Iron Chef Restaurants - Are they overrated?

[xanderjoon]

We are planning to stay at Cerulean Towers. Found out Iron Chef Chen has restaurant in hotel and Iron Chef Sakai has restaurant across the street, La Rochelle. Are they worth checking out? Does anyone have any recent experiences?

[Charles Yu]

Decor and Ambience of La Rochelle resembles that of a Parisian Michelin 1-2 star restaurant. I had a four course meal there about a year ago. The fish terrine first course was one of the most artistically plated dish I have ever experienced and delicious too. Main courses of both fish and steak were perfectly executed. Service was very attentive and professional. Only regret was not being able to secure a window seat table. Glorious view! I did not bother trying Chef Chen since I just spend over 2 weeks in Hong Kong.

[xanderjoon]

Thanks for your feedback. Will definitely give it a go! Did you have to make advance reservations?

[Charles Yu]

Reservation a must!! The place was packed when I dined there. A very interesting observation! Over 80% of the patrons were female!!! Happy Chowing!

[xanderjoon]

Thanks, Charles. You mentioned their lunch pre-fixe was $40 per person, do you remember their dinner prices? On tastingmenu.com, I found sometimes Sakai is in the kitchen himself!

[Charles Yu]

I believe its 11,000 yen+ for dinner.tasting menu

[Havok202]

I went to Japan last year and at Iron Chef Michiba's restaurant in Ginza. It was the best meal I have ever had.

[xanderjoon]

What is the name of that restaurant and how much did it cost you? Can you describe your meal in more detail?