Kadence — Restaurant in Orlando

This was my final one of the four Michelin Starred restaurants in Orlando. I came here one chilly night in December, waiting for a mystery tasting menu that promised plenty of delicious, fresh fish. Their menu isn't online, and I like that. No one can get mad if a dish is missing due to unexpectedly low-quality ingredients, no one can get mad if a dish is added on because of unexpectedly high-quality ingredients. It's a surprise, a true omakase.

You walk in, and the waiting area/bar is plastered with a wild, colorful, Asian-inspired mural that will keep your head spinning around looking at it for the entire time you're waiting to be seated. Then, the curtain is pulled back, and our super small seating of six people got seated, and the show began.

There was the standard omakase offering of the sake pairing, but what I thought was neat was the non-alcoholic tea pairing that they offered. I jumped on that, and I'm glad I did. We started sipping on our drinks, and then the show began.

I absolutely do not remember every detail of my meal, and I wouldn't share them with you even if I did. But I will give you some highlights. The show started off with a surprising soup, hope you're feeling adventurous. Then, a super large, super fresh oyster and some offal.

These simple dishes really focus on highlighting one super quality ingredients, and pairing it with a minimal amount of ingredients just to really make the best parts of these ingredients pop on your palette. I loved it.

The fresh fish dishes at the beginning of the meal were exquisite. Marinating in various delicious liquids, or just lightly smoked, as to not cook the meat, and the cuts they gave us were so thick, so the taste and texture of the fish were on full display and very apparent. I was pleased.

Kind of the same thing with the sashimi course. Some fresh tuna, some blow-torched snapper, thick cuts, great texture. I was a fan. The only complaint I do have, and this is minor, is that some omakases I've been to, they go out of their way to tell us about each species of fish and where they were caught from and what notes to look out for when eating the fish. Small, but I do like that touch.

Then comes the nigiri coursesss. A lot of prep work as the guy sliced it all up right in front of us, displaying his professional knife skills, I was very jealous. And then boom, one piece after another of huge pieces of fish with a small accoutrement to help the taste. Very good stuff. Very unique fish that you don't run into very often in Orlando.

Then, winding down the meal, came a warm duck soup with some udon noodles. Very good. Deep flavors in that broth.

And finally, desserts! A light, fruity bar with edible flowers and some granola-stuff for texture. Good. And finally finally, a matcha-themed tiramisu for the birthday we were celebrating. So delicious.

So the meal was done and over with. I was very full and very pleased. I had only seen this move done at three star places, but we got a goodie bag to go home! A creamy, chilled green tea. And a poke bowl. Both meant for breakfast the next morning. This kind of added flair will get them that second star if they keep this up.

Overall, this was an incredible experience. There were a million pros, and only that one con I mentioned earlier. If you can swing it, and if you like fresh seafood, you...

I've never left a bad restaurant review and hate to do so now, but this was the worst tasting experience I've yet to attend. Considering their recently awarded Michelin star, the outrageous ticket price, and the fact that I've loved every other Japanese tasting event I've attended, I had such high expectations for this place. However, while I'm sure the ingredients used here are top-notch, it's what you DO with those ingredients that counts, and with the exception of the first course (three bites that included uni and crab, tuna in miso mustard, and oyster with ceviche garnish) and the first dessert course (a delightfully creamy and beautifully presented frozen parfait), the dishes were disappointingly bland. An entire 3 courses were nothing but unseasoned meat, vegetables, and/or noodles floatingin flavorless broth. Additionally, while the staff were kind and welcoming in the beginning, near the end of the evening they all but disappeared (I suppose as they started serving the second seating in the next room?), leaving excruciatingly long gaps between courses and dragging out the evening well past 8:00, when it was scheduled to end at 7:15 (needless to say, after having driven from Tampa for this event and still having to make the drive back after, I would have appreciated a more accurate time estimate!). To make matters worse, no one came out at the end of the meal to let us know that the last course had been served or to thank us for coming, leaving everyone uncertain as to whether it was OK to leave or not. Additionally ordered to-go items were set down hurriedly and haphazardly on the counter, with no comments as to what or whose they were, creating additional confusion. If you're looking exclusively for high-quality ingredients and minimalist dishes, this may be your place, but if you are looking for a place where those ingredients are used in creative and flavorful ways (and with impeccable and welcoming service),...

I had one heck of a wonderful Saturday evening not too long ago. I’ve passed by the place a few times in my walks and was always curious about it. My brother recently informed me that they had a Michelin star, and that only further enkindled my interest.

It just rolling around evening time. I’d had a few drinks at one of the local establishments on a whim. I was about to go walking back home and I pass by the mysterious all-black door of the restaurant on the way back. I stopped and thought: “What the heck? Why not pop in and check it out?”

I’m very glad that I did!

The folks there were incredibly friendly! I did not partake in the food experience (I’ve got to save some money up before I do something like that, although I certainly do want to) but I did have a drink while I was there. I believe it had some kind of plum juice in it? The presentation was very lovely. And all considered was a great price for what I got! ($10, if I recall correctly, and one of the better things I’ve had in recent memory!)

Incredible service, genuinely kind people, and wonderful drinks!

Now I might refrain from going so hog wild on a weekend next time when I’m rambling on my lonesome, but you guys were incredibly gracious and cool! And I want to thank you for taking great care of me and the other nice couple there that night. It seems like you really value the people you’re serving. And that to me, even moreover than the food, makes me want to write this today.

Just wanted to say thank you guys sincerely for your hospitality and good atmosphere. It made the evening that much more special. 🤟 Be...