Due to getting to the first appointment a half hour early, then having to wait around a lot between and during both appointments, it was almost 4:00 when we finally got done. We had a 5:30 reservation for dinner, so to waste some time we went to the University Mall, which was only a few blocks away, and walked around and browsed some of the stores and people-watched. It's a very typical mid-size mall, with most of the stores geared toward young people. Small wonder, it IS called "University" Mall. (It's adjacent to the University of South Florida.)
We made our way through rush hour traffic to the Arigato Japanese restaurant to use the Groupon that Jim purchased. It's one of those places where the chef puts on a show at your table while cooking your dinner. We had some great table mates, and two couples were very interested in our full time lifestyle. It's amazing how often people tell us, "We wish we could do what you're doing." We try to tell them, if WE can do it, YOU can do it!
The restaurant used to be at another location across the street, but it burned down two years ago. They re-opened in their current location just last week, and they're still working out some kinks. The first table we were seated at had a problem with the grill, so we had to be moved to another table.
Here's the place settings.
The chef sliced the onions, then made this onion ring mountain, before setting the whole thing on fire.
Grilling shrimp and scallops
Shrimp Flambe!
My plate: rice, onions, veggies and Shrimp. The seasoning really made the food delicious!
I forgot to take a picture of Jim's plate. He had a sukiaki (steak) and chicken combination plate.
The dinner was great, and so was the company. We said our goodbye's and headed home. It's late and we're tired after a long day.
5 comments:
I love the hibachi grill restaurants but think it is interesting that we never saw them during the three plus years we lived in Japan. Of course that was in the early 70s.
http://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com/
I love Arigato Japanese restaurant but every time Ralph eats there he gets violently sick... must be something in the food. So I only go with friends. Looks like a great day for you & Jim!
Happy New Year to you both
Donna
What fun! It's been a long time since we've been to a Japanese restaurant. This makes me want to got look for one.
Hope both of Jim's appointments turned out well.
Your dinner looks scrumptious!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
A couple of decades ago - well, three - my husband and I had our rehearsal dinner at a Japanese restaurant like that. He's allergic to shellfish, and didn't think to tell the chef about it. During all the slicing and dicing, the chef threw some shrimp on the grill, cut it up, and then poured a glass of sake on it. Shrimp steam. Don almost went into anaphylactic shock. What a way to end a rehearsal dinner! Your meal looks wonderful. It looks like your weather is nice again, too. We're looking forward to 60s here.
Post a Comment