The One With the Japanese Steakhouse

Yesterday afternoon was another fun night of firsts. It was the night that our family went on our first Japanese steakhouse visit.

And was it fun!

To start, we went there for a family birthday party, so right away, you knew it was going to be an experience. But Em and I - who have been to these places before - were wondering what it would be like for our two kids.

What a hit!

Right away, we walked in and were taken with the ambiance...end the energy of the family, which all seemed to arrive at once - somehow - even though we were coming from different destinations. Once inside, the soft smell of food, the gentle ping of a fountain, and the slow hum of a fishtank, with three carp who must have been inside for at least three decades, greeted us.

Once seated, we met out waitstaff, which included at least a quintet of people. They were friendly, fun, and quick to make sure all of the kids in the party felt at home. Our kids has a Japanese soup for the first time - and loved it. They also tried the ginger salad, but that proved a little too tantalizing.

But, perhaps, what was the most fun was when our chefs arrived. In usual fashion, they prepared the foods for us. Yet, the two gentlemen that hosted a chef-off of sorts were quite entertaining. Our part of the party were hosted by "Tom Brady" whose food throwing prowess did resemble that of the legendary Pats QB. However, guiding us - and our kids - through the process - he introduced as all to the thrills of cooking food in the steakhouse. Lighting the hibachi on fire, which sent our daughter flying, our son eye-popping, and our niece wishing to go home. Once the fire died down, it was on to food preparation for real. Watching the skill of the chef maneuver through chicken, steak, rice, and noodles with the craftsmanship of a painter was a site to behold, particularly for our kids. They watched, mesmerized, as the food literally came to life for them and us. Our kids had to duck and cover a few times as flames and food went into the air. By meal's end, it was almost as if we were losing a member off our party as we parted ways.

Yet, the memory lingers. They even took our picture to add to the collection on their walls. The first experience with a Japanese Steakhouse was memorable...and it certainly won't be our last.