Maison Riz—Restaurant Review and the 6th Anniversary

Last week was our 6th Wedding Anniversary (yeah, 6 years already!) and we went to Maison Riz for dinner to celebrate.  Maison Riz is a French & Japanese-fusion restaurant.  It was our first time trying this restaurant and we were happy that we did.  The food was amazing and services was great.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t as good as we would like so we missed the beautiful view from the restaurant.  The lighting was quite dim inside the restaurant.  Therefore, please excuse the poor quality of the pictures. 



We started our evening with some drinks.  I got this Lychee Maitai and it was delicious.  However, I couldn’t really taste the lychee flavor.  But it’s certainly a good Maitai.

Lychee Maitai
Cruzan Rum, Soho Lychee Liqueur, Triple Sec, Orange Juice,
Pineapple Juice, Myer’s Dark Rum Float


My hubby had this dry Sake, I didn’t try it so couldn’t tell you how it tasted.
Sake by the Glass
Kome Kome Kamoizumi


We ordered from the Tasting Menus, the Experience (5 courses) and the Voyage (6 courses, seafood only).  You can check out their menu here if you’re interested to see what else they offer.  We both started with the creamy sweet corn soup.  It was creamy, sweet and delicious as it claims.  The only negative was the portion.  It was a bit too small.  I know, tasting menu items are usually smaller.  But come ‘on, my 1 year old daughter finished most of the soup except the toast on top.  I bet she could drink 10 of these easily without blinking her eyes.

Creamy Sweet Corn Soup (don’t see this on the Menu)


Up next was the Dungeness Crab Salad for the Experience Menu.  The crab was fresh, juicy, sweet and flavorful.  The vinaigrette was refreshing and citrusy.  I love this salad.

DUNGENESS CRAB SALAD
Jumbo Lump Crab, Mixed Greens, Yuzu Vinaigrette, Julienne Kabocha Squash


With the Voyage menu, it came with the Seared Tuna Salad.  The Tuna was fresh and melt-in-your-mouth.  What a great salad to start a meal.
SASHIMI SALAD
Mixed Greens with Chef’s Selection of Sashimi (we got Tuna) served with Wasabi-Pesto Dressing


The Voyage tasting menu came with another starter, “Tokyo-Rockefeller” fried oyster.  Batter was light and crunchy.  The oyster weren’t as big as I like them to be, but they were really fresh.  The dipping sauce was creamy and flavorful.  Compliment the fried oyster really well. GEORGE & MARGO’S OYSTERS “TOKYO-ROCKEFELLER”
Parmesan, Spinach, Butter, Shallots, Panko Crust


Next up was the Baked Chilean Sea Bass.  The fish was buttery and cooked perfectly.  The rice cracker crust gave it a nice crunch in contrast of texture.  It was good, but not excellent though.  Didn’t really care for the broth.
BAKED CHILEAN SEA BASS in DASHI-SOY BROTH
Rice Cracker Crust, Shiitake-Edamame-Tofu Pillow, Dashi-Soy Broth


This Tamari Black Cod was wonderful!  Really great flavor and perfectly cooked cod.  The sauce could be a bit to the salty side for me.  I know it’s perfect for most people as I usually don’t use too much salt in my home cooking.  The Japanese Salsa stuffed in the asparagus spear was brilliant and added a nice kick to the dish.  The food was artistically plated!  I felt like I was enjoying a dish prepared by the Iron Chef!
TAMARI SOY MARINATED BLACK COD
Asparagus Spears, Sweet Japanese Salsa


The Kobe Filet Mignon came with the Experience Menu.  The beef wasn’t especially tender but it has great flavor.  Love the sauce and the tuber chips.  The Pomme Puree was so flavorful, so creamy and silky!  It’s the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever tasted.  Can you see the steak was cut into a heart shape?  It’s lovely.

3 oz KOBE FILET MIGNON
Pomme Puree, Baby Vegetables, Tuber Chips, Port Wine-Veal Reduction Sauce


The Umami Bouillabaisse with Risotto came with the Voyage tasting menu.  We were surprised of the generous portion of the half lobster.  However, the clams and so-called Tiger Prawns were rather tiny though.  Risotto was flavorful but it was a bit too el dente/under cook. 



UMAMI BOUILLABAISSE
Half Lobster, Bay Scallop, Mussels, Clams, Squid, & White Tiger Prawns served with Risotto


Last but not least, we both got the same dessert trio at the end.  The Apple Crisps was filled with Fuji apples.  The crust was really crispy and the sweet and juicy apple came with a bit of cinnamon.  They were delicious.  The Green Tea Tiramisu was to die for.  It was so good that I had to ask for the recipe.  Unfortunately, I was told they would consider giving it to me if we go back another time (aka, NO, you wish!)  Oh well, I know they usually don’t give out recipes, but no harm to ask, I guess.  Last thing on the plate was the Orange Jewel Wedges.  It’s refreshing and unique.  Very yummy as well.  Oh well, too bad I didn’t get the recipes otherwise I would have share that with you after making them at home. 
 
From let to right:
Asian Apple Crisps, Green Tea Tiramisu, Orange Jewel Wedges




Overall, it was a wonderful and delicious dinner.  We got a complimentary mixed fruit deco in a vase filled with ice and colorful lighting for our Anniversary.  It was a pleasant surprise, much better than the traditional piece of cake or ice cream over a plate with hand written chocolate syrup.  At least, my daughter enjoyed the berries a lot.  Thank you for my mother-in-law for baby-sitting my son so we had a somewhat quiet and peaceful dinner.  Happy Anniversary again, Honey!   

Almost forgot I have this amazing video from inside of the restaurant!  Please enjoy!





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