by Cheree Lynds on I'm shy. You'll find me dancing on top of a table only after a cocktail. Okay. Maybe after a cocktail, three Kamikaze shots, a post-dinner wine buzz and some coaxing from girlfriends. Vessel has a nice square layout, mood lighting, sturdy wooden tables which held up to our dancing, soft suede comfortable booths, very friendly table service. Although I prefer to shake it like a salt shaker to hip-hop rather than hard house/techno music, I found my rhythm after downing those drinks. But surprisingly, there is enough room to move around the dance floor without feeling like sardines stuffed in a can. I don't like the semi-private bathrooms. Sharing the wash area with the boys is fine, but the fact that they're THERE when I'm re-adjusting my bra is kinda awkward even in my alchohol-induced state. I had so much fun but was wiped out by the time I got home. Before I closed my eyes, I remember thinking, "I hope my knees/hips don't hurt tomorrow from dancing in my heels for 3 hours straight." Well, it does. I think I'm getting old.
by Silvana Pizira on Mahaharu Morimoto is an Iron Chef stud, and by stud I mean S T U D. Who hasn't watched Iron Chef Morimoto take on the likes of Mario Batali - the stuff of epicurial legend! (Forget about Flay and Cora - its Morimoto vs. Batali for sure.) A rainy weekday night, 8:30PM - late by some standards but perfect timing for my mission: to see the chefs perform. The chef's tasting menu for me. My meal includes a toro pate', half a lobster, Kobe beef, assorted nigiri sushi, raw oysters prepared with various accoutrement's, octopus with soy-citrus reduction, etc. The food is outstanding; this is true...but that's not what's really special about this place. Meal preparation is an intimate act. Pure human-to-human interaction. Sushi cuisine calls for lots of touching. The sticky rice is mashed and molded and formed with fingers and with hands. Raw fish is selected then sliced with razor-sharp precision. Together they are pressed into palms with thumbs and fingers molded. Hands moving without thought creating special personal things. Watching chefs, 4 astride work their craft - their art - pure magic. Outstanding service quality and attention to detail. If I had been seated anywhere but the bar, I'd go with a 4. Because of the incredible show behind the bar - 5 stars. Note: If you're going to a great restaurant that has full service at the bar - or more specifically sushi and you want to focus on the food, sit at the bar. If you are going more to socialize, find a nice table where you can engage fully in conversation.
by Amanda H. on I came here a couple of months ago with five of my girl friends. I had never had the pleasure of eating fondue before, so I was very excited to finally try it! The setting is really cool. I mean, it feels like a seafood restaurant, but that's fine by me! While waiting for the rest of our party to arrive, one friend and I sat down at the bar. The bartender was very nice, friendly, and attentive. Since the strawberry daiquiri was highly recommended, and I'm not one to turn down a free glass, I tried one. Now, I've had a lot of strawberry daiquiris in my life. I've been drinking virgin ones (a la my mother's influence) since I was a little kid. And, as a strawberry daiquiri connoisseur of sorts, I have to say this was one of the best I've ever had. Ever, people! It was perfectly put together. Once the rest of our group arrived, we were shown to a table upstairs. We first ordered a fruit & veggie fondue as an appetizer, which came with broccoli, cauliflower, apples, and I don't recall what else (that may have been it) to be dipped in a cheese sauce. It was delish! For our entrees, our waiter recommended that we split orders with one another, being that we were half-full from the veggies already. I split the platter that has a little bit of everything (the Mandarin, perhaps?)--shrimp, chicken, beef, and pork--with the girl next to me. These also come with some veggies and such too, like mushrooms. It was awesome! I was partial to the shrimp, but anyone who knows me knows that fried shrimp is pretty much my favorite food ever. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful, and our service was great. All-in-all, it was a fantastic meal. The next time my boyfriend feels inclined to take me to a nice dinner, this is where you'll find us. ;-)
