"The restaurant features its own sushi area as well. I ordered the filet mignon and shrimp with fried rice. The salad that started the meal was surprisingly good, topped with Thousand Island dressing—just your typical Japanese restaurant salad. The fried rice was outstanding; even if you order steamed rice, you still get a little sample of the fried rice, which was absolutely delicious with butter and egg, along with the chef's special techniques.
The filet mignon was incredibly tender, and the shrimp was expertly cut into a specific shape that made it both easy to cook and enjoyable to eat. Two delectable sauces were provided—one for seafood and another for meat—each enhancing the flavors beautifully. The chef also prepared some bean sprouts, which was a lovely addition. I particularly enjoyed the chef's entertaining tricks, such as the volcano formation and the classic teppanyaki fire display, all while he passed on his skills to the newer chefs.
I visited for my birthday, so I benefited from a $30 discount and complimentary ice cream in matcha and vanilla flavors, which was a delightful touch! That said, there were a few drawbacks; our wait time after placing the order was nearly an hour, largely because the chefs were busy serving and cooking at multiple tables. Some reviews mention issues with billing and the mandatory 18% tip, so just keep that in mind.
Overall, this is an amazing experience that definitely justifies its price. It's hard to believe that a classic establishment like this is set to be demolished for a hotel—possibly a Marriott, though I'm not entirely certain. Many employees and locals are quite saddened by this news, but they’re committed to making the most of their final days until they close next Wednesday. The chef who served us tonight will retire with full benefits. I'm grateful I had the chance to visit this restaurant that sparked my curiosity when I drove past it often as a child. As for parking, finding a spot can be tricky on busy nights."
