"Last night was no exception. Despite the restaurant buzzing with diners, including a celebrity group at the large round table beneath a whimsical mural of a giant octopus attacking a ship (I couldn't help but joke about enjoying one of its relatives as I waited for my appetizer), the atmosphere remained lively yet welcoming. Chef Mike oversees the kitchen with passion and creativity, making it a point to personally greet guests, often alongside his sous chef Sarah. Their visits feel like a warm addition to the dining experience rather than an interruption, and they are always eager to share insights about the dishes and their inspirations.
You never know who might be dining nearby, adding to the restaurant’s charm. The “captain’s table,” known for its lazy Susan, was occupied by notable figures like actor/comedian Tate Donovan, AMD's senior vice president Forrest Norrod, and actress Sadie Sink, among others. They were enjoying their evening as we arrived and continued to do so as we wrapped up our meal.
I started the evening with a delightful passionfruit cocktail, followed by Korean fried octopus and wild Hokkaido scallops that nearly made me swoon. The octopus was incredibly tender—best I’ve ever had—coated in a delightful sweet, savory, and spicy sauce that complemented it perfectly. Free of heavy breading, the octopus truly stood out. The scallops were cooked to perfection, accompanied by a potato strata, homemade blue potato chips, and a creamy sauce elegantly poured over the dish by our server.
My companions enjoyed the yin yang roll, onion baddies (which I sampled and found indescribably delicious!), as well as the Long Island Duck and Fisherman’s Stew—all reported to be excellent. Chef Mike certainly excels at fusion cuisine! For dessert, we knew we couldn't hold back, as all desserts are made in-house by Sous Chef Sarah. We shared the Cherry Poppin' toffee pudding, carrot cake, and Rhubarb Rose. Unfortunately, due to a chocolate allergy at our table, we missed trying the Choc Daddy, but I fully intend to return soon to sample it.
The Cherry Poppin’ offered a delightful twist on toffee pudding, using tangy dried sour cherries instead of the usual dates and brightening the dish with Meyer lemons in the sauce. The Rhubarb Rose was a visual masterpiece reminiscent of Willy Wonka: bright and colorful, built on a gluten-free almond cake layered with poached rhubarb, a rich vanilla-rhubarb mousse, lime streusel, and charming curls of rhubarb crisps. Absolutely delicious! The carrot cake was undoubtedly the best I’ve ever tasted, showcasing Chef Sarah's ability to deliver desserts that are nuanced and balanced—decadent yet never overly sweet—a perfect finale to a truly delightful meal shared with great company, all while overlooking a gorgeous view.
Just go already! (However, if you dislike waiting, be sure to make a reservation, and for a quieter experience, consider visiting on a Thursday or Sunday.)"