to a cozy table by the window, handed him a menu, and tried to communicate as best as she could with simple English and gestures. “Enjoy your meal.” As she walked back to the kitchen, she noticed Andy, the seasoned waiter, eyeing the new customer with a smirk. Andy was known for his cunning ways with non-native customers, often serving them reheated leftovers and pocketing any valuables they might leave behind. Louise felt a pang of unease. She had heard rumors about Andy’s shady practices but hadn’t witnessed them firsthand. As she continued to work, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Andy sauntered over to Higashi’s table, his demeanor dripping with false charm. “Good evening, sir. What can I get for you tonight?” Higashi pointed to a picture on the menu, indicating a steak dinner. Andy nodded, making a mental note to grab the leftovers from the kitchen. He returned minutes later with a plate that looked appetizing but was far from fresh. Louise watched the interaction from a distance, her worry growing. She saw Andy’s smug expression as he served the dish and noticed Higashi’s hesitant smile as he began to eat. She couldn’t stand by any longer. During a brief lull in the service, Louise slipped into the kitchen and approached the head chef, Mark. “Mark, I think Andy’s up to his tricks again. The new customer, he looks like he’s getting served leftovers.” Mark frowned. “We’ve got to put a stop to this. I’ll handle it.” Mark stepped out of the kitchen and approached Higashi’s table, his expression apologetic. “Excuse me, sir. How is your meal?” Higashi looked up, slightly confused. “It is… okay.” Mark glanced at the plate and immediately recognized the signs of reheated food. He turned to Andy, who was hovering nearby. “Andy, a word?” Andy sauntered over, pretending innocence. “Yes, Mark?” “Did you serve this gentleman leftovers?” Andy feigned shock. “What? No, of course not!” Mark’s eyes narrowed. “I know what fresh food looks like, Andy. Get back to the kitchen and prepare a fresh meal for our guest. Now.” Andy scowled but complied, disappearing into the kitchen. Louise sighed in relief but knew the ordeal wasn’t over. She approached Higashi’s table, her expression sincere. “I’m so sorry about this, sir. Your new meal will be out shortly, on the house.” Higashi nodded, his appreciation clear. “Thank you.” Minutes later, a fresh, steaming steak dinner arrived at Higashi’s table. He smiled, this time more genuinely, and began to eat with evident satisfaction. As the night wound down, Louise saw Higashi speaking quietly with Mark. She caught snippets of the conversation and realized Higashi had a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of justice. He handed Mark a business card before leaving, bowing respectfully once more. The next morning, a stern-looking man in a suit entered Sizzling Steak and asked for the manager. It turned out Higashi was not just a tourist; he was a food critic for a major international publication and had connections in high places. By the end of the day, Andy was out of a job, and Mark made sure strict policies were implemented to prevent such incidents in the future. Louise, meanwhile, was promoted to a more senior role, her honesty and dedication recognized. Higashi’s review of Sizzling Steak praised the food and the service he eventually received, but it also highlighted the integrity of the staff in dealing with a wrong. The restaurant saw a surge in popularity, and Andy’s deceitful ways were a thing of the past. In the end, justice was served alongside the steak, teaching everyone a valuable lesson about honesty and respect in the hospitality industry.