Atmosphere & Service
I arrived for lunch on a Monday afternoon and was greeted and sat immediately as the restaurant was surprisingly empty. The atmosphere was modern, minimalistic, and casual. The open space, along with the subtle decorations on the walls and the soft lighting from recessed fixtures, created a relaxed environment that is neither too formal nor too casual.
The server was friendly, timely and knowledgeable with the menu. He recommended the 12 & 69 Degrees as I am not a fan of fried sushi or cream cheese filling. I also chose the Crunch Lobster which came with a verbal warning regarding price.
Food & Value
The meal began with the Gyoza. Were they good? Sure. But in the most unremarkable way possible. The presentation was lackluster, devoid of even the simplest garnish, and the scratched plate did nothing to inspire confidence in the kitchen’s attention to detail.
Next came the recommended 12 & 69 Degrees roll, a straightforward combination of tuna, salmon, masago, cucumbers, spicy mayo, topped with more salmon and avocado. These are basic ingredients, so I expected the dish to shine in its simplicity through exceptional freshness. To their credit, the fish was fresh, but the presentation left much to be desired—basic, bordering on uninspired.
And then, the pièce de résistance: the Crunch Lobster roll, priced at an eye-watering $65. Naturally, I expected a culinary masterpiece, something worthy of indulgence. What arrived, however, was a colossal letdown. It bore a striking resemblance to a California roll with lobster instead of imitation crab, along with fried asparagus. The roll was dry—criminally so—and conspicuously absent was any sort of sauce to elevate the flavors. Instead, I was presented with a mound of bland seaweed salad and a perfunctory stack of cucumbers. The sawdust-like topping did nothing to enhance the dish and, if anything, worsened its already parched texture.
Overall Experience
While the service was friendly and attentive, the dining experience fell short of expectations. The food presentation lacked flair, and some of the dishes didn’t live up to the high price point. With basic flavors and little to enhance the overall dining experience, the value for money is just not here. On to the next one.
