komi and minibar- do they live up to the hype?

[Anonymous]

wanting to treat my sister to a fab meal when she is in town. I keep hearing about these two restaurants and noticed their listing in washingtonian as well. what do you think?

[Anonymous]

Minibar no.

Komi yes.

[Anonymous]

haven't been to minibar. but another Komi, yes.

[Anonymous]

Have been to Komi twice. The first time (back in 2002), I loved it. The second time (in 2011), I was disappointed. At I think nearly $400 for the two of us, it didn't knock my socks off.

Rasika, by contrast, did.

[Anonymous]

Just went to Komi. I am not a great food critic so I can't tell you how it scored. DH is big on gourmet food and he loved it. What I loved about it was the service. The server discusses your allergies/preferences and they adjust the servings around that. And then the courses come out without you thinking much about it. Things appear promptly, get cleared efficiently, water gets refilled - all effortlessly, allowing you to just enjoy the people you are with. And right before we left, the servers had put our coats on hooks by the door so we only had to pick them up on the way out. Exceedingly comfortable and stress free evening!

[Anonymous]

Minibar - if she is open minded and likes fun experiments, yes. The focus will be more on food rather than the conversation between you two. Good as a one time experience, but not necessary to go there again.

Komi - love it!!!

In either case, make reservations ASAP. I wish I were your sister.

[Anonymous]

Just went to Komi last week. As a PP said the service was perfect. The food was somewhat more mixed. Sometimes it just seemed to be trying too hard to be out there (monkfish liver comes to mind). I'm glad we went to experience it but probably won't go again unless someone else is paying.

[Anonymous]

I've never been to Komi, but I LOVED Minibar. This was over 5 years ago, though (pre-kids).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just went to Komi last week. As a PP said the service was perfect. The food was somewhat more mixed. Sometimes it just seemed to be trying too hard to be out there (monkfish liver comes to mind). I'm glad we went to experience it but probably won't go again unless someone else is paying.

Monkfish liver is not a "weird food". It's the fois gras of the sea. Many upscale places serve it these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just went to Komi last week. As a PP said the service was perfect. The food was somewhat more mixed. Sometimes it just seemed to be trying too hard to be out there (monkfish liver comes to mind). I'm glad we went to experience it but probably won't go again unless someone else is paying.

Monkfish liver is not a "weird food". It's the fois gras of the sea. Many upscale places serve it these days.

I didn't say it was weird so not sure what you are quoting. I just didn't think it was very good. And I like foie gras (which came in a later course) and chicken liver so I have no problem eating liver. Just because upscale places serve it doesn't make it taste good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just went to Komi last week. As a PP said the service was perfect. The food was somewhat more mixed. Sometimes it just seemed to be trying too hard to be out there (monkfish liver comes to mind). I'm glad we went to experience it but probably won't go again unless someone else is paying.

Monkfish liver is not a "weird food". It's the fois gras of the sea. Many upscale places serve it these days.

Oh wow. I hope there is sarcasm involved in using "the fois gras of the sea". Otherwise, I would estimate a DBI of 75%.

[Anonymous]

Hated Komi. I did not think the place, food or service was worth the price tag. Some of the food was amazing but not all of it and i really did not like spending almost 4 hours eating a bite every 25 minutes no matter how good it was.
Have not been to Minibar.
Another vote for Rasika. Been there twice and both times were great.