Member Review by Lil' Pumpkin

Degustation?what an obscure word to describe such a sublime experience! A birthday treat, a quiet corner with the lighting dimmed and 10 courses of stunning sensations! The aromas, the tastes and the textures all superb, with matched wines of course!
I am no Shakespeare or Keats so for me to try to describe each and every course is impossible, some samples will have to suffice.
An oyster, served (or presented rather) ?au natural? in a shot glass covered in a mirrin/sake sauce, tuna lightly seared with blood orange and asparagus spears and duck in light soy. A stand-out is the ?soup?: chicken consomm? so dark and deep you word swear it was veal demiglace and bobbing gently on the surface?a wanton, filled with a tiny burst of heaven.
The service was attentive, yet not over-bearing. All the staff easily able to explain the subtleties of the dishes they presented, but most impressive was the sommelier: describing the complexities and history of the selections with considerable eloquence as they poured.
Some surprises, Sherry with the soup for example yet the wines were matched not just with the food but with your tastes in mind as well; such as when disappointment was expressed (a greater depth was expected with the wine accompanying the duck) a second offering was quickly forthcoming, superb!! Exactly to my taste. At times two wines were even offered allowing us to decide for ourselves.
The little touches were impressive: ?Happy Birthday Lil? Pumpkin? in chocolate around the tasting plate of desserts, and the subtly handled discussion between my partner and the maitre de regarding the plan for the night.
To be able to enjoy a meal like this on a regular basis is something I can only dream about at about $230 a head. (This included a pre-dinner cocktail.)
An unbelievable and unforgettable dining experience, maybe soon I can try the new menu? Please honey? Soon?