ulterior epicure

I don't think that's the case. Yasuda can't force you to eat $100+ of food. You can certainly order a la carte at his end of the bar. That being said, it's very easy, once you settle in, just to let yourself (literally) melt into his pliant and talented hands... if ever a $100 meal is justifiable, an experience at Yasuda's bar certainly is well worth it, IMO. No, you're just going to NYC!! u.e.

Oooo - GOODIE!! Can't wait, doc!

LOL!! doc - watching a bit of Rachel Ray, are we? Just kidding. Great report on Incanto. I'm really afraid that after reading all of your reviews, I'll be tempted to prolong my stay in the Bay area on an upcoming visit! u.e.

Good point raji, however, I find that in modern-day practical sushi-eating, most Japanese nigiri are traditionally served in smaller, bite-sized, portions. Certainly, mouth sizes vary, (and I've got no small mug ), and I assume it does have to do with eater-preference, but I find that Yasuda's portions to be both more managable and make for a better eating experience. . u.e.

I hope that's $60 for the both (?) of you!! u.e.

gaf. wow. thanks for that very thorough and delightful report/read. could your "peach" be umeboshi? may i ask how much a "regular" might pay for a kaiseki at sugiyama? [edited to add: nevermind, i looked up the sugiyama menu online and see the prices.] u.e.

Ditto! u.e.

Adding to the string of congratulations! I'm so happy to see Chef Carlson and his staff being recognized in so many great ways! Totally deserved. u.e.

Depends on whether you'll be ordering a la carte off the menu or if you'll be at the bar getting it "omakase"-style from Yasuda himself. If the latter, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 - $150 p/person for a pretty generous meal (20+ nigiri)... that's without tax, tip, or drinks. If you check my flickr account, you can see my last meal and I think I have the exact price somewhere with that set. u.e.

Honestly, ChefGEB's creations are so delicious, I'd eat them in a warehouse sitting on over-turned crates!! u.e.

Heh, if it were a contest, Kuruma wins hands down. Here's the photoset: Photoset on Flickr I don't know what else to say but that it was the best sushi meal of my life. There wasn't one piece that I didn't enjoy. I'm missing two pics - one of two sashimi whose name has escaped my mind and one of a maguro sushi. ← Based on pictures alone, I would actually give it to Yasuda. The nigiri at Kuruma look garishly large - could you fit each piece in your mouth in one go? I will say, the mountain of uni was quite impressive. u.e.

For decent robata, I could wait a month... or two... especially while I'm not in K.C.... u.e.

Darn you!! Are you trying to gain me some weight? I don't usually like sweet (anything) popcorn... but if you put dark (very dark) chocolate on most anything, I'll eat it... Jaffa Cakes... ohhhhh..... *eyes roll way back in the head*... u.e.

Ahh... very good. Thanks! u.e.

Now why hadn't I thought of this combination?!?!? Separately, they're two of my favorite Japanese flavourings... I bet, together, they're even better!! Thanks! u.e.

For those of us not acquainted - what is the show "Real Simple Television" about? u.e.

Ron. I just read your review of C.H., which I somehow missed up until now. Wow... McClain dazzled me at Spring, I look forward to be wow'ed at another of his restos! Does anyone know when their website will be launched? u.e.

I'll defer to the attorneys in the forum. u.e.

No, I can't either.... but, gosh, what I wouldn't give to see Maccioni going down that line... u.e.

Could Alpana Singh be moving to NYC? Just hedging Megan's question... Just to clarify my earlier post, I didn't mean to suggest that Le Cirque was "Hooterizing" by employing only female sommeliers. Rather, I was simply answering M.X.Hassetts' question of whether or not such a move would be legal...u.e.

Is this legal? ← One word... Hooters. u.e.

Me too!! Well, not exclusively my favorite, but just as good as the fluffy form. What I like to do is to leave the unpopped kernels in the air popper (or on the stove) and continue to cook them until they are crispy! Yum!! Alas, no, but it's a novel idea to sell these!! Wanna go into biz with me? I can see it as the new American health snack... it'd be like the American version of Chino-Japanese wasabi-peas or Chinese roasted soy beans... oh wait, I just realized we have "Korn Nuts," which are close, I suppose. ....Hmmmm... note to self: must visit Joe the Trader soon! u.e.

K8memphis. Glad to hear that you're revived your keys. 1. Yes - those were the days when calories weren't in the American vocabulary... sigh... 2. Ah... yes, steam... 3. Do try furikake - it's nummy! 4. Oh... right, baking... ah ha... rubbing-on-face goes without saying!! u.e.

I think you're right! See you at WD-50 someday! u.e.

Great minds think alike. I wonder if great stomachs eat alike too? u.e.