First, I'm 100% aware that my review might be ignored by many since I'm a white American and this is a Chinese-Japanese restaurant... HOWEVER, although it's true that I can't speak to the authenticity of the food, I can speak to the flavors, freshness, and service.
I've been here MANY times (more than 10 by now) so am certainly overdue for a review. I love the food at VIP, and that's what keeps me coming back. I believe they (by choice) cater more toward the midwestern crowd, as this makes sense from a business standpoint; the wasabi is on the mild side, and there more specialty rolls than a la carte fish featured on the menu. I don't think wasabi tobiko or salmon roe are on the menu, for example.
Here are the highlights, in my humble opinion:
Szechuan noodles in chili oil appetizer; sushi Mon-Wed on special (select rolls $2-4) or Sunday is all you can eat for around $30 (amazing deal - SO MUCH IS INCLUDED and taste is far superior to Restaurant Muramoto in my opinion); I've had a few items off the menu written in Chinese so I obviously can't name those, but there's a fish stew made with the Sichuan/numbing pepper and another dish that is served over a flame that both are amazing..
As for drinks (happy hour Thur-Sat), there's this new peach jelly fizzy sake beverage that is SO GOOD... SOOO GOOD!!! Been meaning to check A Mart to see if I can buy a gallon of it...
I'm only removing one star because sometimes service can be a little slow. Water can stay empty for a time, etc. Maybe I drink too fast... Possibly they're a little understaffed during the busy times, but that's why I'm giving 4 vs. 5 stars.