67644 Thu Mar 17 15:04:28 -0800 2005 6 2 Los Angeles Area 0 367010 It's been at least a couple of years since I've been but there was a time when I thought this restaurant one of the five must visits. I have friends who are coming in from NYC and have asked to go but I had such a great lunch at Mako last week that I'm thinking of redirecting them. Any thoughts? Thanks. Thu Mar 17 15:04:28 -0800 2005 0 cvc 1 367025 Goto Mako. Chinois was "cool" when getting fried catfish with ponzu sauce was still an intriguing dish. Heck, if you wanted that dish now just go to Ralphs or Ranch99 and ask them to fry one up, take it home, get some soy sauce, dilute with 2:1 parts of water and, voila, Fried Catfish with Ponzu sauce. Thu Mar 17 15:52:02 -0800 2005 367010 0 ipse dixit 2 367026 Mako was actually the Chinois chef when it was a Top 5 place, i believe. Thu Mar 17 15:54:23 -0800 2005 367025 0 Bert 3 367029 EXACTLY.... plus, I believe Chinois is a bit more pricy... I love Chinois... when I'm in Vegas and I don't have much other options for good Asian inspired dishes (Aside for LOS of course)... but here in L.A., I've only been for business purposes... --Dommy! Thu Mar 17 16:03:19 -0800 2005 367026 0 Dommy! 1 367069 If it makes them feel better, Mako was actually the head chef at Chinoise for about 16yrs or so, I think. Plus, if you go to Mako, you won't have to be decisive about what you want. If you're at Chinois, you can only really pick one entree. At Mako, you can piece your own meal together, which is a lot more fun and a much different experience. The food at Mako rocks. I think its even better than Chinois, minus the sticker shock too! Thu Mar 17 18:34:19 -0800 2005 367010 0 JeniH 1 367119 This used to be one of my faves for lunches with clients. The last two visits (last year) were not up to par and I don't think I'll go back on my dime. If you do opt to go - the two dishes that still held up for me were the flash-fried spinach (lovely, melt-in-your mouth morsels) and the foie gras with grilled pineapple (I think). But the decor and the menu - just don't match the prices anymore. Thu Mar 17 20:02:33 -0800 2005 367010 0 twistyhair 1 367827 go with Mako - Chinois really has not evolved after Mako left - they are still doing the many of the same stuff that he created when he was still there. Lunch at Mako is a totally different experience from dinner. The ippin-ryouri style or tasting plates style of serving dinner makes for a fun exploration of the menu. Mon Mar 21 17:33:43 -0800 2005 367010 0 Leigh