MAZ Tokyo

We visited MAZ Tokyo last night. Nice ambience. Food very creative especially the settings and tasty of cos. I would say the chefs hv spent lots of ideas on the presentation. I would prefer a little bit more of Hot dishes In the menu. And we were thrilled in tasting the first few dishes. After the third one, the taste bud started to feel a bit boring as the taste didn’t differ lots w almost the same thick gravy. Overall, a great experience.

I have visited Tokyo many times and dined at numerous Michelin starred restaurants. Most of these were unashamed French or French-Japanese "fusion". Probably one in ten of these has been a bad experience. In retrospect, alarm bells should have been ringing when i made a reservation at "Peruvian" MAZ. (I was asked at the restaurant "why I came if I didn't like Peruvian food" to which I replied "I like any food that is excellent") I admit that the fact that the big brother in Peru is number one in the world influenced my decision to book. I was a sole diner six weeks ago and the only option was an 8:30PM reservation. I arrived on time ( I recommend a reconnaissance visit first to locate as it is in an awful location on third level of a hotel building mall). I entered the secret code on the door pad ( how welcoming is that?) and entered. I was greeted by a man whose body language oozed that he was keen to finish his shift and go home. As it was late for me , I was keen to dine but the characterless man halted me at a table of Peruvian artifacts including rocks and grains. H then tediously (for both of us) explained all about Peruvian foods and cooking techniques. On fact checking his claim that fruits are naturally "freeze dried" if stored at high altitude in Peru it was clear that the statement was false. (Foods just freeze more quickly) It was now obvious that this place is all about "the experience" but I just wanted excellent food. I was seated and then received another mini lecture. Much time was spent discussing wine options with my female server. I asked re the pour volumes in the matching wine option and they were very small...I think I remember he say that she was happy to "top the glass up" (I may be wrong) but I was skeptical and ordered by the glass instead. Wine was medium level Argentinian. The atmosphere in the room was austere and not welcoming. Staff were going through the motions and didnt really care. I found a male server's behaviour very unprofessional as he held discussions with chefs directly in front of me. This place lacks the Japanese dining culture that I love. Now to the food. The first dishes were very good and innovative. The "experience" involved almost unintelligible descriptions and a special piece of paper being placed on the table before each dish. I have no idea what this was all about, but it must be important as I was given numerous squares of paper when I left as a memento. I have dutifully placed them in recycle bin. The next few dishes lacked taste as they were rich in citric acid. I complained to the male server ( and I think manager). His response was to ask " why did I come to a Peruvian restaurant if I didn't like Peruvian food" and that " I was insulting his chefs" I fail to equate offering a criticism with an insult. This man was showing signs of tiredness at the end of a long night. As I wrote before, I said I enjoy any good food regardless of nationality. I offered to leave at this stage but he said I would be charged full price in any case, so I persisted. Further dishes were unremarkable. In retrospect I wish I had followed my instincts. This is another example of The Emperor having no clothes. I have a feeling MAZ Tokyo days are numbered.