I first became familiar with the concept of a kaiseki dinner with our Ohio relatives in this famous Los Angeles restaurant. At her two Michelin-starred kaiseki temple in Palms, Chef Niki Nakayama serves an astounding 13-course tasting menu with an accepted progression of textures, temperatures, techniques, and ingredients, where each impeccably composed dish—seriously many of them could hang in a museum—must stand on its own but also play seamlessly with its counterparts. The "Chef's Table" star uses primarily California-sourced ingredients on her menus, and flavors are as refreshing, clean, and subtle as the environment you're sitting in. A vegetarian option is offered, as are wine or sake pairings. With a hefty price tag and months-long waitlist, this likely won't be an every visit kind of meal. It's more a "land a reservation, then buy plane tickets"
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