Shogun
There are some days I just crave for hibachi food. I know, our American version is not real Japanese compared to the teppanyaki we’re used to eating in Japan, but, sometimes you just feel like you want to eat some. My introduction with American hibachi started decades ago. My mom has been good friends with Morimuto since the early 80s. He was Rocky Aoki’s star chef at Benihana on Peachtree Rd. (hand-picked by Aoki himself). Mr. Muto appeared in all Benihana tv ads back then. I remember visiting him at his home when we were kids and was always fascinated by his most extensive, lavish bonsai collection (over 300 grand in today’s money).
Anyway, we used to be regularly invited to Benihana where he would cook for us. During the late 80s and sick tired of American hibachi food, my mom decided she was boycotting hibachi. She hasn’t eaten it again ever since save for the real teppanyaki version outside the country.
I was never a fan of Benihana in general. For less than half the price yet the same service and flair, Shogun is a favorite haunt. Tucked inside a dieing plaza on Pleasant Hill, it’s been around since the early 90s. This Korean-owned restaurant has several hibachi and regular tables. They have $1 sushi also but hey, for that price, would you really want to eat it?
So I stick to the hibachi. Huge shrimp. Decent taste. Great value.
(Postscript: Mr. Muto [highest-paid chef ever] left Benihana in the late 90s and opened the most amazing sushi bar in Snellville. He sold the business and retired, years before hitting retirement age, to the serenity of his bonsai collection a couple of years ago.)
Insider tip:
Located in the corner of Sattelite and Pleasant Hill
The scoop:
Shogun Japanese Restaurant
2300 Pleasanthill Rd.
Building B-3
Duluth, Ga. 30096
Tel. 770-623-6611
Technorati Tags: Shogun, Japanese cuisine, hibachi, Duluth
