Originally Posted by
jib71
For someone who just doesn't see why tempura should be or could be a gourmet affair, I think a reasonable lunch set is a great introduction to the cuisine without any risk of feeling fleeced.
But proper tempura at a fine restaurant
is a gourmet affair. I think the reason Tempura is so often misunderstood is that people might not have experienced it the way it is meant to be enjoyed.
At the best restaurants tempura is made from the finest ingredients available, and is served one piece at a time by the chef with the same level of care one would experience at a fine sushi restaurant. It is most enjoyable when paired with the right wines and/or nihonshu.
I highly doubt the OP will risk feeling fleeced.
Originally Posted by
blueline7
Confounded! I am very willing, and do in fact, spend big money on major dinners, if I feel the value is there, such as an expensive steak or expensive lobster/seafood....But for relatively cheap ingredients and simple foods, even when done by an artist, I personally struggle to justify it. That being said, PLEASE convince me to go and try these places,; I desperately want to try them.... :)
Blueline7, it seems like you already know what you are looking for. My advice would be to not overthink it or try to justify spending money for good food. Just go and enjoy, you won't regret it.