Grouchy Chef

What a unique experience! I was apprehensive of the experience but quite impressed and very satisfied with my visits We were greeted at the door by Chef Masumoto and asked for IDs and COVID cards. He then asked for us to wash our hands before seating us. Gentleman were expected to pull out the chairs for the ladies. He gave us a few minutes with the menu and then took our orders. The restaurant is a cash only establishment and you pay before the meal is served so as to keep Chef's attention on food timing. Our table ordered a bottle of Champagne and our meals. The food was phenomenal, service to clear plates and good timing following was impeccable and conversation with the Chef was inspiring. The Chef is passionate about his food and restaurant, has worked hard for his reputation for fine dining and has put in the time to have his restaurant the way he chooses. Respect the art and the craft and enjoy your four course meal the Chef Masumoto way!

undoubtedly unique. from a Japanese chef cooking French cuisine in America, yet the actual experience was neither American nor Japanese nor French. the food itself, i've had better, but when you think about the whole package, i believe this place is worth going to as a hidden gem.

Grouchy and delicious. The food was amazing and the experience was very unique. I wish he wasn't retiring.

In an age where authenticity is hard to find, Chef Matsumoto is a true gem. Apart from his masterful display of culinary skills, what I appreciate the most about him is unapologetic attitude. His motto is "what you see and what you get" and he lives by it and I love it. The dinner experience he provides is exceptional and is one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The quality is top notch and the prices are more than reasonable. He is retiring soon though -- he will be dearly missed! There is none like him!

It is always a fun place to go. The food is excellent. The location is a bit different. Great experience to share with close friends. We'll work going.

Grouchy Chef is a unique dining experience. This may not be for everyone as you have seen in other reviews, but the food is outstanding.It is in an odd location, kind of in an industrial park that looks dark at night. There are some great reviews that cover the rules--but one very important one is to show up on time. The chef actually met us in parking lot and gave us the first instructions (about wearing mask and going to table).If you are wondering about the restaurant name, I found out when I sat down and tried to get photo of the place setting--I was yelled at that we should ask permission before any photos--and we did not have it (I was too scared to ask about this later for food photos--in general presentation is fine, but not nothing special). Also, be prepared to pay before the meal and bring cash (it is nice if you can bring exact change, but he has change which he mentioned he had sanitized). The cost is very reasonable and he does not accept tips (although there is a jar you can leave them in that goes to charity). What is amazing is that the chef seems to do everything himself--he cooks food, brings in out, and then buses it. Because of COVID it was not super crowded, so maybe he has help if is busier.The menu offers limited choices--but again, amazing that there are as many choices as there are with just Chef Masumoto. It is a four course meal that started with smoked cream of green pepper soup. I had not tried it before--but very good. Next was a mixed salad plate. This was put together very well, with some nice fruit and cheese.For the main course, I had the steak dish. It was outstanding, with a nice sauce. Everybody liked their meals--they were cooked with great care and remarkably at the perfect temperature.I also loved the dessert--it was a taste of a few different items, each delicious.We had a very good time and had a good meal. Following the rules might not be for everyone, but the food is top-notch.

Terrible food and even worse service. I found a fly in my soup and the manager said I was lying and kicked me out. The ambiance is like being on a goat barn, place is just horrible.

Probably the worst dining experience in my lifetime. If you really don't like someone send them there. The final straw was when he said $20 charge for lipstick on napkins

Finally we made it here after hearing much about this unique dining destination. The only regret is that we did not visit years earlier and missed out much....Yes, there are the owner chef's rules to agree to and abide by. Is it hard? NO. Is it worth following the required etiquette for the meal? YES. The clearly stated price of admission in agreeing to the expected behaviors while dining here is a wholesome part of the experience, of a golden time long past.Small restaurant, reservations only at specific time slots, call until you reach Chef Masumoto to confirm your date/time. The small number of seating and time slots allow the Chef to service the whole meal by himself. I have to admit there was an air of nervousness around the table during our meal :) Remember this is a CASH ONLY restaurant and the nearest ATM is a drive away. Ranges from $20-80/head depending on your entree and alcohol choice. For the 3 of us, most expensive entrees, bottle of red wine, it came to Less than $180. A couple beside chose a champagne and it was closer to $190 for the 2 of them.The food was FABULOUS. We ordered a Pinot Noir (tasty) and were reminded not to clink the real crystal glasses. Not a large selection of alcohol but more than adequate, especially if the one we had was indicative of the quality. Reasonable pricing too!The starter was a pumpkin soup elegantly served in fine China. The appetizer was a mixed plate. Some Brie on toast, some saltine crackers with another cheese, greens with truffle oil (delish!), rich with capers, pickled root vegetable, sliced cucumbers, skinned cherry tomatoes, and some sliced fruits with a tasty gelatin accompaniment.The main we chose was the chateaubriand. Perfectly cooked to a medium rare, the sauce went so well with the juicy steak. We chose garlic potato mash and a pasta as the sides. We could not not finish everything! It was so good...Dessert was another pretty arrangement of sherbet, rich chocolate ice cream, chocolate mousse, on layers of thin cake (I think). Great way to conclude the meal.Note that payment is made up front after ordering the food and drinks. Free to leave once dessert is done. Pictures of the food are ok. No pictures of anything else. Coming here is a test of respect and discipline. And the reward is absolutely worth it!The restaurant is closing for good in August apparently. Not much time left for this unique experience!

I cannot rave enough about the quality and flavors of each dish here! The soup du jour, the salad and accouterments, the entree and dessert- every single bit was perfectly seasoned/dressed, cooked and plated. I am wildly impressed by Chef Masumoto's talent. His establishment is a one-man show- he's your chef, server, busser and so forth. He is firm in his expectations (read the rules notes in some of the posted pictures) but really is a kind, hard -working individual (about 12yrs or so ago I was here and found my car battery had died when it was time to leave. Chef Masumoto came to check on me and handed me a couple of drinks while I waited for my husband to bring me a battery). I do wish he would allow tipping as he is underselling himself. His prices are beyond fair (a 4 course meal for two was ~$74).I hope to be back soon but also hope he finds a buyer for the business as he deserves to retire and enjoy whatever he desires in retirement.