Updated Azul Facts Part 67: Mostro Lounge (pt7)
Azul says that he chose all the furniture of Mostro Lounge himself, and when asked, “What are some things about the Mostro Lounge that you’ve taken a firm stance on?,” he responds, “There are plenty,” but if he had to specify one, he is “uncompromising about (their) dishware.”
Azul explains, “It’s not enough for cuisine to be palatable. It also has to be presentable. Even the most appetizing of foods can lose its luster when it’s served on second-rate dishes. Hence, most of what we use at the Mostro Lounge is high-quality, name-brand dishware.”
Azul says that dishware is one of things he struggled with when first preparing to open the lounge, spending days gathering information about popular restaurants and sending his suppliers to the dishware makers that they used. Azul says customers would be intimidates to know the value of their teacups, “But it’s that attention to subtle detail that elevates the lounge’s atmosphere to the lofty heights it’s achieved.”
Dishware for Mostro Lounge is the theme of Azul’s Tapis Rouge vignette, where he displays knowledge that impresses even Vil. Grim calls Azul’s voice in dishware “boring,” but Vil recognizes the vintage tea set that catches Azul’s interest for what it’s worth, asking, “Is there much sense in using something so expensive when the clientele of your café is mostly students?”
Azul responds, “For me, it’s an investment…I have no desire to compromise, even if I’m merely serving students.”
Vil visits the lounge after the events of Tapis Rouge, where the dishware that Azul purchased is being used by Deuce and Epel. Vil observes, “…They don’t have any idea how expensive those cups are, do they? Nor does anyone else in here. Do you still stand by your purchase?,” and Azul says, “Of course. As long as I’m running the Mostro Lounge, we will serve food and drink in fine tableware I select myself. I have no intention of making compromises. Ever.”
Vil replies with, “Just as I use my own sense of style to build my personal brand, you seek to raise the profile of Mostro Lounge through high-quality tableware and linens. Uncompromising attention to detail… An admirable quality. Perhaps I’ve misjudged you.”
It seems that Azul does, however, have special tableware set aside, saying, “When I can serve a customer who understands the value of what they are presented with, all the better.”
