Perhaps the kitchen was having an exceptionally off night. My dining companion and I ordered two different dishes; both earned entry into the Pantheon of Preposterous Preparation. An expectedly simple pasta, red sauce and vegetables dish, and my orrechiette "au gratin" (not what I expected, needless to say) were inedible and bore no resemblance to Italian food. I have the photos to prove it, and even as photos they're queasiness-inducing!
Similar to the Paris experience, the Tokyo atelier caters a bit too much to tourists and rides on its reputation. Rather than deliver a sublime experience, where the food, prep and presentation earns your admiration, it is expected that you'll find everything exceptional, whether it is or not. That's a dangerous place for a restaurant to be; not quite "mailing it in," but not earning it either. It's still a level above, but not on a pedestal.
1166 Washington St.bet. Berkeley & Perry Sts.
Boston, MA 02118
617-482-8868
Sorry is the state of dining in Boston if this considered tops. It's not even good as a sushi restaurant! True sushi-- the kind that comes from Japan -- is all about balance and quality, plus subtlety. That's right, you're supposed to detect flavors, texture and temperatures (cool fish, warm, properly prepared rice). Not so here on any count. I'm sorry to say, but all these "best sushi ever" pronouncements reflect a lack of experience.
Le Dôme
108, bd du Montparnasse
Paris, France 75014
+33-1 43-35-25-81
Fine service and exceptional cuisine the way it used to be and, here, fortunately, the way it still is. A rare yet reliable experience.
Lucca
226 Hanover St.Richmond St.
Boston, MA 02113
617-742-9200
Perhaps the kitchen was having an exceptionally off night. My dining companion and I ordered two different dishes; both earned entry into the Pantheon of Preposterous Preparation. An expectedly simple pasta, red sauce and vegetables dish, and my orrechiette "au gratin" (not what I expected, needless to say) were inedible and bore no resemblance to Italian food. I have the photos to prove it, and even as photos they're queasiness-inducing!
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
6-10-1 Roppongi
Minato-ku - Tokyo, Japan 106-0032
+81-3 5772-7500
Similar to the Paris experience, the Tokyo atelier caters a bit too much to tourists and rides on its reputation. Rather than deliver a sublime experience, where the food, prep and presentation earns your admiration, it is expected that you'll find everything exceptional, whether it is or not. That's a dangerous place for a restaurant to be; not quite "mailing it in," but not earning it either. It's still a level above, but not on a pedestal.
Oishii Boston
1166 Washington St.bet. Berkeley & Perry Sts.
Boston, MA 02118
617-482-8868
Sorry is the state of dining in Boston if this considered tops. It's not even good as a sushi restaurant! True sushi-- the kind that comes from Japan -- is all about balance and quality, plus subtlety. That's right, you're supposed to detect flavors, texture and temperatures (cool fish, warm, properly prepared rice). Not so here on any count. I'm sorry to say, but all these "best sushi ever" pronouncements reflect a lack of experience.