The Hibachi

On a whim last night Dave and I went out and had a 'married date' at a Japanese Hibachi.  He has been to them before but for me it was both a new experience and something I always wanted to try.

The problem?  I'm hooked.  Oh, and it's expensive. . .!  

Our meal started with miso soup (no restaurant can beat the clam miso at Sushi Oukura though) and a quick, simple, and delicious salad.  The process of eating at a Hibachi is slow, but worth the wait!  I drank almost an entire pot of loose leaf black tea (much to my regret later. . .) over the course of the evening.

The Hibachi chef came over with our food on a cart and began his routine by lighting some oil on the grill so flames kissed the ceiling.   Then came the vegetables, and an impressive show of skill where eggs, platters, and knifes went flying about.  He made the fried rice from scratch, diced up the veggies as they cooked on the hot flat top, and made a chimney out of onion rings.  Not only was it fun to watch, but the smell was amazing.

No sooner had the heaping pile of vegetables and rice been delivered to our plates did he use more of his tossing and knife skills to throw the chicken, shrimp, and steak on the grill.   Altogether it was enough food on one plate for two meals, never mind the Miso and salad appetizers!  

I love our date nights.  After a long, stressful week of work it was really fun to relax together over good food and a unique atmosphere.