We probably have all been told at least once in our lives to stop playing with our food. I think parents get this phrase passed down from generation to generation. However, the old adage does not apply when your food becomes part of the entertainment. This would be the case if you visit Osaka Asian Restaurant.
My husband, Bobby, and I went to the restaurant one Sunday after church this past summer. We met my sister, Randi, and her husband, Shaun there. We were joined by another family of four. Each grill has eight chairs that surround it.
Randi and Shaun ordered some sushi as an appetizer before the “show” i.e. our meal got started. I have had sushi before. It isn’t horrible, but it also isn’t something that I feel I am missing from my diet. They seemed to enjoy it. The mother of the other diners had never had it (they had also ordered some, too) so Shaun and Randi advised her to take it easy on the wasabi. From where I was sitting, it looked like she appreciated the warning.
We were served our soup and salads and then the chef came out to the grill. He gave us each two different dishes of sauce, one teriyaki and the other yum yum sauce. (I don’t know what they do to make yum yum sauce, but it was pretty good.) Next thing I know there is all this knife work going on. He was cutting up vegetables and meat. He was clanging the knife and spatual together and also against the grill. It was quite impressive.
He had a couple of eggs that he broke open. One he had flipped into his hat before breaking it. He also created a volcano type action using onions and I don’t know what else. There was a poof of fire, which was pretty cool.
The chef did the typical thing of offering a squirt of sake to the adults. I declined and so did Bobby. The mom of the other group tried to as well, but the chef must have misunderstood, because he gave her a squirt anyway. The son was offered a “kid” squirt of I guess water, just so he could get the experience.
There was also the opportunity for each diner to catch a bite of food tossed from the chef. I felt a little under pressure, because I am just not that coordinated. However, I was able to catch it on the first try. Others at the table had to try a couple of times. We all felt like we accomplished something after that (at least we all cheered).
So after the show, we enjoyed the food that was prepared for us, in front of us. I had gotten the steak and scallops with noodles. Plus, because Bobby doesn’t like seafood, I got his two shrimp appetizers to go along with my two. I love surf and turf!
Bobby enjoyed his steak and chicken with fried rice and grilled vegetables.
It was such a fun way to enjoy a meal. It was pretty tasty as well. I especially enjoyed the different sauces. They added something to the already good tasting meal. I don’t know if I would like to eat like that every week, but it was a nice change of pace. The restaurant also offers other tables where you can order off the menu for those of you who don’t think playing with food is ever acceptable.
