Hikari - A Vegas teppan and sushi bargain

I have to admit, I am a Las Vegas regular. Like many who live in Hawaii, the pilgrimage to the “ninth island” is a well worn path filled with jackpot dreams and new and exciting dining experiences. Unlike many islanders, I pass on the vintage downtown setting and opt for the excitement and action along the strip. In the past 3 years I have managed to visit Vegas over a half dozen times. I’ve done the Bellagio fountains, the Mirage volcano, the Eiffel tower at the Paris, the TI shows and other free and not so free enticements that the strip has to offer. After six trips in two years, the glitter of the strip was wearing thin. I was in search of something more.

Most folks from Hawaii are very astute about Vegas. They know where to spend their money and what to avoid at all costs. I had been hearing about this teppan-yaki restaurant in Spring Valley from more than one person. The chatter was that the sushi and the teppan menu were excellent and very reasonably priced. Now, islanders are snobs when it comes to sushi and superior and inespensive Japanese cuisine is no stranger in Hawaii, so I decided to set my GPS to Hikari.

The eatery is a small and simple spot located in a strip mall along Buffalo Drive just five miles east of the strip. The Spring Valley area is a collection of shopping centers, apartment complexes, small businesses and other neighborhood necessities.

Even though the GPS announced that we had arrived, I must admit I had to do a couple of passes before I found the parking lot entrance. It’s located on Buffalo between Flamingo and Tropicana. I would have found it easier just knowing that instead of listening to the GPS, actually.

Once inside the casual restaurant, the décor seemed to be more of an afterthought rather than a professional effort, however, the attentive host and warm smile is always something that can make even the drabbest place feel welcoming. The eatery is divided into two sections. Sushi on the right and teppan tables in the rear. After a discussion on dining decisions, the teppan table won out.

The teppan grill was heated up and a small platoon of servers began to whirl into action. I have to admit that this was not my first teppan experience. The last time the food was mediocre and the chef was too much of a comedian for me to enjoy my meal so, I hoped that this would not be a repeat of that performance that was too “off Broadway” for my taste.

Waitresses served up beverages and cocktails and started us off with the traditional miso soup and tsukemono. Then the chef arrived with his tall hat and crisp white and sparkling clean apron. He was pleasant and accommodating and attempted a few funny moves with the salt shaker that did seem funny to me after two very refreshing glasses Japanese beer that was chilled to just the right temperature. The beef was slapped on the grill and the chef went about his work. His knife skills were impressive but not overtly so.

Well, long story short, the beef was fantastic, just like I remember having it in Japan, the style of presentation was impressive but in an expected Japanese way of subtly and  by no means without lacking in refinement. The bill was amazingly affordable. Dining at Hikari was all I could have hoped it would be.

I also hear that there is all you can eat sushi. The sushi list is more than one can imagine at prices that are too good to miss. I’ll have to return for that on my next Vegas trip.

Hikari Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi - 4175 S Buffalo - Las Vegas, NV 89147 - P. (702) 889-6660

http://www.idine.com/details.htm?merchantId=53778

Comments

[Lynn Seldon]

This place looks great...thanks for sharing!