Kenichi Aspen, est 1991 — Restaurant in Aspen

This was honestly the best tempura I've ever had (and I've had some realllly good stuff in Nara and Osaka!!). The sushi was also incredible, as was the special banana chocolate cheesecake. In all, this was the best culinary experience I've had in years. I didn't want the evening to end!

Unfortunately, I couldn't give it the five stars it deserved because our server Dave provided the worst service experience of my life. When he wasn't doting on the table of cute young girls next to us and ignoring us, he was making awkward jokes and comments, indicating he felt we should be ordering more alcohol than we were. Then, at the end of the meal, we realized he had overcharged us for one of the platters. When I brought this to Dave's attention, he retorted in an exasperated and condescending tone that he charged us exactly the correct amount and I should have been aware that this was the price for the platter before I ate it. Shocked, I calmly explained that I was aware of the prices, but we had ordered and received a different platter than the one that was indicated on the check, so it needed to be corrected. He then rolled his eyes and said he would have to speak to the manager about it, as if threatening me. I was horrified! When he returned, he proceeded to THROW the bill on our table and snipped, "It's your lucky day, the manager took the entire platter off the check." He then threw me a glare as if to say, "Are you happy now?!" Before I could say anything or give him my credit card, he walked away briskly. Later, when he returned the bill to be signed, he again threw the bill on our table and walked off without saying a word. It was one of the most bizarre and unprofessional experiences I've ever had at a restaurant in my life - much less at such a high class establishment!

We then demanded to speak to a manager. Malcolm came right away and was absolutely phenomenal. He listened patiently, apologized sincerely, and asked if there was anything he could do to make sure our experience wasn't too soured. His sincerity and kindness were apparent, and he made sure we left on a high note.

In conclusion, Malcolm and the food were incredible. This is a must go place in Aspen, just make sure you don't get Dave...

Upon entering, the inviting ambiance immediately caught our attention. The moody lighting and tasteful decor created a serene yet stylish atmosphere, hinting at a memorable evening ahead. The host staff greeted us warmly and led us to the private area we had requested, showcasing a pleasant attention to detail.

Our waitress was exceptional. Her comprehensive knowledge of the menu and the cultural nuances of the dishes was commendable. She walked us through the offerings, sharing insights into the Japanese tradition behind each dish and gave us an informative introduction to Sake, which was enlightening. Her friendly demeanor made us feel welcomed, never rushed, striking a perfect balance between professionalism and approachability.

Now, onto the culinary journey. We ventured through a variety of offerings, mostly guided by our waitress's insightful recommendations. The sashimi and sushi were fresh, delicately prepared, showcasing a mastery of traditional techniques. The adventurous dishes were a delight, each bite revealing a blend of authentic flavors and contemporary innovation, a testament to the chef's expertise.

The restaurant has a trendy yet relaxed vibe, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a casual outing with a touch of elegance. The convergence of hospitable service, enlightening culinary insights, and delectable food made this dining experience stand out. It's a trendy hub for those with an affinity for top-tier sashimi, sushi, and a voyage into unique dishes. A must-visit when you're in town, promising not just a meal, but a delightful and educational culinary expedition.

Reflecting on the evening, the staff's warmth, engaging conversation, and culinary excellence left a lasting impression. We anticipate our next visit to explore more of the menu and relive this delightful experience. The blend of casual elegance, warm hospitality, and culinary brilliance has us...

Michelin star quality food, although lacking when it comes to service. Made a same day reservation and was promptly seated at a 2 top. I’m a bit larger and found the seat very tight. The hostess took my jacket however never provided a coat check tag - and never brought me my jacket back upon paying the bill even though I asked for it (I had to go to the front to get it myself). Upon ordering, our server lost our order several times and piecemeal (guesswork?) delivered us our meals, with no proper order. There should be a sequence of when these dishes come out but they were delivered all at once and missing an order of scallops which came 20 minutes after we finished our dinner. Drinks took a long time to come out. Drinks were decent but too small, I expected a little more. The server offered a dessert on the house which was delicious. But overall service was lacking and checking in on us randomly, there were plenty of staff working and the restaurant at minimum capacity so I don’t understand why the poor service. Other tables were also very loud, almost like being at a bar, this is not a romantic night out.

The Chef here was able to select quality products that frankly were hands down better than what we had in Tokyo. The portions were extremely conservative and it was expensive. Service needs to be spot on for these prices. Needs some improvement, recommended to try but I wouldn’t return. It really felt like pulling teeth trying to get our drinks and food, and then again...