P.O. Box 632 Findlay, Ohio 45839 Phone: 419-420-9327

Restaurant Reviews
A Taste of the Far East
By Beth Hendricks
Oct 1, 2005, 11:01

So, you want a taste of the Far East without venturing beyond the east side of town?
Look no further than Findlay Village Mall.

No, it's not in the fashions; though, you might find some Asian-inspired items in the pages of the books at Borders. But, it's in Tokyo Steak House, a super-sized Hibachi grill and sushi bar designed for intimate meals or corporate gatherings. 

From the first steps inside the oversized doors of the restaurant, it all - almost - seems a bit too large, to the first time visitor until you are led inside to a dining lite and warm comfortable setting. 

A traditionally-garbed hostess will escort you to your seat - either to the sushi bar, if you prefer, or to a Hibachi table with an enormous grilling surface just inches from your place setting. Grills are placed back-to-back, with a cooking area between, and can accommodate four to five couples per table.
The restaurant provides a menu - with an abundance of choices, ranging from steak to chicken to shrimp, and every combination possible - to make the decision difficult, but not impossible.
  Patrons are served their favorite beverage of  choice, followed by a traditional offering of soup and salad, with your own favorite dressing or a ginger dressing which seems to fit the atmosphere and anticipated meal.

And, then, the show starts.

You can sometimes hear them coming from the kitchen - the Hibachi masters with their carts laden with food - chanting, calling out to fellow grill kings or singing. They light up the grill - and the audience - with their skills and grilling antics. Small rice bundles become "missiles" as patrons try to catch them in their mouths. Eggs become juggling, spinning favors before being scrambled and tossed with fried rice. All diners get a full plate of rice, seasoned noodles and grilled vegetables, before being served sumptuous shrimp, tasty chicken or melt-in-your-mouth steak. All cooked to order and smothered with just the right amount of sauces, then placed on your plate covering it from end to end. Then, if room permits, a finishing touch of Fried Banana, Fried Ice Cream or Cheesecake to complete your dining experience. 

The one thing I can't comment on, is the sushi, but if the fresh ingredients used on the Hibachi grill are any indicator, the taste of the sushi (for those who prefer it) is certain to please.
 The outing to Tokyo Steakhouse - and it is that, an event in itself - is surely one to be remembered, perfect for everyday occasions as well as more special celebrations. And, if it's a taste of the East you crave, this is one restaurant that'll have you longing to pick up the chopsticks on a regular basis.

Hours are 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. For reservations or more information call (419) 420-8881.