sumimasen!

Mission: Feed children far from home sans Papa. Keep Henry happy and distracted. Avoid a scene.

5:45 pm: Walk into Benihana restaurant, Carlsbad, CA. The place is empty except for 2 tables.

5:46 pm: We are seated at a table, young cute couple to our right, older well dressed couple to our left. Friendly faces. Kids are promptly presented with menu hats and pencils. Kids are happy.

6:03 pm: We order. Couple to our left comment on cute kids. Obviously parents, probably grandparents. Couple to our right, eye contact-negative.

6:22 pm: Chef arrives at table. Showy display with sharp metal flinging objects. I scoot Henry's high chair back.

6:35 pm: A celebration at table across from us brings several waiters clapping and singing loudly in Japanese. Henry likes this. He claps.

6:40 pm: Food is being prepared. Greta fishes for ice using chopsticks. Man to right comments on her surprising dexterity.

6:41 pm: An ice cube flings through the air.

6:43 pm: Henry tosses his pencil onto the hot griddle. Chef gracefully returns it to Henry.

6:48 pm: Chef creates a volcano from onion slices, smoke billows from the top. Henry is not amused.

7:00 pm: Kids have filled themselves with white rice, mango lemonade, and miso soup.

7:04 pm: Henry moves to my lap where I sing Itsy Bitsy Spider until the check arrives.

Greta is patient and helpful.

7:10 pm: The check arrives. We say goodnight and walk out through the now packed

restaurant, hand in hand. Bellies are full.

Mission accomplished.