The confusion started outside with a large sign posted boasting ""Valet Parking for Feng Restaurant Customers Only."" I thought I was being generous by giving the valet a $5. He said the charge was $8. I said ""it didn't say so on the sign."" Okay, okay; we paid. Asylum Street's not a good place to park a big car. Seating was prompt, but they sat us in the bar (okay for just 2) saying that the dining room was for reservations. There were only two parties in the dining room; 4 when we left. Silly. Service was embarassingly fussy - not a bad thing. The sushi was fantastic and very creative. The Kobi beef by the ounce, to be grilled by the diner on a heated soapstone dish, was a wonderful idea. But it wasn't Kobi beef, in my humble opinion. The fusion of Nouveau American and Pan-Asian cuisine was innovative and full of surprises. Not one dish was lacking in interest. Bits of mesclun greens underneath some tempura, however, were ever-so-slightly gritty, making me wonder about cleanliness. Wine list is fabulous but pricey. Drinks are Hartford-chic and overpriced, but large. The bartender looked at me funny when the waiter brought an order for a plain, old (middle-brand) martini, as if she regretted being able to make some fruity concoction. The bill came and I braced myself. Yep. We'd spent $285 on dinner for 2. Outside, our car was parked *on the street.* They got a letter from us about that. What if a passer-by had smashed into it? If I pay for parking I expect a secure lot. Next time I want food like this, I'll spend $500 and $35 for parking and go to Nobu in NYC. At least they have *real* Kobi beef.
Pros: Amazingly creative cuisine in a soothing atmosphere.
Cons: Costly.
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