rackoflamb's Profile
Chaoyang District, Beijing
Hey guys,
My trip to Beijing and visit with Makoto were quite enjoyable.
I have not been at Glutton's since December.
Have been working at Mirlycourtois in the Exchange on Princess since early January. Hope to see you soon.
Shan
Chaoyang District, Beijing
Mike,
From his Chinese business card I can't determine which number is the restaurant phone number, but in order from top-to-bottom:
- 86 139 1163 0930
- 86 10 5255 0668
- 86 10 5969 5038
The web-site is not up and running, but the address is simply www.makoto.cn
Have fun!
Shan
Chaoyang District, Beijing
This is for Mike and James G, and anyone else that doesn't mind spending good money for great food.
If you like Japanese fare then check out MAKOTO, located at Central China Place (across from the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton) on the fourth floor between Towers 1 and 2. Just enter the 'mall' closest to the main entrance for Deutche Bank, turn to your left, and get in the elevator. MAKOTO is the only tenant in this section.
It may be in a soft-opening mode, but will try to keep up with the anticipated Olympic push.
It's quite large: 300+ seats; 8-10 smaller private rooms; 3 separate open kitchens of specific Japanese disciplines, and; the omakase of Chef Makoto Ono.
Makoto is also a Junior(?)Member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs.
Disclaimer: We are friends and have worked together.
If you've tried Hatsune, then check out MAKOTO. Most Westerners that I met working at other Western restaurants said that Hatsune is the best that Beijing has to offer. Now, I did not make it to Hatsune, but I have enjoyed Makoto's food (in Canada) on more than 40 occassions. I have never been disappointed.
I believe that he told me that initially his omakase would be going for 500 RMB. I do not know how many courses he intends to prepare.
If you go, please write a detailed event of the food that he prepared.
I only wish that the service component was up to par with his creations.
As well, go earlier. There is a DJ Booth, lounge and bar area. It may be loud as the evening progresses.
What did you think of the entrance?
Vancouver Vacation Plan
If you want Italian, good Italain, then the only choice is CIOPPINO'S in Yaletown. My wife and had a seven-course "tasting" menu. I eat a lot, and am usually still hungry, but after enjoying Pino's creations I was stuffed. The portions were quite generous. And for me, at $150 (food only) per person it was a steal. If you choose to go, book ahead, and request Mick to serve you if you wish someone to expand upon the regional info about each dish, wine pairings and the such. DINNERS only. Lunches available at ENOTECA next door.
We also always love DIVA at the Metropolitan Hotel.
First time visit to PARKSIDE was very memorable, and will return the next time that we are in Vancouver. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
For a more casual ambiance serving great food and stellar drinks then head over to BONETA. Closed Mondays.
Chaoyang District, Beijing
Taxis as you will find out are dirt cheap. The 40 minute cab ride from my hotel to the airport cost $12 US. The good thing about Beijing is that the taxis are metered for distance travelled not necessarily time in the cab. So you can go 7-10 miles for about $6.
You are relatively close to everything based on this fact.
What do you like?
What don't you like?
Do you speak the language?
Will you be with someone that speaks the language?
What kind of cash do you wish to spend, on average, for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Do you want to go to trendy, good-looking spots?
Or do you want quality?
Or both?
Everyone will have pros and cons for Beijing and in particular its restaurants.
You should have a great time!
Beijing--Maison Boulud
James G,
I dined with a colleague at MaisonBoulud two nights before you.
My lasting impression (of the food) is not as glowing as yours.
Your description of the building and the lay out is bang on. You did not mention the second level...there are four private rooms, the largest accomodating up to 70 people for a sit-down dinner with the optional use of a large balcony overlooking the courtyard.
We ordered all eight appetizers: the iced tomato soup with smoked eggplant babaganoush was outstanding; the King crab slad with mango, cucumber, lime and a mint-coriander dressing was quite good; as were the terrine of foie gras and the country pate; sea scallops with cauliflower, orange glaze and capers were very good; but the last three were very weak...chilled shrimp salad with carrot coulis...the tortelline of broccoli et al was overcooked and the pancetta-parmesan emulsion was drab...roasted beet salads have seen better interpretations.
As for main courses we selected four: the monkfish was overcooked and the lentils were boring; the cumin roasted lambloin with sweet pepper stew, persian-dried figs and summer squash was good; the squab with cherry compote, creamy spinach, glazed turnips and foie gras stuffed legs was very good, finally; the braised short ribs (fantastic) with sweet garlic potatoes and Aussie Sirloin (bloody tough) with carrots,scallion and parsley was a disappointing combination.
