Ne-Ne-Ya

Right after I arrived in Japan, Drew and I noticed workers at the restaurant outside our window dragging a bunch of items out the back door.  At first we thought maybe they were performing an annual cleaning, but then the dumpsters arrived, as well as trucks to haul off wood and metal, and we decided it was much more serious.  We continued to watch (playing out our own version of Rear Window) and took bets on whether the whole building would be torn down, the restaurant was being remolded, or the building had been sold to another company.  

Turns out the same company that owned the original restaurant was turning this building into a different restaurant that they also own.  The new restaurant opened in mid-November and has been hopping ever since.  On the day of the opening we witnessed this ceremony.

The ceremony consisted of speeches, clapping, and chanting back and forth between the management and the waitstaff.  Everyone got in a big circle and did some sort of a cheer at the end.  It was very enthusiastic.  For some reason I don't think this is going on at an Applebee's opening back in America.

Drew and I visited Ne-Ne-Ya early on a Monday evening to get in before the crowds.  It is set up with little private dining rooms, sectioned off by sliding doors.  Half of the menu was drinks, so I think we annoyed our waitress when we only ordered water.  I would categorize most of the food options as appetizers and all of them are expensive for their size.

The taco rolls were our favorite item.

You also can't go wrong with cheese fondue.

It was a fun experience, however, I think what we will mostly get out of this new restaurant is the opportunity to listen to all of the drunk people yelling right outside our window each night.  Joy!