The bright neon green lights of the marquee blaze out the words Fuji Sake Bar and Steak Grill on the walls of Saint Joseph’s newest restaurant buzz a promise of transportation to exotic climes of the Far East. After passing through the ornate red double doors into a room with a cobblestone water wall and a small oriental wooden bridge with a sign that reads “enter over bridge’, the transportation is completed. The room opening into the restaurant, which once was a mediocre Chinese American trough style eatery, is now a mixture of the neon bright lights of downtown Tokyo and classic Japan, paper lanterns hanging like willow wisps to tantalize the attention of the hungry customer.
The sound of steel clattering and clanging together awakens the ears and the smell of grill tables sizzling fills the nostrils with euphoria that beckons like a siren song and the kimono clad server stands ready to escort a party around one of the ten tables with large grills set in the center. After drink orders are taken from an extensive list of teas, soft drinks, sakes, wines, and imported beers with Japanese names, a menu can be perused with dishes such as samurai steak, a prime seasoned steak expertly cut into small cubes before right your eyes, or vegetable tempura, a choice sampling of cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms lightly fried in a tempura batter.
When the chef comes to the tables with his cart of cooking genius he steps in-between two of the tables facing the diners. He explains each step with enthusiasm and zeal as he puts part entertainment and part culinary artistry together in into a show that ends in a great meal. As he oils the table he puts on a show of skill, spinning his knives, blades against the table and steel spatula, with resounding sounds as he deftly maneuvers the cooking utensils through his hands. When he cooks the fried rice he spins the eggs three at time before chopping them all in half and scooping up the broken shells and whisking them off the table. He makes a pyramid with concentric rings of onion and fills it with cooking oil transforming it into flaming volcano. He pops bits of steak and chicken and shrimp off the grill with his spatula and serves them, flying across the table in an arc to diners testing their skill at mouth catching. The wonder of Japanese culture overwhelms you.
If hibachi grill is not your thing, there are many other options available. There is a full service sushi bar with multiple varieties of traditional sushi prepared fresh to order. There is a sake bar with authentic wooden square cups and stone bottles. The kitchen can prepare boxed meals with foods sub compartmentalized into aesthetically neat arrangements. There is even a separate room to just sit and enjoy the arts of conversation.
Rony Puan, co–owner of the fine dining establishment, conceptualized the idea after spending time in St. Joe. “I researched the area for about eight weeks” Puan said. “I saw there was nothing like this for at least 45 minutes drive. I learned of this concept in Manhattan, and I brought it here.”
Much of the citizenry is pleased the concept has arrived. Meagan Peacock, Western nursing student and senior, was quite excited to be eating there. “I think it is great, I really like it.” Peacock said. “The little lanterns and everything, it just makes it seem like it will be fun.”
Fun is defiantly what it is. Steve Mofacko, western alumni, could hardly contain his excitement. “The steakhouse and sake bar was amazing” Mofacko said. “It’s probably the coolest restaurant in St. Joseph. Of course, what competition does it have?”
So if you find yourself in the mood for great atmosphere and mouth watering culinary delights and a healthy amount of fun, then your destination should be the Fuji.
Filed under: Lifestyles |