Must've been a typo. The June 2020 date has been floating around for a while, which led me to book a res there for later this year. Very excited to finally try it out before it's gone!

Has anyone ever been to Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong? *** Italian restaurant in Asia is very intriguing and makes me want to check it out.

Going to Japan next month. Previous trip was M* heavy, this time I just have Ishikawa booked in Tokyo, but wondered if anyone had any advice on what would be worth booking in Osaka? Looking for something different not just good food. I.e not Kaiseki or Western.

Check out Taian. Small place run by husband and wife team, they specialize in grilled foods. You pick your protein that's cooked on a charcoal grill in front of you, along with a bunch of small side dishes served in courses. We enjoyed it a lot, and it was a nice change from all the kaiseki meals on that trip! It had 2 or 3 M* a few years ago when I went, not sure if it still holds stars, but worth a visit I think!

Thanks I'll check it out. 2016 3* perhaps a bit kaiseki, Are there different ordering mechanisms?

IIRC there's only 1 omakase menu, and the only variation was the main protein you choose. All the side dishes were the same. Some of the side dishes were a bit kaiseki, but I felt overall the meal was a lot more protein heavy and richer in sauces/fats than your typical kaiseki.

Amex are now on the case. Let's see if there is space or what options they need :)

I've eaten at both of the 1 star yakitori spots in Tokyo (one is Birdland - struggling to remember the name of the other). I think Tori Shin is just as good as either; we eat there quite often.

Le Bernardin is IMO the most consistent 3* in NYC. It always delivers an exceptional experience. I've had several meals at EMP; twice I've had among the best meals of my life and other times it was good but more of a 1* experience.

Chef's Table @ Brooklyn Fare is better than Le Bernardin, but YMMV. It's still very good but I feel like Chef Ramirez is more creative.

Anyone have thoughts on spots in Hong Kong? Right now, we have Tin Lung Heen (2 stars) lined up for one dim sum meal, and Lung King Heen (3 stars) for a dinner. We are contemplating Duddell's (1 star) for a lunch, but also checking into The Chairman (seems like a former 1-star currently, but on World's Best 50 last year at #22 ) for dinner as an alternative, as we want to keep at least one meal lined up for something more casual.

Agreed on Chef's Table. ;)

For HK, Would skip Duddell's. Been a few times for the ambiance, but it was very bad when I was there last time that I refuse to go back. Food ranged from ok to not so good, but the worst part was the service. Horribly inattentive. They also sat us right in the middle of the patio doors which was like a wind-tunnel; we kindly asked if we could move to an empty table which they refused (it remained empty the entire time we were there).

Lung King Heen seems to get mixed reviews but I think it's mostly from having such lofty standards of it; I personally love it and think everything on the menu is thoroughly delicious. 3*? Eh, probably not. But the service when I've been is outstanding, especially my favorite sommelier ever there-- Bernard. Tin Lung Heen is also very good but found the service not as good as LKH; I've only been there a few times though so YMMV because it seems to get stellar reviews. Another favorite of mine is Mott 32, consistently good food and feels less touristy now that "hype" around it has settled down (in a good way). Last time we went we actually preferred the food here to LKH and Yan Toh Heen.

Chairman is very good. Definitely a very hot place right now. I prefer my cantonese food to be indulgent so it's not my absolute favorite, but it is a really good option and definitely better than Duddell's if that's the alternative. :)

Mezza Luna (2*) in Bangkok last night. Was not expecting too much (Bangkok Michelin can be hit and miss) but found the food excellent. On the 65th floor the views are fabulous too (but they really really should clean the windows). Ingredients were very good (mostly Japanese) and beautifully presented. I would concur with Michelin's 2* rating.

A word of caution: drinks were ridiculous - $US70 for a glass of Champagne (PJ) or US$32 for a G&T is just laughable. Even a Diet Coke would set you back US$13. That's the level of price-gouging that will not make me return.