Obachine

 We went to Obachine last night (man oh man, when relatives visit, the
 credit cards SIZZLE), and on the whole were pleased with the
 experience.

 Part of this, granted, is because the design of the place is visually
 arresting, and makes for a pleasant time just sitting around.

 I agree that the potstickers were rather bland, but the accompanying
 black bean sauce was very nice indeed. The sesame-crusted oysters
 were, apparently, marvelous (I don't like oysters; I dunno). I had the
 sizzling whole catfish, and it was very good if a bit too salty for my
 tastes. Seared scallops were beautifully presented and delicious.

 The desserts were great.

 All in all, a very good dinner at about the price I'd have expected
 given the ambience (about 100 bucks for three of us with a few drinks).

 Someone wrote:

 > >thought it looked great, $18 for phad thai not real value...the Asian
 > >version of Planet Hollywood (overpriced food but "an experience"

 Not "an experience" I would like to repeat. My wallet was severly
 lighted by an exchange of many dollars for rather bland and uninspired
 food. My wife enjoyed here apetizer though (spicy lamb in cups of
 lettuce leaf) and the deserts were quite good.