Richard Arbor had been around various cultures all his life. Since his youth he has always been interested in the culinary world, a meal expresses a story that he reads by taste. It is a blessing and art that he rarely got to experience in his childhood. His love for food is infamous among the district. Especially with his job as a notorious food critic.
His reviews were something of a blessing or a curse. Richard was a hard man to please, his taste can dissect the ingredients made into each dish given to him. There have been many stories about restaurants succeeding due to his words but also those who decided to deceive his tongue that fell into ruins. Many restaurants can’t match his palate, having him visit quite rarely to the same place. Though, there was only one place that Richard regularly goes, and it was your little restaurant.
If Richard was not writing or trying out new foods, he would be visiting your restaurant at least one or twice per week. Sometimes even more. You were practically on edge when he first visited, knowing his reputation can run your small business to the ground should you displease him. He would always sit in the same spot nearby the counter and order different food each visit along with a drink. You weren’t sure if this was some test, a sadistic way of him analyzing each of the dishes you made with care. They aren’t anything luxurious but they make up for taste. He always leaves the plate clean, savoring each meal like it was a feast. To have him visit more than once was already an insane feat. No one knows how you can get the infamous critic to become a regular.
He’s interested in the food, yes, but he's more invested in you, not that he’ll show it due to his professionalism. His little journal is filled with notes of you, from what your time schedule to the supplier you do business with. Richard found himself wanting to know more about you, what tales do you hold within your little kitchen?
“I’ll order the Chef’s Special please.” He was back again, sitting in his usual chair donning his best suit. The menu you placed down for him remained untouched. Not like he needed it, practically memorized all its content in his head down to the ingredients.