RESTAURANT REVIEW: Hayashi Hibachi

What: Hayashi Hibachi

Address: 5600 North 10^th Street, McAllen

Phone: 956-686-0500

Cost: $$

Credit Cards: Yes

Wheel chair accessible: yes

Food: 3

Service: 4

Atmosphere: 4

Overall: 4

 By Paige Lauren Deiner

paige_deiner@themonitor.com

  Hayashi Hibachi makes eating fun.

   Chefs create volcanoes out of onions and cooking oil. They ask customers to throw eggs in their chef hats. And they juggle knives as they prepare food a top a hot griddle for their guests.

   I was impressed by how well our chef read people at our table. He knew who to joke with and who to leave alone. He also did a great job of gearing his show toward children - and at our table we had children ranging from 1 to 12.

   And since the chef prepared food in front of us, we had more than enough food. I ordered the Hibachi Chicken ($15) and my husband ordered Hibachi Shrimp ($18). The dishes came with a broth-like soup starter. Then the chef prepared fried rice and vegetables, which both had a nice seasoning - neither sweet nor overly tangy. Once everyone had their rice and vegetables, the chef prepared individual meats or seafood.

   I wish that each dish had more personality - that the one could say that the Hayashi shrimp was the signature dish, but unfortunately the dishes are seasoned similarly. Maybe the signature dish comes in on the sushi menu - which appears to be both extensive and creative. But it seems silly to me to go to a restaurant that specializes in Hibachi and not eat it.

   One might visit the restaurant for a chance to experience a serene atmosphere. The restaurant features recessed lighting, granite table-tops, wood paneled walls, and an eye catching water feature that brings the sound of running water to every corner of the establishment. Paintings of sumo wrestlers hang on the walls. The overall effect is a feel of intimate dining.

  I'm not sure I would go to Hayashi just for the food - although it's good it's not fantastic. What makes the place worth going to is watching the food being prepared right in front of you. And I loved the look of wonder in my daughter's eyes.

Paige Lauren Deiner covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4425. You can reach her at (956) 683-4425.