Straya Grand Cafe and Boutique was on St. Charles Avenue. It was a large peach building trimmed in a bright sea-blue. Large silver disks like flying saucers with irregular silver stars were located at each corner of the structure facing the avenue. An arc with vertical rose colored neon lights protruded over the sidewalk, marking the drive leading to valet parking. A hand-painted mural of a tropical scene graced the front of the parking garage. Two square columns supported a covered walkway leading to the side entrance of the restaurant.

The restaurant was a spacious L shaped room. To the right, mirrors came halfway down the wall, and beneath them was a black counter with black chairs upholstered in celestial designs. To the right, was a large bar area done in the same celestial designs. In the middle, there were two shiny gold jaguars hunched on their back legs their front paws stretching upward, showing off their long sleek bodies. Around their necks, rhinestone collars glistened from the sunlight streaming through the plate glass doors and muted fluorescent lights overhead.

Tall circular silver containers with gold branches and leaves resembling palm trees were appropriately placed throughout the room. Padded leather booths and black lacquered tables with gold stars lined three walls, and in the middle were small tables with white tablecloths. Brightly colored pictures in geometric designs hung from the walls.

The hostess led Cleveland to the booth where Alex was waiting. At first, Alex refused to look at him. Instead, he watched a group of tourists as they boarded a streetcar heading uptown.

"Your server will be right with you," the hostess said, straightening her tan blazer over her black slacks.

Cleveland nodded and took a seat across from Alex. He saw the frown on his friend's face and said, "Don't' start with me, Alex. I've had an awful day."

"Pete Washington again?" Alex asked, a sly grin curling around his lips.

"I didn't have court today."

"Why are you so late," Alex said, his eyes fixed in a level stare, "it's a quarter past two. I've been here almost an hour."

Clara, the server, placed a peach colored paper napkin in front of Cleveland and asked, "Can I get you something from the bar?"

"A glass of Chateau Woltner Chardonnay," he said, as his index finger went down the list of appetizers on the menu, "and I'll have Shrimp Almondine as an appetizer."

Alex glared at him. As soon as Clara walked away, he said, "Since I'm paying, you are having wine and an appetizer. What happened to iced tea and the main course?"

�This page is copyrighted by Jean Burr Bradley. 2000