Came here recently and was promised an amazing evening of wonder. Sorekara delivered on that promise. If you've never been to a two or three Michelin star restaurant, then you probably haven't ever experienced anything like this.
The ambiance on the outside is an unsuspecting, desolate corner of the strip mall with no branding of any kind on the outside. But once you get inside, you are instantly enveloped into a guided experience through several different rooms that were very reminiscent of my time in Japan last year.
Paper walls, stone-lined floors, an obvious affinity for beautiful, ancient trees. Ambiance is unparalleled. The best decor in any restaurant in Orlando.
Service is also out of this world. These fancy restaurants usually like to have their service choreographed and in sync. Sorekara was no different. It was awesome. Intentional in every move, but they also made it looks so effortless. You felt taken care of like you were royalty, but it wasn't pompous or anything. Especially with them all wearing white Nike kicks. Smart casual, as they say on their reservation reminders.
Food. Astronomical. I can confidently say that the only meal that I've ever had that even comes close was Alinea in Chicago. IYKYK. I won't go into detail. They wouldn't like that, and even if I did, they change their menu 72 times a year, so my description would be null and void by the time you got there.
But there are levels in the courses. Each one very extraordinary. You start off with magic trick snack courses, wondering, am I supposed to eat this? Is this edible? Yes, you are, and it is.
You then move into bites of food layered with so many strong, but natural flavors from all over Japan and all over the local farmers' markets. Every bite was memorable, unique, and interesting. Especially with the stories they weave for you with every course. You feel like a member of Chef's family by the end of the night.
You are then whisked away into the dessert room for the final few courses. More magic tricks. Yes, you are supposed to eat that, and they will be the best desserts you've ever had. Add on a nice, toasted green tea, and you'll wind down, wondering how you've actually been there for four hours! What a whirlwind.
A note. Their non-alcoholic pairing is on another level. First of all, I feel like places like this just started offering NA drink pairings. And I feel like this another example of the evolution and elevation of the NA game. No longer do we have to suffer through pretending different juices mixed together are good enough.
Sorekara used fermented teas, de-alcoholed champagne, and pickled fruit juices to deliver some mind-blowing sips that paired very well with the courses they were paired with. A truly unique experience that allows those to abstain to taste and pair and talk about drinks during dinner with everyone else they are dining with. Amazing.
Overall, some people would never ever eat at a place like this. But everyone should. The journey is so long and wonderful and unique, the message they are trying to impart upon you really hits home by the end of the evening. And these moments in time we experience are the only time we'll get to experience them, and we should enjoy and savor them as best we can. read more