OHAYO!

I found this tiny branch of a Tokyo bakery across the street which carries an incredulous repertoire of our favorite items, including breakfast specials. I had half a sandwich of bacon & egg in mashed potato which was out of this world. At Y200 (HK$15) the taste and the size were just right, for the hit-and run crowd especially. All home made at the back of the house, the aroma of fresh baking permeated the street, catching almost everyone's attention as they walked past. The bespectacled young owner was sweating, probably from the oven, but managed a most pleasant 'OHAYO' ... that in itself is well worth Y200 as it sets the stage for a customer, making him or her feel good first thing in the morning, before one even takes the first bite. How easy and how natural for him, and his staff, but how difficult it is for some to learn to smile in the retail business. It is all very baffling.