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| - Let me start by saying it saddens me to give this Michael Mina restaurant only three stars. I have been there many times, and on every other visit I would have given five stars...however, after eating there last night I think this restaurant has started to go downhill a bit.
We had the tasting menu because (in my opinion) it includes the best of the menu: the caviar parfait, lobster pot pie (to be honest, the large lobster pot pie on the menu is so heavy and so much to finish, I actually prefer the smaller version on the tasting menu), and delicious wagyu. We chose to add seared foie to our steak since there is no foie elsewhere on the tasting menu. I highly recommend doing that!! There is also a huge foie gras you can order from the menu - but beware, it is enough for at least 5-8 people, so don't order with just a few people!
The food: The caviar parfait was not nearly as good as I remember from prior visits. Completely loaded with creme fraiche (as opposed to more salmon and much less creme fraiche previously) - a shame to drown it like that. The lobster pot pie is a stand out - a full tail and claw in delicious sauce. I even loved the butter-seared scallop, which is not one of my favorite foods normally. The steak is the best course - absolutely melt-in-mouth delicious.
The service: Our waiter was nice, but sadly, just not the caliber you should expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. He did not check back in with us mid-course even once during our meal, only coming by to deliver our next course or our next wine (and sometimes he did not even do those things). Before we ordered and began our wine pairing, we wanted to start with a wine or champagne. As we began asking questions about the wine list, it was clear he had no idea what he was talking about and instead of going to get the sommelier, he literally said "Ummmmm" for a long time, and then just pointed at one. I asked him to please check with the sommelier before bringing the wine, but I'm not even sure he did that. We didn't see a sommelier even once during the meal.
Ambiance: I love the open kitchen. Generally love the non-stuffy feel of this restaurant. However something happened that shocked us: someone came by with a huge camera asking if we wanted our photo taken! Turns out you can buy these photos later like you are on a cruise. We though it was hilarious, but pretty tacky. I think the old Mina management would be appalled...
The food was, for the most part, still very good. But I don't think it deserves its Michelin Star anymore and the service certainly leaves a lot to be desired for a $600 meal...I never leave below a 20% tip, but doing so left a bad taste in my mouth this time.
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