There are certain kinds of eateries that excel. Period. Reasons are a distinct few. A creative chef, given license of cuisine and menu; an innovative menu, items served linked to a chef that garners return visitation. And then there the hotspots that are just so uniform, by-the-book, and so darned reliable, visiting is like being in the comfort of an old friend. Nikko Hibachi Steak House & Lounge in Fairfield, New Jersey (38 Two Bridges Road and also off of Route 46 West, next to La Quinta Inn, 973-882-1688, www.nikkohibachi.com) is that type of place. What I am about to tell won't be news. Nikko has dynamic liquor and sushi bar offerings, superb dinner entrees, and many a hibachi grill. See, nothing you don't know in that last sentence. However, there is an extra something special about Nikko, and I wish I could pull that from somewhere -- and I just did: the word is "dependable." I assume Nikko ownership and management figure I can do better, but at the moment I can't, and won't try. What I'll say is visit this great place. We visited on a very (emphasis on "very") busy Saturday evening where tables were being patiently waited for by many guests. We opted for the Hibachi area, and Jennie was our server, Miki our chef, and he was perhaps the most outgoing and sociable sushi chef we've had. Pictured below is chicken and steak Hibachi combination ($21.00) that was grilled to perfection, while below that is a chicken and salmon combo ($20.00), both served with grilled vegetables, pork fried rice, and lo mein. And a special thank you to Miki: my wife Lucille asked that onions be omitted from her meal, and he was kind enough to cook hers separately. Thank you, Nikko Hibachi Steak House & Lounge, for an always great dining experience.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A special thank you to our server, Jaime, as we visited Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (149 Polito Avenue, 201-933-2220, www.medievaltimes.com) in Lyndhurst. For me it was a first time experience, while Stefanie many times has enjoyed it. No doubt her love for theater increases her joy when she attends. The cuisine, which is pretty much standard -- tomato bisque soup, garlic bread, 1/2 roasted chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, and lemon cake and coffee -- was excellent, as was Jamie's kindness and service. I have to wonder, how in the world does she and the other servers hold those platters topped with pitchers of drinks (not just one or two, but about 5 or 6) and pour at the same time? Amazing! Steve
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AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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