Grouchy Chef
| Address: | 4433 Russell Rd #113, Mukilteo, WA 98275, USA |
| Phone: | +1 425-493-9754 |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 4–9PM 4–9PM 4–9PM 4–9PM 4–9PM 4–9PM 4–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
BR
Bright Park
The Grouchy Chef was the most unique dining experience I have ever had. The food, ambience, and service really make this restaurant like no other. I walked out of here with a lot of respect for the chef because he puts so much pride and discipline into his work. The grouchy chef serves high end food at reasonable prices. We got two 4 course meals and two drinks for $54 (he does not accept tips). All courses were delicious and unconventional. I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 dishes. The ambience of the place strikes a balance between, nice, tacky, and charming. Its all underlined by the grouchy chefs stern attitude leaving one to wonder, "why is this guy this way?" This question is partially answered by pictures and proclamations on the wall which include explanations for his dedication to fund raising for cancer research (cancer took his sister), his criticism of the Japanese government, and various other unfiltered, authentic commentary that you wouldnt normally see at a restaurant. The highlight of the service is the unintentional entertainment from watching the chef impose his will on customers by sternly communicating what he considers to be proper restaurant manners. In fact, he publishes rules (in broken english) that one should know before eating there. This is far from how I normally like to eat, but on a special occasion its fun to see this man in action. He is literally a one man show, working the entire restaurant by himself. That said, my food came out promptly, hot, and I didnt have to wait around for my bill because you pay cash right when you order (which I prefer).
OL
Oldpqlyr
You want bubbly wait staff? You want to talk on your phone? You want to "misbehave" a little? Then go elsewhere. You are NOT welcome here. Here you will receive a 5 star meal for only 2-3 star price. Atmosphere is upscale. Nine 4-top tables (3 as 2-tops with one of those holding the huge floral display). Lead crystal goblets (no toast clinking!) on hardwood tables and matching chairs. Lighting and music is pleasant. Food is phenomenal. Of the 4 courses, you choose only the meat/starch course and your beverage. Preset is the salad (remarkable), the soup (delicious), and the desert (marvelous meal finish). Menus are printed in English, French, Japanese, and possibly Chinese, complete with an exhortation to not "shovel into your mouth" but to enjoy the multiflavored medley Chef Masumoto has prepared... for you.
WI
William Wong
Great experience. Ive been here several times and the food has always been great. Had the lamb the last time; dinner for two plus wine was only $52. Sure, there are rules, but if you make an attempt to follow them, the chef isnt grouchy at all. He is more OCD - everything has to be in its place, which is understandable since he does everything, including the dishwashing. I liked the fine dining aspect of it. I have friends who think they should be allowed to do anything they want whenever they want when going out. I merely refuse to go to this place with them and tell them to go somewhere else! They wont like being here and I wont sit through this with them.
A
A Private User
Make a reservation - same day usually works if he isnt busy. The chef is the only one running the place - no other staff members. I had the steak - it was perfectly cooked! There are a lot of rules posted on the wall, which were a bit intimidating. Made for not a very relaxing meal. But I do recommend the place as an experience you wont forget - nor the food. Make sure you read the rules and follow them. If you do that, you wll be fine. Great prices! Pay as you order, and make sure you do not leave a tip. There is a donation jar if you feel inclined.
A
A Private User
Really great and different dining experience. My wife and inlaws took me there for my birthday and I absolutely loved it! The food was excellent and the setting really lent itself to having a great conversation. Following the signs and process is half the fun of this place. I ordered the Lamb and Polenta. I would rate it in the top 5 lambs I have ever eaten. The people that dont want to follow the process and be waited on as in a traditional restaurant should proabably go to Fridays at the mall. I highly recommend this place.
JA
Jared Buckley
It is what the reviews say. It is an interesting experience. Worth doing once. The food is good and different from what you will get on a normal basis. While I was there the phone rang and went to voicemail which was audible to most of the patrons. The lady on the other end of the line was trying to place a reservation for Friday. The chef walked to the phone before the lady was done and picked it up. "Were all booked Friday! Have a good night!" And immediately hung up on her. It was awesome.
A
A Private User
One of the best and most quirky restaurants in the greater Seattle area. I love this place for its food, and its chef though definitely "grouchy." I find it adorable. Some people have had bad experiences, but its simple if you just follow the rules, youll have a great meal at an even better price. Things to note, make a reservation, bring cash, and bring your manners. Read the rules wall when you get there (sit on the bench waiting to get seated). Then, bon appetite!
A
A Private User
This food, restauraunt, experience, and man are truly a claim of epic proportions for this area. To empathize with his great passion for what he does is a fresh inspiration and should be part of your experience. A show of honor and respect for some posted manners and guidelines will be of overwhelming benefit! An experience of a lifetime! One of the very best in the great northwest!
A
A Private User
For those of you who cant follow directions, are easily offended or just plain insist in having things your way...This place is not for you...But, if you dont have an issue with following a rule, or two, or three...Your in for an absolute treat. The food is amazing...a real steal...But the price you pay for an outstanding meal at a rediculous price is respect. RESPECT THE CHEF!!!
JU
Judith Woodstrom
Looked like the Chef was getting rid of leftovers last night. Salad consisted of four fruits, five vegetables, four cheeses, two pates, and three chips. Potato cake was an unrecognizable brown anise flavored fried patty. Dessert consisted of about 12 bites of various ice creams, mousse, flan and sorbet. Not like it used to be.
A
A Private User
This place really sounds like a place I could become a loyal customer of, easily eating 1 or 2 times a week. However, the REQUIRED RESERVATION aspect has prevented me from ever eating there... This review is purely for the lack of service. Please keep some normal hours, Mukilteo really needs a restaurant like this!
CH
Charles Knauf
This place is appropriately named. The chef must have an OCD problem. The food was okay for the price, but not anywhere near the excellence that others have described. The chef has no desire to actually interact with the customers except to tell them when they are doing something that he perceives as wrong.
CA
Carol Bert
It was so much fun! Boy does he ever have a lot of energy! You can see the passion in the way he runs his restaurant and prepares the food. It was tidy and interesting to look at. The food is delicious! The prices are very low. The quality of the food is high. Thank you!!!
