Monica S.
Yelp
While the food is good and our host chose this place because they take reservations, there were several barriers that keep me from awarding at least 4 stars. First of all, the reservations made by our host was for 7:30p. Our guests of honor were running behind by 15 minutes so all of the guests were waiting which wasn't a big deal but our server came by and circled their 90 minute rule on the menu for all the guests to see (you only get 90 minutes and then they kick you out) which immediately set me on edge. As of 7:30p, we were all on the clock! Secondly, to accommodate our party of 7, we were sat at a small table for allegedly 4 and then a second small table was added with a mobile burner run by a butane can. Seating was cramped and table space was minimal. Additionally, there was no hood above us to promote air circulation. After dinner, our clothes and jackets wreaked of hot pot. Be careful of how you dress to this restaurant. Because this was our first time at the restaurant, ordering was confusing and our server didn't bother to ask if this was our first time and and offer tips on how to order with our table split. When our burner arrived, it was a bit sluggish to boil. With our clock ticking, there we were watching for the pot to boil. If I hadn't kept my eye on the burner by getting up several times and looking at the flames, I would have been waiting a LONG time for it to boil. Our can of butane was empty. Our table had to wait AGAIN for a new can of butane and for the broths (Tom Yum and Black Garlic Oil) to boil which was somewhat bland. Once our hot pot was in order which was around 8:30p, all I could think of was we only get 1/2 hour to eat and then we're going to get kicked out. When the food was set out on the table, we couldn't tell who ordered it. Was it ours? Was it theirs? Apparently, the restaurant has two set sauces: ponzu and peanut/sesame, but because I was at the annexed table, it was difficult to see. During dinner, the place was quite loud so you couldn't hear anyone at our table talking. Frankly, I was frustrated by my dining experience.