text: More like 3.75 stars...rounded up because it is an experience.\n\nWhen we ate at Restaurant Charlie in May, 2008 a few months after they opened...the host told us about the Kaiseki style menu they offered next to the restaurant. We were really excited. I took my husband here for his birthday in September, 2009. We ordered the 14 courses at $250 each.\n\nThe dinner took FOUR...yes....FOUR friggin HOURS sitting on a bar stool...comfy at first hour but our backs started to ache!! I wish they offered Aeron chairs and a back massage to go with dinner. Better yet Japanese Massage Chairs to use in between courses!! Put that in the suggestion box. The timing was totally unexpected...I almost dozed off!! Seriously!! I had to leave the restaurant and walk around to stretch my legs and wake up. I don't drink much, so the beer probably made me sleepy too. We got there at 6:30 PM; first ones in the restaurant...later came a couple who didn't stay...came another couple and a group of 5 or 6. Overall, the place was 1/3 full. They ALL finished before we did!! Our dinner didn't end until 10:30PM...we were the last ones there...they close at 11pm. To Chef Hiro's and Assistant Chef Matt's credit, they apologized and gave us some desserts in a tiny box ...but the wait between some of the dishes were 15 min-30min. Towards the end it just streched out; I wanted to leave...it was not fun anymore. I was tired and uncomfortable on the bar stool.\n\nThe fun factor is watching them prep the dishes. You get about 2 bites to finish each dish. The sauces are really good (you'll want to lick the plate) but they tend to take center stage over the seafood and meats. Quite honestly, I like all the small bits around the plate better than the protein itself most of the time. Though I didn't love everything (the sardine, salmon ice cream)...they get props for being fun and inventive. My favorite was the snapper; the watermelon rind (small bits); the cute micro cucumber; avocado ice cream and spicy chocolate. Also, I can't stand foam on my food; really no point in it (foam belongs in a  cappuccino). I do like the chefs...they are friendly. Also, interesting thing...I noticed the missing teeth between the two Chefs. I wondered whether they had a pact or something or if they got into a bar fight a couple weeks before (no bruises).  It's was strangely endearing. The two obviously respect each other.\n\nThis is non-traditional kaiseki...I did like the twist..but realize I much prefer traditional kaiseki...and at this price point (our total was a little over $600 for two); the timing should be perfect and every morsel should have me wanting more (well, at least the sauces and itty bitty bits around the plate did). There are better places you can dine in at this price point.\n\nTry it here if you don't mind a 4-hour 14 course dinner. It's an experience of watching the pros do their thing in an intimate setting. The chefs are approachable and casual. I'd suggest you bring a heating pad and some biofreeze for your back. Not fun eating in discomfort.  =(