My husband and I were invited to be guests by his clients who frequent this restaurant. We even hired a driver to take us from Newport Coast. It is a fancy omakase with 2 seatings. We were the second seating at 8:15 pm. We arrived 15 minutes early and were told to wait outside until 8:15. There's a Wing Stop next door and it's not a fancy place. Since we were going to a business dinner and as guests we had a lot to discuss. My husband had to sit turned away from the chef in order to face his clients. The seating was a bar and not a table top where we could face one another. About 30 minutes into the service the server who is a co owner came over and asked us to quiet down. We thought it was odd because we were not louder than the other 2 couples at the restaurant.
Then about 10 minutes later he served me shrimp even though he asked me what my allergies were before service began. So my husband ate it and then suddenly the chef started to scold my husband and was upset telling him he was rude bc he wasn't facing him and bc he was talking business and not paying attention to him! We were all shocked and self corrected right away. But the damage was done and the entire room felt awkward and tense. Then about 15 minutes later he said service was over for us and to leave. So we left but the clients asked to speak with the co owner outside. They were mortified and so were we. The chef then walked out and said we couldn't complain bc he didn't charge us. The whole evening was ruined and he ruined it for the other guests in the restaurant too. If you want to go there and actually have a conversation then it's clearly not the right choice. You have to be focused on him the entire time and you're not allowed to pay attention to anyone else but him. They could have warned us in advance or put on their website their expectations. But for a chef to start throwing a tantrum like a toddler is nonsense.
As for the food, it's nothing to write home about. If i had to compare apples to apples: Sushi Sho in Hawaii is better. Masa in NYC is better. And you can actually enjoy yourselves there as well....
Read moreKogane in Alhambra, California offers an exceptional omakase experience that is truly worth the trip from LA. From the moment you step into the intimate and inviting space, you'll be treated to a culinary journey like no other. The skilled chefs at Kogane showcase their expertise by crafting an exquisite selection of dishes, each thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
The omakase at Kogane is a true feast for the senses. The chef's meticulous attention to detail is evident in every bite, as they skillfully blend traditional Japanese flavors with innovative touches. From the freshest sashimi to perfectly seasoned nigiri, each piece is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. Each course is thoughtfully curated, taking you on a culinary adventure through the expertly executed progression.
The restaurant's dedication to quality shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. The warm and attentive service, coupled with the breathtaking presentation of each dish, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you are a sushi connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates exceptional food, Kogane is a destination that should not be missed.
What makes Kogane even more remarkable is its surprising location in a humble strip mall, nestled between a Subway and a Jamba Juice. Discovering this hidden gem amidst such ordinary surroundings is nothing short of a delightful surprise. Like a hidden jewel waiting to be discovered, Kogane stands out with its exceptional omakase experience, proving that extraordinary culinary experiences can be found in the most...
Read moreWe recently had this lunchtime omakase menu at this restaurant. Alongside the omakase, we decided to order 2 additional pieces of sea perch and 2 hand rolls. However, to our surprise, when we received the bill, we were taken aback by the exorbitant prices for these extra items. They charged us an astonishing $40 for the 2 pieces of sea perch nigiri and another $40 for the 2 hand rolls.
To make matters worse, the seared fish we were served had a bitter taste, which was quite disappointing considering the reputation of this restaurant. Additionally, during our meal, I had to repeatedly ask for a refill of my tea as my cup remained empty for extended periods.
This overall experience left us feeling unsatisfied with both the pricing and the quality of the food. It's disappointing to encounter such a lack of reasonable pricing, especially at a restaurant that offers omakase dining. We believe that fair and reasonable pricing is an essential part of the dining experience, and this establishment fell short in that regard.
Given our experience, we have decided not to return to this restaurant in the future. We hope that the management takes note of these concerns and makes the necessary improvements to ensure a better dining experience for...
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