Sushi & Beer @ Tokyo Steakhouse

I want to begin by explaining the "Sushi & Beer" description of our visit to Tokyo Steakhouse.  When we visit a restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we realize that a certain expectation exists regarding speed and quality of service.  Because those expectations are somewhat universal, we can compare one restaurant to another within those categories; lunch at one place can easily be compared with lunch at another, and likewise with breakfast or dinner.  However, when we visit a restaurant outside of a normal meal time, or are there simply to order a limited selection, we feel we should make it clear that the review doesn't necessarily reflect a standard meal at the restaurant.  OK, enough with the semantics; on to the review:


We decided to head over to one of our favorite night spots recently, Tokyo Steakhouse.  Known for their entertaining hibachi-style cooking tables, the restaurant features a  wide selection of Japanese foods and beverages.  While we have been there for several meals (it is a great birthday destination), this trip was solely for the purpose of having late-night sushi and beers.  Not only do they offer numerous varieties of sushi and sashimi, they have a number of items that are half off after 8:30pm-fried rice, noodles, and several of the sushi rolls, to name a few.

Now, I am a huge fan of sushi.  I love the complex flavor pairings, most sushi is fairly nutritious, and the tradition involved with the preparation and consumption is fascinating to me.  However, many of my friends and family hold the view (as I am sure many of you do) of, "Eeewww....raw fish!"  They either don't like the pungent aroma and flavor of the fresh fish and various accompaniments, or the texture is what turns them off.  For some, it is simply the idea of eating uncooked seafood that doesn't bear well.  In any case, I understand that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for it.  As such, it was no surprise that one of my companions was totally repulsed by sushi in general, while the other was curious-but not a huge fan.  As such, I ordered the lion's share of the sushi that evening.

Dinner @ Shin's Fusion

We recently received an email from a reader asking us to review Shin's Fusion restaurant.  At her request, we visited today and have an in-depth review to post; however, she also included her own review. So, we'll share our thoughts first,  and post her review in the "Comments" section.

Located in the former Satang Thai Cuisine storefront, the first impression when you walk into Shin's Fusion is how small and sparse the place is.  However, I have been to many Asian restaurants in many different cities, and I can say that it is nothing shocking compared to the majority I have visited.  Additionally, Shin's is in the same shopping center as Dietsch's East and, despite the deliciousness that resides within, that Dietsch's is kind of run down inside as well.  The point I am trying to make is, don't judge this book by its cover-or else you will definitely miss out.

Arriving for an early dinner, we were greeted immediately upon walking in and were asked to seat ourselves.  There are only about 6 or 7 tables, but the tables themselves are much nicer than what you normally see in a restaurant; they are more along the lines of the type of dinner table you would put in your own dining room at home.  Like most Asian-themed restaurants, there were the fun placemats at each seat that feature the Chinese Zodiac.  Sure, paper placemats are not exactly fine-dining accoutrements, but who doesn't want to know whether or not they are compatible with their dinner mates?  People who aren't much fun, that's who.

Lunch @ Royal Buffet

We stopped in to the brand-new Royal Buffet for their grand opening, to see what all the hullabaloo was about.  Located in the old Ryan's Steakhouse building, our first impression of the place was, "Gorgeous!"

As you first walk in, you notice a giant, color-changing, fiber-optic chandelier, a fountain loaded with huge chunks of colored glass, and various lit pillars all around.  It is easy to tell that, during the planning of this restaurant, decoration was definitely a priority for the owners.  Greeted immediately, we were led through the buffet area (which itself is stunningly beautiful), and seated along the perimeter.  We ordered our drinks, and headed straight to the food.