If you do, you have got to try this place if you live in the DC metro area or are visiting our capital.

Makoto is located on McArthur Blvd. It's about 10 minutes north of Georgetown. If there is any interest, I'll post the phone number.

This is not your ordinary Japanese restaurant.

The entrance is very discreet, and if you are unfamiliar to the area it can be easily missed. A door way leads you down a few steps into a very small rock garden/foyer. Here you take off your shoes and slip on the provided slippers. A curtain separates the foyer and the main dining area. In the main dining area, there are 8 small tables for 2 that can be arranged according to the expected guests. There is a sushi bar on the left with about seating for 8-10 people. The dining area is no bigger than 8' x 20'. Yes it is that small.

Behind the sushi bar is where all the cooking/artistry is done. The sushi/sashimi as well as all the cooked food are prepared in plain sight for everyone to see. The chef and 2 of his assistants hardly say a word to each other, but each dish is prepared w/o missing a beat.

The menu is very different as well. Aside from the separate sushi/sashimi menu (slip of paper) the menu only lists about 10 or so items w/ 2-3 variations (choice of meat/chicken/fish) on some of the dishes. The highlighted item is the "dinner course". This includes anywhere from 7-9 "courses" that are selected by the chef for that evening. The list varies from night to night. Each course is small, but incredibly delicious and beautiful. The fun thing about this dining experience is that you don't know what you are getting next, so it take a very adventurous appetite...but boy will you be rewarded.

My wife and I had dinner here last night to celebrate her birthday (I won't disclose the number). We have been to Makoto several times and have loved it every time. Some of the dishes last night included: Japanese snails, fish cake in wasabi based broth, grilled scallops, shrimp and mushrooms, fatty tuna, giant clam sushi and sashimi, grilled yellowtail and a cut of beef that was so tender!, soba in a seaweed broth and a few others all accompanied by hot sake served in a carafe made out of bamboo.

This is a truly unique dining experience.

Just had to pass it along.

 

Are they open for lunch...oh yeah...and what are the prices like?

 

The dinner takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so I would suspect they have something a little bit different and quicker for lunch.

The "dinner course" is $45/person. Not cheap, but very well worth it...

 

Thanks...sounds great.....

 

I recently met a girl who is a sushi newbie, but enjoys it. This is a perfect opportunity to invite her to DC (she's in Richmond).

 

Uhhhh, whats with the sig. Those your sisters?

 

Been going to the place in the Kentlands....can't recall the name now, but its next to Seattle's Best.....plus the Sushi Chalet on Muddy Branch is excellent -- or if you're into Indian cuisine as I am, try India Bistro on Muddy Branch (I'm a regular there....food is excellent!)

 

Had an Audi ski trip to Snowshoe last month and the picture was taken at a local watering hole. Not my sisters, but I'm almost positive that they are kin somewhere on the family tree.

 

They opened a Nobu here in Miami, and frankly, I was disappointed. Your place sounds great!

 

A day in advance should be good enough for a week night...give 2-3 days for a weekend night.

I know of the place your talking about. I've never eaten there, but my wife has. We don't like going there because my wife knows the owner's wife and they don't get along.

Greg - another place to try in our area is called "Yuraku" located in the shopping center that has Giant on the corner of Middlebrook and 355. This is the best place in terms of quality and surprisingly value as well in the Germantown area. that is of course MHO.