zpires

Mija

Mozu Restaurant

Occasionally, the beaches on the island Mozu experience extreme high tides influenced by the orbital resonance of Mutania's two moons and large sun. Mija, a restaurant on stilts near the coast, takes advantage of this unique phenomenon by hosting elaborate meals featuring freshly caught fish and invertebrates. The name of the restaurant means "moon," to celebrate the source of their specialties.

During these large tides, the bottom of the restaurant is flooded. The water is so close that a cook can fish off the balcony of the outdoor seating area to obtain the ingredients used for the meal later.

The water is so high that the outdoor seating areas are partially submerged. In those cases, the restaurant does not reduce its capacity, but it expects people to sit regardless and use small floating tables to eat their meal.

Purpose/Function

Mija emphasizes fresh ingredients directly from the sea and from local farmers of fruits and vegetables. Food is often served raw, but may be prepared by seasoning and coating with oil or dressed with thick creamy sauces.

Cultural Impact

History

Mij a was started by two vubopas, or Vopa priests: Lisi and Zoza. The two did not possess an innate sense of magic that would guarantee them places along the highest ranks despite having grown up in Yalisi all of their lives. Instead of pursuing mission trips, they decided that they would serve Pemija, the great moon by becoming a destination that even the unconverted want to visit.

Originally, the restaurant hosted elaborate shows nearly every night, imitating the ari momiri, a Vopa ritual where one creates a large emphasis on oneself to attract onlookers before exposing someone to wormstone. Shows would consist of live animal performers doing tricks, beautiful decorations made of feathers in garish colors, and dancing contests. Food was presented with sparklers and candles, and cooks and servers would sing songs.

Over time, as the restaurant became more popular, the shows became less necessary to draw a crowd. The decorations remain as garish and bright as before, but animal performers and dancing contests became less regular. Cooks stopped singing, but servers tend to hum little tunes, especially to first timers.

Tourism

Mija is a popular restaurant because of its proximity to the original wormstone mine and Najibu, an important temple to the Vopa faith. Converts who discovered the Vopa religion abroad are encouraged to make trips to the temple, bringing in a steady stream of new customers.