Shogun Hibachi Steak and Seafood, a restaurant aimed at guests dining around a grill while chefs cook with theatrical panache, is situated at 7590 Transit Rd, at the corner of Transit and Main, in Williamsville.
Traditional Hibachi entertainment is the mainstay of the restaurant, but cooks and waiters also create an atmosphere conducive to conversation by providing time between courses. The ambience is inviting and intimate because the restaurant is separated into small sections by screens and scenery.
Seating is around a Hibachi grill and allows for 10 to 12 patrons per table, ensuring that unless a party is large, guests must dine with strangers. While the idea sounds novel in theory, the restaurant sometimes has little regard for the kinds of guests it seats together, (pairing young, loud groups with much older, quiet groups and families) which may potentially impair the dining experience for either party.
It is clear that the entire staff works together to guarantee speedy and polite service, whether a patron is ordering water or their main entr?(c)e.
Food portions are overwhelmingly big and therefore worth the price, although typical beverages are small and not free to refill.
While many Japanese dressings are sweet, Shogun features its own secret dressing recipe on its entr?(c)es. A salad with the secret dressing was too bitter for eating more than a few bites.
The sushi bar at Shogun lives up to the highest standards and offers a spectacular California roll.
Shogun graciously allows for many substitutions with the exception of replacing the steamed rice that comes with most entrees for its customer favorite, Hibachi fried rice.
Overall Rating: 8 out of 10 chopsticks
STEPHANIE SCIANDRA
Senior. Arts & Life Editor
Drink: Non-alcoholic passion cocktail, $5.50 (no refills)
Entr?(c)e: Lucky Choice (Hibachi steak and chicken) $22.95, and Hibachi Fried Rice $2.95
Dessert: Green tea ice cream, $3.50 (shared)
Total: $33.65
Overall Dining Experience:
"The staff was friendly and welcoming, but the dining experience didn't live up to its usual standards. Soup, salads and desserts were somewhat lacking, whereas the main course was exceptional."
SHANNON WHITE
Arts & Life Editor
Drink: Shirley Temple, $2.00 (no refills)
Appetizer: Six-piece California rolls, $4.75 (shared)
Entr?(c)e: Imperial Special (steak and lobster tail), $32.95
Dessert: Chocolate Cake, $4.95 (shared)
Total: $43.12
Overall Dining Experience:
"The food was scrumptious and portions were large enough to feed any appetite. The lobster tail was juicy and delicious and the California rolls were extremely fresh. Shogun set themselves apart from other specialty restaurants with their exciting atmosphere and flare."
EVAN HOLT
Arts & Life Editor
Drink: Coke, $2.00 x2 (no refills)
Appetizer: Beef Asparagus Maki, $6.95
Entr?(c)e: Lucky Choice (Hibachi steak and chicken), $25.95
Dessert: Chocolate Cake, $4.95/2 (shared)
Total: $42.60
Overall Dining Experience:
"It's a great place to go with friends, however, I wish I would have seen more technically advanced cutlery and cooking theatrics. While the salad dressing was too bitter for my taste, it was made up for by a quality entr?(c)e."
AMANDA SHETTLETON
Asst. Arts & Life Editor
Drink: Small sake, $5.00
Appetizer: Six-piece California rolls, $4.75 (shared)
Entr?(c)e: Hibachi Steak, $20.95 and Hibachi Fried Rice, $2.95
Dessert: Green tea ice cream, $3.50 (shared)
Total: $35.75
Overall Dining Experience: "The sushi was so good that I wish I had ordered it for my entr?(c)e, but sharing our table with an elderly group of people took away a bit of the dining experience, as we had to be very quiet and watch conversation that would otherwise be appropriate at a private table."
*All entrees include Hibachi vegetables, steamed rice, shrimp appetizer, Shogun salad, and Japanese mushroom soup.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
