Emeril's Tchoup Chop

Located at the exotic and posh Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando Florida, Emeril's Tchoup Chop is an explosion of sights, sounds and flavors. The name is meant to offer a hint of New Orleans' famous Tchoupitoulas Street, where Emeril's parent restaurant is located, and the word "chop" a bold culinary term. The menu is decidedly South Pacific, blending Asian and Polynesian influences into a truly unique food experience. The small space practically overflows with vibrant colors and sounds. An infinty edge pool sits in the middle of the room and a waterwall occupies an entire expanse, immersing patrons in a lush water environment. Glass Poinsettias in red and gold hues create gigantic chandeliers, adding yet another tropical element to the space.

Reccomendations:

Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wraps with Ponzu Sauce, Crispy Won Ton Threads, shaved Jalapeno, Basil Oil and Sriracha in a Bibb Lettuce Cup

Kiawe Grilled New York Strip Steak served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Tempura Fried Sweet Onions, Homemade Teriyaki Sauce and Stir Fried Seasonal Vegetable

Service: 8.5/10
Food Taste: 10/10
Food Presentation: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
TOTAL: 38.5/40

Cafe Mozu - Washington DC

“The restaurant in the new Mandarin Oriental hotel is named after an ancient Chinese philosopher who expounded the principal of universal love. Just off the main hotel lobby, it is the hotel’s all day dining venue: an airy, sophisticated spot for a power breakfast, business lunch, elegant afternoon tea or a relaxed dinner at sunset. Designed by Tony Chi, the bright and airy room reflects Washington, DC’s international flair with an element of sophistication, and offers unparalleled views of the Washington Channel, Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial."

This hotel has recieved 5 stars (the first in Washington), and it is the service that sets it apart from the pack. We recieved nothing short of EXCEPTIONAL attention - you will be blown away.

Executive Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto presents simple, yet bold and flavorful, dishes that reflect his classical Japanese and European training. The style is decidedly modern with contempory presentations that can often be 'jaw-droppingly' gorgeous. My irresistible dinner selection was the Snake River Farms Kobe Beef marinated in Shinsu Miso, served with Japanese yams. The best meal I have had to date in Washington.

Heavenly desserts by Pastry Chef James Satterwhite include an Exotic Spice “Baba au Rhum”, a non-alcoholic Black and White Martini Shake for chocolate lovers and a Trio of Crème Brulées.

The price-tag on our dinner for six was well over $600 - so bring a friend with deep pockets if you plan on enjoying this spectacular dining experience!

Service: 10/10
Food Taste: 10/10
Food Presentation: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
TOTAL: 38/40

Tao - New York City

Simply Sizzling!

"Originally a 19th century stable for the Vanderbuilt family and then a balconied movie theater, Tao was tranformed into a majestic Asian "temple'".

A cavernous space, Tao's focal point is a towering 16-foot tall gold Buddha that "floats" above a reflecting pool complete with Japanese carp. We dined late, approximately 10:00pm, enjoying delicious jumbo martinis before dinner. The clientel here is ultra-chic Manhattanites packing the bar and 300-plus tables, making reservations (up to a month in advance) a must. The trendy club/asian/lounge decor is enhanced by a live dj spinning up-to-date loungy/dance music. A sax player was overlaying improv jazz-licks through the restaurant's impressive sound system, making the overall atmosphere tingle with energy.

The food here is nothing short of masterful, surely even the famed Iron Chefs would be challenged by these culinary pan-Asian delights. Tao specializes in Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese & Thai cuisines. I ordered the Filet Mignon w/Wasabi dipping sauce($24), which you cook on a hot river-stone at your table. The Kobe Beef version(6oz) of this dish runs an astounding $72! (our waiter explained the cow is massaged by hand before butchering) Sliced thinnly and dripping in flavor, this is perhaps the best beef dish I have ever tasted. The sushi and desserts continued to delight our palettes even further. The Giant Fortune Cookie, filled with white and dark chocalate mousse, comes complete with a giant printed fortune. Our serving team was knowledgable and never had us waiting.

Service: 9/10
Food Taste: 10/10
Food Presentation: 9/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
TOTAL: 38/40

Blues Alley - Washington DC

While the music is usually good, the food here is not worth your time.

So here are my ratings:

Service: 4/10
Food Taste: 1/10
Food Presentation: 1/10
Atmosphere: 4/10
TOTAL: 10/40