2008 Woodie Awards
Fat Dude on Food
Kiku of Tokyo
Justin Lyman
Issue date: 10/21/04 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Welcome to Japan... in Sheboygan, sort of. Kiku of Japan, located on Kohler Memorial Drive is an enjoyable dining experience. Walking into this place you feel as if you've been transported to another land...well except for the ceiling.
While the advertisements that I saw said reservations are recommended, we had no problem finding 2 seats when we arrived at 6 o'clock Monday night. However, if you are thinking of visiting on the weekend it is preferred that you call ahead a few days in advance.
My dining companion and I decided to start the evening off with a specialty mixed drink. The best part about this is not the fact that they were nine dollars each, but that they were extremely strong drinks... and they came with collectable ceramic mugs (see inset at right).
On with the show was all I could think of when our cook came out to the table. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. You get to have your own personal chef. However, this guy does much more than just cook for you, he flips and throws spatulas, pepper and salt shakers around. I ended up ordering the filet steak and hibatchi chicken (lemon and soy sauce.)
You don't have to wait long for the food either. You are greeted with soup and salad. The soup is a chicken and beef broth with green onions and mushrooms. It was very delicious. All of the food is cooked in stages. First the appetizer of grilled shrimp, followed by such vegetables, zucchini and onions. After that he mixes a concoction of rice, onions, and fried egg. This is done in a most unusual way, by frying an egg and then basically throwing rice around the grill. Then he starts in on the main dishes. The chef proceeds to slice and dice the steak and chicken. Pouring all sorts of sauces and adding mushrooms to all of the dishes for flavor.
The mound of food that was collected was more than ample for the Fat Dude. In fact, it was more than I could handle and was unable to finish all of the food that was placed upon my plate. The meal is finished off with a small scoop of rainbow sherbet.
All in all, this place was awesome. Yes, the prices look steep, but you need to remember that you are pretty much going to get the same heaping amount of food no matter what you order.
While the advertisements that I saw said reservations are recommended, we had no problem finding 2 seats when we arrived at 6 o'clock Monday night. However, if you are thinking of visiting on the weekend it is preferred that you call ahead a few days in advance.
My dining companion and I decided to start the evening off with a specialty mixed drink. The best part about this is not the fact that they were nine dollars each, but that they were extremely strong drinks... and they came with collectable ceramic mugs (see inset at right).
On with the show was all I could think of when our cook came out to the table. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. You get to have your own personal chef. However, this guy does much more than just cook for you, he flips and throws spatulas, pepper and salt shakers around. I ended up ordering the filet steak and hibatchi chicken (lemon and soy sauce.)
You don't have to wait long for the food either. You are greeted with soup and salad. The soup is a chicken and beef broth with green onions and mushrooms. It was very delicious. All of the food is cooked in stages. First the appetizer of grilled shrimp, followed by such vegetables, zucchini and onions. After that he mixes a concoction of rice, onions, and fried egg. This is done in a most unusual way, by frying an egg and then basically throwing rice around the grill. Then he starts in on the main dishes. The chef proceeds to slice and dice the steak and chicken. Pouring all sorts of sauces and adding mushrooms to all of the dishes for flavor.
The mound of food that was collected was more than ample for the Fat Dude. In fact, it was more than I could handle and was unable to finish all of the food that was placed upon my plate. The meal is finished off with a small scoop of rainbow sherbet.
All in all, this place was awesome. Yes, the prices look steep, but you need to remember that you are pretty much going to get the same heaping amount of food no matter what you order.