Strangely, the newly opened restaurant was not bustling with customers as Heath had expected. Instead, many people had gathered nearby, seemingly afraid to approach the place called Miracle Mew Restaurant. Heath was a little puzzled. Weren't these people going to eat?
Wasn't a restaurant primarily a place that served food? Surely Miracle Mew Restaurant wasn't offering something else? Or was it not open yet?
Soon, however, Heath learned the reason. There was a large sign outside the restaurant, covered in writing-or rather, a long list of dining requirements.
Heath gave it a quick scan. There were more than twenty requirements for dining there, which was downright absurd.
[1. Guests who are not suitably dressed will not be served.]
This requirement was perfectly normal. After all, plenty of restaurants had the same rule, partly to maintain their image, and partly because customers dressed too sloppily could spoil other diners' appetites. It was like going to a Japanese restaurant for a company dinner in his previous life, only to discover upon arriving that everyone had to take off their shoes. Once the shoes came off, a strong stench of feet became apparent. Surrounded by that smell, never mind eating-even working would have been torture.
So dressing appropriately was good for both oneself and others. Of course, people could disregard appearances at home, but not out in public. Heath could understand that.
[2. This establishment operates on a membership basis and serves members only. Dining reservations must be made three days in advance.]
Well, this requirement could just about be considered reasonable. After all, plenty of restaurants did operate under these so-called membership systems, also known as invitation-only systems. The advantage was that the dining environment could be maintained, and every dish might be painstakingly prepared by the chef.