Ep 2. The Menu of the Heart

The Menu of the Heart is the second episode in the first season of the Japanese anime show, Bartender. The episode follows the journey of the protagonist, Ryu Sasakura, a genius bartender who helps his customers with their problems through his drinks. In this particular episode, the focus is on a young woman named Akeko, who is struggling with her love life.

Akeko is introduced as a successful businesswoman who has everything going for her except for love. She shares her story with Ryu, explaining how she has always been unlucky in love and has failed to form any meaningful relationships. She is currently seeing a man who seems to be interested in her, but she is unsure if he is the right fit for her.

Ryu listens to her story attentively and decides to help her find her perfect cocktail, which he calls "The Menu of the Heart." He explains that the drink is made with several ingredients, including cognac, cherry liqueur, and chocolate bitters, among others, and is known for its ability to bring out one's innermost feelings.

As Akeko sips on the drink, she starts to feel a range of emotions that she has been suppressing for years. She realizes that the man she is seeing is not the right one for her and that she has been settling for less than she deserves. Ryu encourages her to be honest with herself and to follow her heart, even if it means being single for a while.

The episode ends with Akeko leaving the bar feeling more confident and self-assured than ever before. She thanks Ryu for his help and promises to come back for more advice.

Overall, The Menu of the Heart is a heartwarming episode that highlights the power of a good cocktail and the importance of being true to oneself. It is a testament to the skill of the show's creators, who have managed to create a touching and relatable story in just over 20 minutes. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this episode, and newcomers will be drawn in by its charm and character-driven plot.