Sushi chef learns sign language for a deaf couple

A couple in one upscale sushi restaurant in Dallas, Texas, USA, received first class service of a very special kind.

“My husband and I are deaf,” explains Melissa Keomoungkhoun. “When we go to restaurants, we are usually willing to communicate with the staff using sign language to use. And we show messages on our phones to convey what we want to order. Sometimes we even ask for pen and paper if communication gets too difficult.”

Now, Tatsu Dallas is an omakase restaurant, which means guests receive specially selected dishes from the chef. Knowing this, Melissa was concerned that communicating with staff during the meal might be difficult as this type of dining experience involves more discussions about food than usual.

Melissa emailed the restaurant prior to the visit to encourage the staff about deafness be informed by her and her husband. He wanted to find out how they could get the full experience without being able to listen to the chef explain each dish.

Melissa and her husband then received the tasting menu in advance so they could get an idea of ​​how their dinner would turn out. The restaurant also informed them that they would be receiving a much more detailed menu the night of their visit so they could go through everything. “They even sent us their drink and cocktail menu so we could read it ahead of time,” Melissa explains.

The big surprise when we went to the restaurant: «When my husband and I entered the lobby, we were greeted by the restaurant guide Tatsu and his wife greeted in sign language» says Melissa happily. “She didn’t make us feel left out, even though she attracted attention in the room.”

Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi has also learned to describe the entire tasting menu, reports the news portal «Today». Melissa noticed a printout with instructions behind the counter. “She blew our breath away and made us cry,” said the restaurant visitor.

Sekiguchi says his goal is simply to create a special and memorable dining experience every day. “We all celebrate something every day. If I can help make it something special, I’m very grateful,” he says. The chef points out that he and his staff haven’t learned sign language to attract attention. However, he’s grateful that it apparently made it easier some people’s day He hopes the deaf couple will come back soon so they can continue practicing.