Roppongi

I found this place by their ad in the back of Gourmet Magazine where it's
lure was a photo of an impressive appetizer called "The Crab Stack". It was
a smart ad, cause I couldn't wait to go. By the end of our first visit we
knew that Roppongi's pervading sensuality had cast it's spell on us. The
food was artful with daring flavors. We even started planning vacations
around going to this place. It's faintly lit dining room was the perfect
backdrop for us to tuck intimately into a booth. The decor had a simple
intrigue, including a salt water aquarium built into the wall which doubled
as extra mood lighting. We've sat in the booth in front of it several times
and thought it to be the best seat in the house until our last visit when we
realized the love seat in front of the chiseled marble fireplace would be the
ultimate. Their Asian-Fusion cuisine, flirts with Japanese, Chinese,
Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Indian flavors. The Polynesian Dungeness
Crab Stack, layered with mango, pea shoots, cucumber, tomato, avocado,
peanuts and a sweet, yet spicy, vinaigrette lived up to our expectations,
leaving me with a sense of urgency to return here again. The Seared Ahi &
Crab Napoleon had the same effect, but we were undecided as to which
complimented it better the Spicy Wasabi Mustard or the Seven Spice
Sauce? Add a bowl of Fresh Tomato Soup with Cilantro Pesto & Feta
Cheese and one could hardly need more. There were so many Tapas to
choose from, all sounded equally tantalizing. We've dined upon such
excellent selections as Baked Flatbread with Warmed Curry Hummus Dip,
generously filled Crispy Shrimp Wontons with Hot Mustard Sauce, buttery
Chinese Potstickers with Shrimp, Scallops and Tobiko Caviar Sauce, Jumbo
Lump Crab Cakes with Asian Greens & Sichimi Butter, an uncomplicated
Hibachi Grilled Asparagus with Seven Spice Hollandaise and Chicken Sate
with Curry Peanut Sauce & Potato Shoestring Stack. Doesn't it all sound
wonderful? With a variety of 20 or more tapas to choose from, offering
smaller portions, it's been hard to commit to an entree, but the Grilled Fillet
Mignon with Leek, Red Pepper Jus and Seven Spice Hollandaise with
Buttermilk Potatoes was convincing, ultimately though the Shredded Beef
Short Ribs with Creamy Potatoes and Horseradish Demi Glaze turned out to
be a homey selection that was quite memorable. When all is said and done
you can send yourself over the edge with their spectacular Messy Sundae
ridiculously overflowing with hot fudge, caramel and gobs of toasted
walnuts. The cost for an awe inspiring experience such as this is a bit
costly, but warranted and makes any journey worthwhile.

If you're interested in cutting costs come during their Happy Hour with half
price tapas.

Located at 875 Prospect in La Jolla.

Telephone (858) 551-5252

Other locations: Palm Springs at the Spa Resort & Casino