I have to apologize to the people at Benihana for what I am about to say. I'm sorry, but this act is getting tired.
Now, please understand. Benihana has been my favorite restaurant for many years. It is usually where I ask the family to take me for my birthday and other special occasions. The kids like it. The food is good and it is a fun, interactive environment. Sure it's expensive, but it's dinner and a show, right?
According to their website:
“The Benihana combination of blending great food and a knife-wielding experience has established the most successful and longest running dinner show on earth.”
I'll admit that my grumbling here is not just as a result of Benihana-only dining experiences. I'll admit that I've strayed and cheated with other similar outfits.
BUT, here are my issues:
1. The "knife-wielding experience" has become so routine that even the chefs look tired.
2. I get that the chefs are supposed to be authentic, but this stoic "I'm your chef not the waiter" bit has got to go.
3. They need to find a new, fun way to fill the mouths of guests - tossing fried rice at small children seems a bit much, don't you think?
4. Other things that feel tired are the steam escaping volcano, the piece of shrimp that lands in their hat or shirt pocket and the salt and pepper bongo drum thing.
5. Doesn't it seem that the "show" has been dramatically shortened?
Now, before you say it. I'm sure part of my issue is that I go there more than the average joe. If you've never been or are with people who have never been, I'm sure it is a lot of fun and my issues seem somewhat pedantic.
Now, how about some ideas for Benihana to spice things up a bit . . .
1. Do more with fire. I'm not talking about big explosions here. Think opening ceremonies in Beijing. Think Cirque du Soleil.
2. Identify some new vegetables. Bean sprouts. Mushrooms. Squash. Onions. Every time the same thing! Here are my suggestions. Grill up some of those little baby corn cobs. How about some asparagus?
3. Pull out a machete. Wouldn't that be fun? Maybe a quick rendition of John Belushi from SNL?
4. Come up with a grilled dessert. Keep the chef out there a little bit longer and send us off with something better than mint ice cream.
OK. That's it. What are your suggestions?
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