chaud-froid

I've been to Kappa twice. It is quite good, it isn't really Kaiseki (they call it koryori), but they have a tasting menu (about $70). There are some pretty good reviews available if you search for them.

Why would anyone want to drink Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne only four years after the vintage???

The main Yank Sing is in the Rincon Center at the corner of Market and Spear. Grated wasabi can be found at Sushi-Ran in Sausalito, and Ozumo, & Kyo-ya in the city. Here is a recent thread with more information (note my comment on Ozumo and Kappa).

Depending on how you want to get from Phoenix to Napa, you might have a chance to try the French cafe in Lone Pine in the Owens Valley. It seems stranger than fiction, but the truth is that The Still Life Cafe does exist, it is run by a French couple, and it is undoubtedly the best restaurant in Lone Pine. It may well be the best restaurant in a 50-mile (100-mile?) radius. A bonus in going this way and trying this place out is that the scenery along the east crest of the Sierra Nevada is certain to be breathtaking. Another bonus, is that we would get a report on this out of the way culinary oasis.

A fun, but expensive, high-end sushi tour would travel in an arc from Kyo-ya to Ozumo to Sushi-ran. I recently ate dinner at Ozumo "omakase" and had a very impressive "cavier special." Think of Ikura shushi, rice with a cylinder of nori and filled with salmon roe. Now add Albacore Tuna roe and Hallibut roe and change the strips of nori to very thin slices of Albcore Tuna, Salmon, and Hallibut each paired with the cavier. Was very impressive and very good. If you are very familiar with Japanese and Japanese food (or if you are willing to try something different), try Kappa. This place, located on Post in Japantown above the Denny's, is a "koryori" establishment - essentially a Japanese Tapas Bar. But, it is very elegant (Mrs. Kimura, the hostess is kimono clad) and a bit exclusive (no sign). Great food and hospitality. If you are up for some Japanese home cooking, you can't possibly do any better than have a meal at Minako (Mission between 18th and 19th). Billed as "Organic Japanese Cooking" it is a daughter/mother shop with really really good and reasonably priced food with super friendly service.

While you are in Ojai be sure to eat dinner at Suzanne's and breakfast at the Cafe Emporium.