GO TO MODAN FOR THE FOOD!!! I'm seriously still in awe from the omakase dinner from last night. I go to Japan at least twice a year for work, and until Modan last night, I would not have thought I could find Japanese cuisine THAT good outside of Japan. Honestly, I have been to various Nobu and Morimoto restaurants across the U.S., but Modan's food is simply much more gratifying and... MEMORABLE. Don't get me wrong, every time I've gone to a Nobu or a Morimoto, the food has been great, but I also feel like it's food that I can readily find in Japan... for A LOT LESS MONEY! It's like "wow, I just paid a lot of money for pretty good Japanese... I guess that's just what I should expect outside of Japan." But last night, I left Modan feeling like I've never had Japanese food THAT good... and, no dollar amount could buy you Japanese cuisine as good as Modan's anywhere else. It's just THAT good. Now admittedly when it comes to Japanese food, I'm a little hard to please or satisfy; reason being is that I love the simplicity of Japanese food where all the umami really comes from using the highest quality ingredients in a balanced flavor combination. The big problem for me is that most 'modern' Japanese restaurants use complex recipes with sauces, spices and other ingredient combinations that have very strong and distinct flavor profiles, so you end up losing all the 'classic' Japanese umami from the best raw ingredients. Ultimately, I settle for the classic Japanese sushi/sashimi places that tend not to be as chic or fun and exciting in the atmosphere and setting. Well, Modan has truly broken the mold! I would describe it as "Unapologetically Classic Japanese Cuisine, presented for a Chic and Modern Setting." Incidentally, the picture of the restaurant name above the miniature zen garden attached to this review perfectly conveys what I'm trying to say. And, as for the people who have been critical about the service and setting, I can only say this: Modan was packed last night for only it's second Tuesday of being open, yet, the General Manager, Sean, the Executive Director, Joon, the Director of Hospitality, Darryle, the Executive Chef (and absolutely amazing Creative Genius) Chico, and the Bar Manager (and Sake Savant), Corey, each individually introduced themselves (no, I wasn't special, I saw each of them making their rounds among all the guests), and extended a personal offer to contribute to my dining experience. Truly First Class.... So I say, "GO TO MODAN FIRST AND FOREMOST FOR THE EXQUISITE JAPANESE FOOD... and stay to enjoy the authentic Japanese hospitality in a modernly chic ambiance." read more