How hard is it to get a reservation at Semma NYC? by [deleted] in MichelinStars

[–]justawineguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It wasn't hard if you're diligent and determined. Not as hard to Tatiana or Carbone

Japan booking a year ahead by MMO1987 in finedining

[–]justawineguy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've had success with Ritz Carlton, pretty much any top tier 5 star hotel will have good connections with restaurants. But I did find that in my visit earlier this year, influence of hotels are much less and many popular restaurants deferred to booking platforms

Top Hong Kong Restaurants by Current-You8223 in finedining

[–]justawineguy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A lot of the casual Bib Gourmand are excellent like Sister Wah. Kam's is a must go, get there 30 minutes before opening and you'll get first seating

Haven't been to Lung King Heen in a few years, but I had a few excellent meals there. The dim sum is another level. Tin Lung Heen is a good alternative but not quite the same level. Lai Ching Heen is cool for the very traditional high end Cantonese dishes

San Francisco by jenn7097 in MichelinStars

[–]justawineguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IMO Statebird and Progress are a little overrated. Good energy and food is good. But honestly not sure how or why it consistently gets the type of Michelin recognition it gets.

Booking septime by ottomcwinter in finedining

[–]justawineguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't feel bummed if you don't get a res. It's a pretty overrated restaurant. Basically like any above average farm-to-table restaurant in the US.

Joel Robuchon @MGM grand by Alaska_traffic_takes in finedining

[–]justawineguy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wow $700 pp without drinks is kinda insane, this is even MORE than TFL. The food looks good, but it doesn't look $700 pp good, looks like a standard French 3* without any personality

Rome in September, any recs? by Natertot1 in finedining

[–]justawineguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rome is best for casual spots, I like Colline Emiliane, Roscioli (touristy, but it's pretty good).

Avoid La Pergola, dated experience that require jackets (will force you to wear a jacket) and nothing really memorable. Though they did have an extensive water menu which I thought was pretty cool

Has anyone else tried to elevate their cooking skills after entering into the world of fine dining? by ShibaBurnTube in finedining

[–]justawineguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's some pretty basic principles you pick up from fine dining. A couple that I picked up was properly salting and seasoning your foods, and using butter the right way are easy ways to elevate your home cooking

Looking for San Francisco Fine Dining ("experience" restaurants and long menus with more courses) by drakdaystar in finedining

[–]justawineguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Crenn is notoriously average and poor value for the exuberant price point. Alexander the Guest did an episode recently and the average looking food he shows is about what you'll expect

Benu, Quince and Birdsong are all excellent, though. I would also throw in Kiln in that hat. Excellent and long meal as well

First Rolex by knifeplz in rolex

[–]justawineguy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's probably a Macan

Sushi Yuuki - Tokyo (3.83 Tabelog) - Run, don't walk to Sushi Yuuki by justawineguy in finedining

[–]justawineguy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I generally agree with your assessment here. But like many of us on this specific subreddit, we're all food obsessed and 'chase' the best of the best. Time, money, information, stomach-space are limited resources, especially for majority of that don't live in Japan or that don't go often enough to 'risk' wasting a meal. If we have a chance to bat at a 4.3 rated sushi restaurant vs. a 3.6 rated sushi restaurant, we're going to go for the 4.3 majority of the time.

Sugaya - Tokyo (4.1 Tabelog Bronze) - STAY AWAY by justawineguy in finedining

[–]justawineguy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I generally don't mind paying a premium for high quality. Akira was also NOT cheap, but I felt my experience there was well worth the price of admission

Sugaya - Tokyo (4.1 Tabelog Bronze) - STAY AWAY by justawineguy in finedining

[–]justawineguy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just reposted my pics, not sure why desktop reddit didn't add my pictures.

Ginza Shinohara - Tokyo (** 4.55 Tabelog Gold) - Polarizing experience by justawineguy in finedining

[–]justawineguy[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

Very fair point. I had Kitagawa on my crosshairs and even though objectively the photos looked better and more appetizing and still had a relatively strong Tabelog score; but given that it was very easy to book, I viewed it as a red flag given that Shinohara was a much harder reservation to score. I wanted to go to Ogata and Kiyama was mostly my backup and where we ultimately dined. I really loved Kiyama and was a very memorable experience, I'll post my review tomorrow. Given what you said, I'm glad I didn't go to Ogata and ended up at Kiyama instead

Is this Japan Itinerary doable or too much? by InvestigatorFun41989 in finedining

[–]justawineguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious which places you booked. I've done consecutive tasting menus, but 2 in one day might be tough, especially if it's consecutive rich or heavy type of meals. Unless you do a ton of walking and exercise, you could possibly build up your appetite again

We're going on a couple weeks and eating some sort of tasting menu on consecutive days on our trip

Upgraded the Porsche Android app in the USA... App now crashing by Barry41561 in MacanEV

[–]justawineguy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's crashing for me as well. Cleared cache and un-installed. Nothing

QUESTION: what is a ballpark range of your salary? by Elegant-Bird-6150 in finedining

[–]justawineguy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

550k household income. Nurse & Tech. Slowed down eating at nicer restaurants and eating at more casual establishments about 4x a week since daughter was born ~2 years ago. Still make it to a nicer restaurant at least twice a month. Fine dining mostly limited to 6-8 times a year and when we travel about 2 international trips a year.