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| - First of all, I love Japanese food, usually go for sushi, but have had many enjoyable hibachi experiences at other restaurants. I've been to Otani for lunch and dinner in the past, but never for hibachi. My other dining experiences were always quite positive.
Unfortunately, my lunch with coworkers a few weeks ago was different. I get that the hibachi chef's are there not only to cook, but also to entertain -- they always do. I love to laugh, I am not uptight, and rarely offended. This guy, however, our chef that is, only made me laugh an uncomfortable chuckle, but mostly just made me want to go back to work.
His jokes were inappropriate for anyone, especially a group of coworkers and the couple seated with us. He kept asking where everyone was from.... when it came to my two African-American coworkers, after each of their answers he questioned... "really? I would have thought Africa -hahahahahah" REALLY?? Are you serious???? My work friends laughed, yes, but they also looked at this guy like he was nuts, which I certainly hope he was.
The other thing that is typically fun about hibachi is the "tricks" performed by the chef. This guy was just as good as others I've seen, but for an added bonus would show his great skill at aiming for anything and being able to get the food to land there. Yes, of course, our plates as is expected.... but also.... I got a piece of chicken in my water glass, my boss got some egg in his.... everyone got some type of food item floating in their beverage.
Personally, I found this disgusting. I have a food thing though. I don't like certain things to touch, I can't watch or participate in food fights, etc.... But, since this guy does this all the time (and I am told it's part of his normal routine) shouldn't the waitress be waiting to provide you a fresh drink???? Well, the answer is apparently no, as I never received a new water.
The food itself was okay. Nothing special. Maybe tainted in flavor by my poor experience.
My advice is to go here for dinner on the regular dining side, but unless you are a fan of slapstick humor and inappropriate jokes I would go elsewhere for hibachi.
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