How about a mystery for your Monday afternoon?

Last week, Momoyama (1637 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield; 636-536-7778) announced that it was closing its west county address, but would reopen in a new location in 2012. (A tip o' the hat for that news to Sauce Magazine.)

To all of our loyal customers, I would like to take the time to thank you for all of your support. Today I'm here to announce We are closing our doors and Sept 15,2011. Anny And Yoshi want to thank you for all the great times we have had. We hope that you will continue to support us in our new location in 2012. Thats right we are moving. To a better bigger location... Hope to see you all in the NEW YEAR. Thank you The Staff at MOMOYAMA

There doesn't seem to be much ambiguity in that statement, posted on Momoyama's Facebook page on Tuesday, September 13. Another post the next day confirmed that Thursday, September 15, would be the restaurant's final day.

However, when I called Momoyama this afternoon, an employee said that the restaurant was closed "for renovations" and would not be relocating.

Perplexed, to say the least, I drove out to the restaurant. There appeared to be no renovations underway in the front of the house. However, a sign on the front door said the restaurant would be closed from September 17-September 22 and would reopen "with better service" on Friday, September 23.

I called Momoyama again when I returned to my desk, but no one answered.

Momoyama was originally called Yoshi's but changed its name when founder Yoshio Aoki -- a.k.a. "Mr. Sushi" -- departed. He returned to the restaurant earlier this year.  More as I learn it.