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| An example of the layout of a restaurant that serves teppanyaki |
A vague concept of it existed even as far back as the 40's in Japan, but it wasn't this thing that permeated all corners of Japanese culture. In fact, it was much more popular with tourists. The influence spread to other parts of the world, namely New York City with the now-famous Benihana restaurant, circa 1964. As far as I reckon, this would be the real hub where things caught on. Celebrities even frequented Benihana's first location, and now there are dozens of chain locations worldwide. The motto is simplistic and hilarious -"what did you do last night?"
So the gist is, many Americans and Europeans et al 'did Benihana last night' or whatever other teppanyaki restaurant, and then they'd go to Japan with full expectation of seeing the same thing. Though it was bigger outside of Japan before inside, wouldn't it be preposterous to think there'd be not a single teppanyaki restaurant in Japan? My one friend who is Japanese says it's not huge there, but that's not to say they do not exist there!
A quick walkthrough of the experience. You sit down, the decor and presentation are impeccable (at least if it's a good teppanyaki joint). You'll probably be with family or friends in tow, the rest sitting all around you or across from you are total strangers. It's kinda one big happy family communal-like feeling, but it could also truthfully be kind of closed off in spirit. I guess it depends what you bring to the table. There is opportunity to chat up strangers here, but it can also feel weird sitting by or looking at people so close who may well ignore you just as well as you would them (like people stopped at a traffic light exchanging glances, ie).
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| Mmm good. |
You let the server girl know what type of food you want. It's usually a meat base (squid, salmon, chicken, beef, etc) with vegetables and rice thrown in for good measure. There's a good chance you'll be able to order sushi and other types of Japanese food as well, though they won't be cooked in front of you on the grill (cooked sushi, are you serious?) You may have to wait until some others get their meals cooked before yours is, and it ends up being a game of patience. With 'normal' restaurants, you know your food is off somewhere in the kitchen being prepared and you'll have to wait, simple. It seems a bit more tricky and tantalizing when the food is being made so close in front of you!
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| I theorize most teppanyaki chefs are pyros.. |
The chef will do crazy drumming and rhythms with his cooking implements or juggle or flip them around. He may juggle eggs, do heart shaped mounds of steamed rice or miniature onion volcanoes. If you start to fall asleep great bursts of flame may wake you up and you'll recoil. The chef can be quite a trickster or joker figure. "Want to try some [fancy] rice?" he'll ask. You reply yes and hold up your plate and he'll put a single grain of rice on the plate with a "haha!" This is not for people who are stuffy or extremely regimented or with no sense of humor!
The chef may pretend to pour pepper in your drink, or steal your chopsticks. The freshest ingredients will be used and you'll enjoy a delicious meal cooked right before your eyes. Prices may be slightly dear, but if you factor in that it's practically dinner theater rolled into the price of just the dinner alone it's a steal of a deal. It is the chef really who is the highlight. Not only is the food prepared so deliciously and masterfully, it is done with humor and joie de vivre. There's something to be said for that. If we all learned to cook (or do other everyday things) with the same spirit, think about where we'd be. A better place that's for sure.
It's lightyears ahead of zombie catatonia grubby minimum wage "do you want fries with that?"
