Let first say, it is a very impressive place to go, wether it be for a date or a business lunch or dinner. As I entered the impressive double heavy doors, I am at awe at how grand the place looks. Passing by the place where the host brings you to your table, I noticed a sign stating the dress code should be causal dressy - no jeans preferred. I'm fine but one of my girl friends was causal in jeans but looked neat. Great, we were seated and no comments were made although I did get the distinct feeling the host and later the waitress was sizing us up.
As we sat down, we chatted away because we haven't seen each other in a while. I was stressed out beyond work and stuff so this was our time to destress. The waitress kept coming over to see if we were ready to order yet. Finally, the waitress came to us and asked us point blankly if we were done yet and are we ready to order. We were laughing as said, "no, give us a few." She literally gave us 5 minutes and then proceeded to ask, what will you be ordering? Subtle. Real subtle. Okay, we crack opened our menus and we ordered. One of my girlfriends just had surgery and so she asked for the chicken soon but no brown sauce. The waitress then told her it was an appetizer and if there is no brown sauce, its tasteless. My friend said, that's fine. You should've heard the huff the waitress let out. My other friend ordered two rolls: boston roll and the banzai roll. I ordered my standard sashimi lunch special because I just love sashimi and was grateful they didn't say "hibachi". Nothing wrong with it but it's just not my cup of tea.
My lunch comes with a salad. I offered it to my girlfriend who only had an appetizer. I figured she's going to be hungry and I was fine. Next came the eye roll from the waitress when I did this. I could tell she was holding her tongue when I did this. Gut feeling she wanted to say, "hey, no sharing. That is yours!" My miso soup came and must admit, it was tasty. Finally all our meals came. Now mine comes with white rice. Nowhere was it in sight. I didn't ask for it because none of us like rice. The chicken soon was served in two different platters. The waitress said it comes that way. My friend then said, "don't take away my salad. I'll just add the lettuce wraps onto that salad plate." More eye rolling from the waitress.
As we are eating we are still talking from everything under the sun. Not once did she or anyone ask us how the food was or do we need anything. Yet the guy at the next table who was obviously working on his lunch in a very nice suit was repeatedly asked those questions with each sushi roll dish that came out.
As we finish eating, my other friend asks for a coke. The soda was maybe a quarter of the cup and the rest was filled with ice. After the soda was ordered and placed down, we ask for dessert. Ice cream tempura with three spoons. Nice presentation on all counts but the tempura was well... ewwwww. You could tell they didn't fry it enough. Again, they didn't ask us how it was or anything.
The ambiance and decor is excellent. The bathrooms are dark with very little light. I can't say they want to make it romantic in there but lets just say, you need to not be frightened of it being dimly lit. Our waitress was not the nicest. Yet she was very nice to the guy who ordered like crazy at the next table. Food was meh. Too bad because I spied Peking Duck on the menu for $50 and so wanted to go to get it with my hubby. After this, I don't think so.
All in all, it was an okay experience. I can only sum it up to: if you look the part, they will treat nicely. Order expensive and a lot and they will be sure to be nicer to you. Go there for just a get together dressed casual dressy... go find yourself another place. Disappointed. I was really aiming for giving only positive reviews this year. Phew! read more