I assume that by “regular”, you mean making yourself present at a certain place often enough, be it every night, once a week, or whenever your in town, so that people recognize you and know your name when you come in. To me, “regular” immediately brings to mind a bar, as in the old TV series, Cheers. In which case, I would consider myself a regular at Mother’s in Shimokitazawa in Tokyo even though I haven’t been there for 6 months. I used to live a block away, and you could find me there every night for years. If I were to walk in now, Chi-san, the owner, would give me a big hug, sit me in my normal spot, and we’d catch up on all that has happened in our lives during my absense. Of course, there would be a lot of old regulars there that I know, and we’d be buying one-another drinks and talking for hours. It would be like coming home. Another place that I consider myself a regular would be Piano Bar (The only name I ever knew it by, though it probably has another)in Kichijoji, Tokyo, where Red Shirt (The only name I ever knew him by) would immediately make me a Harvey Wallbanger and a shot of JD for free, then ask what I’d like to hear him play on the piano. (He’s a damn good piano player). We’d talk about this and that between his sets. There would be other regulars there that I’d recognize, and he’d introduce me to anyone I didn’t. Another favorite where I’m a regular is Brau Haus in United Square in Singapore. The owner, Mike, might be surprised to see me, because I’m more of a seasonal regular, mostly winter and summer. He’d sit with me at a table and order a pitcher of Tiger beer for us to share as we gab about family and friends and life. Roy might be playing guitar on stage. Jasmine might be waiting tables. Mike’s nephew, Andy is probably working in the kitchen where his cousin Gary is cooking. Then his brother, Rick, would probably show up. (Actually, I’d most likely arrive with Rick since I’d be staying at his house.) There would be a lot of faces I’d recognize, and we’d say “Hi” all shake hands and maybe play some pool. Just writing about this is bringing tears to my eyes. I want to go “home” and laugh with my friends.
