Hidden in yet another unassuming strip mall is a hidden gem of a restaurant. Serving "Classic Japanese Cuisine" - Kaiseki style - the 7 course meal at Kaygetsu is built from familiar dishes with twists so classic they're new again. Onmono (sole on tiny table grill served with grated daikon, japanese greens, and a quail egg) and Sashimi (with a lace of shiso) boast flavors more subtle and refined than your average sushi joint.

The last dish is my favorite, a dessert like they serve them in Asia, light and not overly sweet but with a combo of flavors popping unexpectedly on the tongue. From the top down... a parfait of strawberries over green tea ice cream > above a divider of thinly bias sliced banana > topping a square of perfectly smooth sesame tofu > on a bed of tiny sweet cornflakes with a hint of molasses sauce. I'm a sucker for miniaturization (probably a remnant of too much Master of Orion) and here the presentation is satisfyingly dainty without getting precious. Although the Petaluma chicken Yakimono falls a little short of breathtaking, every ingredient is fresh to a fault and overall I feel the $98 dollars, though pricey, is well spent.