We've been to Kiu a few times before and didn't have the experience we had tonight. The receptionist had to ask us several times how many people were in our party. We had a simple "6" answer to her question each time. "No" we didn't have a reservation but we were early and the restaurant wasn't even at half capacity.
Our server took our order and gave some suggestions which we considered but decided on something else. We tried the black and white sesame Ramen which were both tasty but found that the noodle portions were quite a bit smaller than Sansotei's. One bowl of noodles had a clump of undercooked noodles which we thought was not satisfactory.
The chicken wing dumpling was something new that we decided to order and it just wasn't what we expected for $3.50 a piece. It was a wing with the middle part stuffed with what was supposed to be Wagyu beef, but it could've been any kind of minced beef. It really wasn't very pleasing to the taste buds.
We often get the miso cod and everywhere we go it's usually nicely caramelized. This one came out very blanche having us question whether it was cooked or not. It was white so we knew it would be cooked, but it didn't look appetizing. The taste did make up for its looks though.
Aburi sushi was good as always.
This time around we ordered the black sesame cheesecake. Kiu attempts to make their presentation like a higher end restaurant but then they serve a slice with a piece missing from the tip. It honestly looked like someone had taken a bite out of it. We commented and a server was there. He acted like he didn't know what we were talking about and we had call him back and show him. Most restaurants, if they see more than one person at the table will bring or at least offer to bring a few forks for sharing the dessert. We had to ask twice for the extra forks.
Following our comments regarding service then... The food score would probably be a 4-star rating but the service is what brings it down to a 3. First the receptionist, then the people who brought the food out. It seems like none of the servers have been trained properly. At a longer rectangular table, you would think that as food came, you'd spread it out quite a bit so that everyone could get access to the shared plates. No. All the food came out at one side. When our side of the table was full, the servers just stood there (at the same end) not knowing what to do. We had to move plates out of the way (down the table) so that they could set the food down. There was plenty of space at either ends of the table too! If you see kids you would think that common sense would tell you to not put hot soupy noodles directly in front of them where they could grab/spill/flip over the bowl. Another guy poured hot tea and set the cup right in front of our baby too! I quickly saw that and moved it out of the way before he could grab it. He did apologize and said he wouldn't do it again. I guess you have to experience a kid spill something before knowing not to place anything you don't want them to grab in front of them.
Overall, food was good but the service was frustrating.