We ordered three desserts, and received a fourth, followed by petit fours and warm-recently prepared madelaines to finish off the evening.
We loved the cocktails to begin, and as well the wine selected by the Sommelier, Koen, from Belgium that you mentioned. He is a professional. Working 18 hour days every day of the week will test the nerves of even the best! The service was very good for the most part. The ambience even better.
Now i realize that they are relatively new, have to train locals the Western (French) style of service, and the availability of desired food stuffs may be a challenge at this time. If I am ever back in Beijing, I would go back.
If you are still in Beijing and wish to experience another French outing go to Le Pre Lenotre in the Wanda Sofitel located on the sixth floor. The maitre d'hotel, Audrey, will treat you very well. Ambience is different. Service is very similar. Prices are similar. The food is very good.
Avoid the restaurant in the Shangri-La named Blu Lobster if good food is your focus. The room is great, the service is good, the food quality&presentation will appeal to certain palates&mindsets, but the pricing is way over the top!! The wine pairing was 70% cost of the set menu which in itself was pricey!! I will suggest that possibly ordering a la carte may result in a different outcome. If you wish for a detailed recap, simply post your request.
The best steak that I had was at CRU Steakhouse in the JW Marriott. I had a six ounce Aussie Wagyu Striploin (Grade 4-5)...it was damn good! Poor apps, and lousy desserts. Uncomfortable old boys club chairs, poor service, and an automatic 15% service charge...not happy.
Sunday mornings head over to the new Ritz-Carlton (beside the JW) for their amazing buffet for 288 RMB which includes a flute of veuve clicquot (which you'll pay 190 RMB in the lounge) and unlimited average wine. If you don't drink, it is still a bargain. King crab legs, sashimi of four fish, variety of sushi, and seafood based salads. An amazing North African inspired cuisine counter. Your typical omlette area. A Hot Pot station. Your typical baron of beef, leg of lamb, some big-assed bird. Next to that six types of dim sum. Next to that steamed lobsters and crabs. A vegetarian station. Amazing baked goods. And an unlimited supply of desserts. As well as six types of fresh pressed juices. Watermelon with a splash of vodka and fresh mint!
Don't waste your time (and $$$) at ARIA nor SOUTH BEAUTY.
Do go to the sixth floor of the Shin Kong Place (beside the 2 hotels) for dumplings and a mushroom salad (no greens) at DIN TAI FUNG.....amazingingly delicate dough and ever-lasting flavours...try the hairy crab filling!
In the SANLITUN area we dined at 1949-the Hidden City's DUCK DE CHINE. The ambiance was great (music and decor), service hit&miss, the Pekin Duck was a little disappointing, the pig's ear terrine and foie gras terrine were very good. If you prefer noodles, simply walk through the courtyard and put yourself at one of the 16 stools and watch the noodle magic.
That's all for now!
Sydney's at the forks Winnipeg
I've experienced similar situations at Sydney's.
The food is good..enough.
Attitude from some of the servers, and the guy at the front.
As far as the tip...go back for dinner and refuse to pay it.
There is no legality behind them forcing you to pay it.
If you signed a contract laying out all the prices, taxes and gratuity you could be obligated. But then again, contracts are broken all the time.
But we'd both be naive to think that the server keeps all of the tip.
What are your favorite NZ Sauvignon Blancs?
If you enjoy St. Clair, then pony up for some Wither Hills. Mount Nelson is just as enjoyable. Both are from the Marlborough.
Comox and Powell River Recs needed
Yo Fat Cat,
A former colleague has recently purchased a restaurant in Comox/Courtney. I believe the name was Sandbar Grill(?). The new name is Thyme. Emil, the owner, is also the chef. Has always prepared incredible food!!
We miss him in Winnipeg.
Enjoy.
Tofino - Raincoast Cafe
How is the Wick too $$$ for you?
You're paying for the unique dining ambience.
Wine is reasonably priced, and it isn't a set menu with astronomical prices.
My wife and I ate there twice in four nights. The bills combined were less than the cost of our entire hotel expense in Tofino.
Tavern in the Park Reviews?
Tavern has been around for more than 5 years.
Established, safe (boring) menu.
If you are paying, then go elsewhere.
I'd rather go to Glutton's or Sydney's.
Dining choices in that city are limited.
