Masa: Upscale Sushi Restaurant in New York City

When world-renowned chef Masa Takayama was enticed to pack his bags and leave Los Angeles to open his eponymous restaurant at the Time Warner Center two years ago, even hardcore New York City foodies did a double-take upon hearing of his new concept. Masa does not have a menu. Instead, they only offer a $350 (not including tax, tip and drinks) prix-fixe omakase lunch or dinner, with the courses changing daily and carefully selected by the master chef depending on ingredients' availability or whichever food items were in season.

Curious like everyone else, it took the occasion of my brother's visit to finally spur me to splurge on a trip to Masa.  Yes, Masa's outrageous price begs the question, "Can any meal be worth that much?". Luckily, I was able to snag a reservation at the 10-seat counter (recommended for enjoying the experience rather than the dimly lit tables on the side) to find out if Masa has the game to back up his audacity. 

The place has a spare, lightly furnished feel to it. The brown walls were somber, and didn't detract any attention from the star attraction: Masa and two of his acolytes who were center stage, with all the sushi and other ingredients ready at hand. Our front row seats gave us a great view of the performance (which is what it really is): how the sushi was sliced into thin strips, how the sauces and garnishings were carefully put in place, and even how real wasabi was ground up (most restaurants use the fake stuff - the taste is incomparable).