"2"^^ . "1"^^ . "2011-11-19T00:00:00"^^ . "Our chef Scott was very cool. He was fun, skillful, and entertaining. The highlight of our evening. The server in the bar area was super friendly and helpful. And the (California Poppers) appetizer we ordered while waiting for out table was pretty tasty. Cheap (both meanings) sake during happy hour too. However, everything else about our experience was \"meh\" at best.\n\nThe dour-faced greeters didn't do much to foreshadow a good evening. And their \"lackluster\" temperament is the word I would use to describe most of our experience that night at Benihana.\n\nThe bartender was content to stare blankly into the distance; and the selection of beers was equally as drab as her personality. If I had it my way we would have walked out already. I could just tell from the attitude of the staff that this isn't an establishment that prides itself on...much anything at all. If the staff isn't excited (or even trying to fake it), then that speaks volumes about the quality of everything the restaurant does.\n\nThe food was edible. That's about it. Not very flavorful. Boring. They give you dipping sauces, but even these weren't fantastic. The \"show\" of our food being cooked was nice, and Scott was great, but the food was not. I've had better meals at national family restaurant chains...and at less than a quarter of the price.\n\nWhat's the point of this Benihana? Is it supposed to be a place you try once to see the show? Cool. Done. No need to come back. Or is supposed to be a place where the food and service is so great that I can't wait to return? If so, they've got some serious work to do."^^ . . "2"^^ . . . "0"^^ .