I recently went to Cafe Miro with my family.  It’s a place I have been longing to go for some time.  Everyone who has mentioned this place has only good things to say about their experiences.  Cafe Miro is located in Kaimuki on Wailae near 8th and 9th ave.  It’s a Japanese chef who is strongly influenced by french cuisine.   I wasn’t sure of what to expect as far as ambiance is concerned, all I new was that food is good.  So I arrived on time, my mom was already there enjoying a wine at the bar, my brother was running a little late but nothing unusual about that.  I joined her and ordered a glass of wine, we later enjoyed a cheese platter because I was hungry.  My brother finally arrived and sat with us on a table.  I chatted with the waiter on how nice the place is, I mentioned that you wouldn’t know it by looking at it from the outside.  Not that it’s unappealing just that you probably passed it many times without noticing it.    I talk about the decor and how much I really liked it, then he mentioned something that took me aback, he said that the chef also does all of the carpentry in the restaurant.  “Wow” I said in amazement.  The decor felt very warm and inviting, you can tell he must of put a lot of long hours just thinking about how to improve his designs.  We then moved on to the menu which only has set menu’s.  You are offered only two options as far as menu’s, a 3 course or a 4 course.  We all ordered the 4 course menu but thinking that it might be only small portions.  The food came out and as a french influenced chef always does plate presentation is great and sauces were perfectly paired.  I must say everything tasted wonderful but subtle.  You definitely tell that he is a Japanese chef with french influence.  Usually in french cuisine the sauce is rich and decadent, Japanese take a different approach they only use subtle sauces to enhance flavors of the original dish.  I loved the blending of the 2 styles,  they are the best of both worlds.  While dining though I noticed that they were really slow, which confused me the food is really great and the place has a good reputation plus food is not what they could be charging.  The prices were so reasonable I thought something was wrong of portion would be very small.  $40 was the 4 course menu how can you argue with that price.   I took some pictures but not many as I was preoccupied with diner.  I will make sure to post them soon.  Later in the meal we had a chance to meet the chef and talked with him.  We mentioned how much we loved everything and were amazed at his creations.  I wish I had taken more pictures but totally forgot.  Dessert was the last dish and it was divine.  I am already looking for another reason to go back.